Transcript Highlights:

• So I think the necessity is for state enabling legislation.
• So I think the necessity is for state enabling legislation.
• WSDOT's current focus is on fulfilling legislative direction.
• Its current focus is on fulfilling legislative direction.
• WSDOT's current focus is on fulfilling legislative direction.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The rushed legislative process this bill has seen, where because...
• That is the specific narrow intent of this specific piece of legislation.
• The goals of this legislation is to fill those gaps.
• The questions about the legislation itself are germane, are important.
• Now this legislation is especially critical for the LGBTQ community.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Formerly serving on the school board before she was elected to the City Council.
• It is the city that I actually grew up in, and this is my baby brother, Joe Soria, council member for
• And a personal privilege to ask two of my council members to join me in presenting Brenda Alonzo from
• Thank you all, and to my council members and mayor for joining me today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then dispensed with reading the journal and moved through a large number of procedural items, including deeming 102 second-reading items read and amendments adopted. The body also approved several floor motions, including suspending rules for guest access and committee noticing, moving AB 2595 to second reading, and sending ACR 110 to the inactive file. Numerous local officials and community representatives were introduced from cities including South Pasadena, Isparia, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Palmdale, Holtville, and Lindsay. On the floor file, several measures were taken up and passed. AB 1673 by Hadwick, allowing county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain funds for wildlife conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Pacheco, proclaiming April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 co-authors added. AB 1982 by Lowenthal, removing sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for certain establishments, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 co-authors added after testimony about organ donation and transplant needs. AB 1908 by McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse involving public agencies, passed 71-0. AB 2052 by Stephanie, aimed at ensuring continuity for vulnerable victims in criminal cases by allowing the same prosecutor to remain on a case, passed 62-0. ACR 178 by Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, was also adopted with 69 co-authors added. The second-day consent calendar and remaining listed items were then approved, with all votes recorded at 69-0 and no items removed. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory from Assembly Member Haney for Mary Dallas Armstrong of San Francisco, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session. The House adjourned until Monday, April 27, at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be hearing from the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council, the Colorado Forest Health
• Council, and the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee.
• Advisory Council, the Colorado Forest<00:25:41.760> Health<00:25:42.320> Council,<00:25
• :43.360> and<00:25:43.600> the<00:25:43.760> Veterary Forest Health Council, and
• the Veterary Forest Health Council, and the Veterary Pharmaceutical<00:25:44.960> Advisory<00

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we worked with legislative council attorneys to ensure the subject and the substitute remained on
• So You have the letter in front of you from the judicial advisory council.
• The JAC, the Judicial Advisory Council, has reviewed Senate Bill 663 filed in the 89th legislative session
• So how does someone get on the judicial advisory council?
• So a lot of the major cities are not represented on the judicial advisory council.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one question that Chairman Weber and myself met with legislative council this morning.
• Our understanding from legislative council is that they believe it's going to be just fine.
• and myself met with legislative council this morning.
• Our understanding from legislative council, they believe it's going to be just fine.
• Just sit on it until we get word back that the Legislative Council and the Secretary of State are square

Bills: HB1428

Keywords: HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council.
• Council, opposed.
• Ryan Pesa with Western Wood Preservers Institute, Trita Wood Council, and North American Wood Pole Council
• I am a council member in Altadena.
• Council, opposed.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility rates, wildfire safety, carbon capture, methane reduction, large energy users, low-income energy programs, and clean energy supply chains. Early items included SB 613, which would direct state agencies to prioritize reducing methane emissions from imported fossil fuels, and SB 614, which would allow California to move forward with carbon dioxide pipeline safety rules and potentially lift the state’s moratorium on new CO2 pipelines. Both bills drew support from advocates and industry-related witnesses, with no opposition registered at the time they were presented, and the committee indicated it would vote once quorum was established. After quorum was called, the committee took up SB 57, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs for large energy users such as data centers to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers and address stranded infrastructure costs. Supporters argued the bill would protect affordability and encourage clean energy use, while opponents, including utilities and business groups, warned it could create uncertainty and interfere with existing regulatory processes. The committee also heard SB 256 on wildfire mitigation and emergency response, including undergrounding, PSPS communication, and removal of abandoned lines; supporters emphasized the need for stronger action after recent fires, while utilities raised concerns about duplicative requirements and public disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information. Both SB 57 and SB 256 were approved on roll calls. The committee then heard SB 647, which would expand and standardize oversight of low-income energy savings programs and performance metrics, with strong support from community advocates and some neutral or “tweener” positions from utilities that sought further work on data collection and implementation. SB 787 followed, proposing a state strategy to coordinate supply chains and workforce development for clean energy industries including EVs, building decarbonization, and offshore wind; it received broad support and no opposition. The committee also considered SB 332, a study bill on utility ownership models and affordability reforms, which drew strong support from consumer and climate advocates but opposition from utilities and business groups concerned about bias, investor signals, and executive compensation provisions. The consent calendar was later approved, and several bills were reported out with votes or held open for absent members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a position required by legislation.
• <00:35:30.960> County Cry by local Mayors City councils County Cry by local Mayors City councils
• <00:36:13.920> a something goes wrong our city council a something goes wrong our city council
• <00:36:24.119> and table here have been city council and table here have been city council
• <00:37:24.960> government at the local city councils government at the local city councils

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this legislation legislation legislation provides<00:35:21.200> state<00:35:21.560> agencies
• Legislative Legislative Auditors'<00:58:07.640> uh<00:58:07.960> 2021<00:58:08.680>
• Thank you,<01:03:45.560> council. you, council. you, council.
• > Latino Existing ethnic councils like Latino Existing ethnic councils like Latino Affairs,<01
• , similar to other ethnic councils, similar to other ethnic councils, is<01:48:36.480> modest<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not so much a lead witness, but Jack Werson on behalf of the Motorcycle Industry Council.
• Commend you for drafting legislation that has a wide-ranging level of support.
• My name's Carrie Birdseye, and I currently serve on the Benicia City Council.
• Keith Dunn here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council.
• Keith Dunn, here on behalf of the State Building and Construction Trades Council.

Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard three main bills after initially lacking a quorum and deferring the consent calendar. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand California’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries, such as those used in e-bikes, lawn equipment, and portable power systems. Supporters from local governments, recycling groups, environmental organizations, and battery stewardship interests said the bill would reduce fire risks, improve collection and recycling, and close a gap in existing law. One industry witness sought clarification about off-highway vehicles and a battery association requested guardrails for mixed battery formats; the California Retailers Association moved from opposition to neutral after discussions with the author. SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide, state-funded low-income drinking water rate assistance program administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, contingent on funding. The author and supporters said many Californians face water debt and that the bill would help address affordability while working around Proposition 218 limits on local ratepayer-funded assistance. Water districts, local governments, environmental justice groups, and conservation organizations testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1259 by Senator Blakespear, as amended, would require refineries to provide advance information on closure, cleanup costs, and timelines to help communities plan for refinery transitions and remediation. Supporters, including the City of Benicia, environmental justice groups, and advocacy organizations, argued that communities need transparency before closures occur and that other energy sectors already provide similar planning information. Opponents from labor, petroleum, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, burdensome, and could discourage refinery investment or signal premature decline of the industry. After extensive debate, the committee voted to pass SB 1259 as amended to the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, and also approved SB 501 and SB 1125; the consent calendar items SB 1253 and SJR 13 were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:48.040> I that and on behalf of the council I that and on behalf of the council I would
• Legacy act but the uh the council Legacy act but the uh the council includes<01:15:49.360> as
• <01:15:51.159> Barton<01:15:51.520> me The council includes Council Chair Barton.
• <01:17:46.239> I want to stump the Clean Water Council I want to stump the Clean Water Council
• there um I'm always told by legislators there um I'm always told by legislators that<01:20:05.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Zelli from the Met Council to join us.
• And then I'm joined by a number of Metro Transit Council staff who are experts if there's any questions
• and I'm here with Hannah Palm Council and I'm here with Hannah Palm who<00:01:14.799> knows<00
• staff who um uh are experts if Council staff who um uh are experts if there's<00:01:28.280> any
• My question is: it appears to me that the money was for the Met Council to develop Met Council resources

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm president of Bay County Neighborhood Council.
• The neighborhood council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• He then gave an example of what the neighborhood council has done in the past.
• He gave an example of what the neighborhood council has done in the past.
• <00:13:12.480> does to emphasize that this legislation does to emphasize that this legislation

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:06 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 SB 53 Discussion: 01:54 SB 53 Vote: 09:09 SB 192 Discussion: 10:15 SB 192 Vote: 13:42 HB 290 Discussion: 15:02 HB 290 Vote: 16:08 HB 314 Discussion: 16:45 HB 314 Vote: 19:38 Adjournment: 21:32, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53, sponsored by Senator Thomas, addressed Fayette County planning and zoning procedures after a 2024 law was interpreted to limit public comment at certain hearings. Thomas, along with witnesses Walt Gaffield and Zachary Davis, argued the bill would clarify that residents have a right to speak for or against planning matters affecting their homes and neighborhoods. The committee voted favorably on SB 53, with all members present voting yes. The committee then took up Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would allow smaller cities to use agreed-upon procedures instead of full audits under certain conditions, with standards set by professional accounting rules and oversight by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Department of Local Government. Supporters said the bill would help small and midsize cities facing audit costs and a shortage of auditors without reducing accountability. The committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 192 unanimously, with several members explaining their support. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would change how county law library funds can be used, allowing bar associations to spend money on online legal research tools rather than only books. The sponsor said some local associations have unused funds and need more practical options. The committee passed HB 290 unanimously. Finally, House Bill 314, sponsored by Representative Lockett and Senator Williams, would reorganize oversight of the Kentucky Wired network by consolidating authority and personnel into the Commonwealth Office of Technology amid concerns about KCNA’s management. The bill drew criticism from Senator McDaniel, who called Kentucky Wired a boondoggle and questioned its costs, but the committee still passed HB 314 with favorable expression 9-2 and sent it to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona State Senate Legislative Proclamation: Day of the Gifted Child and Student of Arizona.
• Senate Bill 1198, an act relating to the Arizona Beef Council.
• You know, I'm glad to see agencies continued and councils continued.
• it also having a beef council in the desert is kind of weird.
• it also having a beef council in the desert is kind of weird.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of legislation has traveled, we've gone back and forth.
• It is time for the legislators to speak.
• of Mayors and Council Members, in strong support.
• of Mayors and Council Members, and Council Members, in strong support.
• And then you say, 'Well, good, send a letter into your legislator, send a letter into your city council

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• times and the council has not passed it.
• You believe the council believes my own here.
• I'm just hoping that I can eventually get the council members to approve it.
• When you talk to the council about passing this, do you have $2,300?
• When you talk to the council about passing this, do you have $2,300?

Summary: The committee first approved a motion by voice vote, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For the 2012 reports, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total to 17 with escrow funds released and 26 still escrowed. For the 2023 delinquent reports, two more had come in, leaving five outstanding; both reports were filed without objection. The committee then focused on Act 709 repayment issues for the town of Daisy. Audit staff said Daisy had made unauthorized payments to a nonprofit and had used restricted street funds for fire-related expenses, and that the town had not yet adopted the required repayment ordinance. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the town had funds to pay. After discussion about the audit calculations and statutory repayment requirements, the committee adopted a motion requiring 10% repayment of the street fund under the statute and providing that failure to comply would result in withholding turnback funds. The Daisy report was then filed. The committee reviewed numerous additional audit findings from cities, counties, and water departments. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including reconciliation work in Harrison and Carroll County, revenue-code corrections in Izard County, monthly bond-pending reviews in Alexander, fixed-asset documentation and receipt procedures in the town of 56, and bookkeeping/receipt improvements in Ozan and Lee County. Some matters were deferred, including several private water and sewer reports and Green Forest, while others were filed. Reports involving more serious issues were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, and others. The committee also filed 19 reports with resolved findings and 53 reports with no findings, and adjourned with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate Assemblymember Alvarez for carrying this legislation.
• Chris Lee, on behalf of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.
• I'm Sean Drake, legislative manager for the California Coastal Commission.
• I was on council... ...bill.
• Thank you for the opportunity to present this legislation.

Summary: The committee heard a long housing agenda with several bills presented before quorum was established. AB 1725, as amended, would require disclosure of nearby oil wells and methane monitoring issues in a specific district; the author and community witnesses described serious health and safety risks in Vista Hermosa Heights, while the California Apartment Association, California Building Industry Association, and California Chamber of Commerce opposed, arguing the bill targeted the wrong industry and that the state should instead fix abandoned wells directly. AB 2110, a local finance tool to create tax increment districts for workforce housing for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, drew no witnesses in support or opposition and was presented as a way to help workers live closer to jobs. AB 1732 would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and college housing projects; UC and several housing and labor groups supported it, while housing advocates raised concerns about amendments affecting existing 100% affordable housing exemptions. AB 1771, amended into a study bill, would direct HCD to report on the long-standing resident manager requirement for apartment buildings with 16 or more units; the rental housing industry supported studying the issue, while the chair emphasized the need to consider tenant protections and the impact on current resident managers before changing the law. The committee also heard AB 2185, which would direct state affordable housing programs to update guidelines to better support factory-built housing; it drew broad support from housing, labor, technology, and local government groups, with no opposition. AB 2748 would delay new EV-readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing developments, keeping the prior 40% standard through 2035; supporters said the higher standard would add significant costs and threaten project feasibility, while clean air and transportation advocates argued the code changes are modest, important for equity, and should not be rolled back. Members split along those lines, with some emphasizing housing production and others urging more public subsidy for EV infrastructure rather than delaying the code. SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the November ballot, received extensive support from housing organizations, local governments, labor, and business groups, but Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles mayor’s office asked for specific allocations for CalHome and interim housing; the bill was ultimately moved to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, with members noting ongoing negotiations over funding priorities. Finally, AB 1740 would create an urban multimodal community designation for Santa Monica, allowing local approval of certain low-impact coastal-zone activities—such as some housing, bike and bus lanes, outdoor dining, and building changes—without Coastal Commission review. The author and Santa Monica officials said the bill would reduce delays and uncertainty for infill housing and local economic recovery while preserving protections for sensitive coastal resources; supporters included housing, business, and city groups. The Coastal Commission and environmental organizations opposed, saying the bill would carve out broad exemptions, weaken public access and appeal rights, and bypass the local coastal program process that Santa Monica has not completed. Committee members debated the Commission’s role, with some criticizing it for opposing legislation and others arguing the bill was a common-sense way to modernize coastal permitting. A motion and second were made on AB 1740, and the bill was left pending with the committee’s action to be taken when appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's our tribal councils of government.
• So, as legislators, I think you have a voice.
• We might. make in a tax package each legislative session.
• If that's the answer I've received, I think we should just take a bill to Legislative Council and do
• You know, if Legislative Council did it before, we can do it again.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative Legislative Assistant<00:01:54.520> uh<00:01:54.680> Andrew<00:01:55.000><
• Metro Council is not a bank.
• challenge met Council to get travel challenge met Council to get travel times<00:34:12.159> down
• programs we're doing at that Council programs we're doing at that Council yeah<00:46:50.640>
• there is indicated in the legislation there is indicated in the legislation what<01:35:45.800>

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I told my council this is a heavy, hurtful discussion.
• Now we'll move to Matthew Munoz, Tribal Council Secretary, Big Sandy.
• that into your tribal councils?
• And as a legislator, I just hope that we're doing our part.
• Drew Sotomayor, Legislative Analyst's Office.

Summary: The hearing focused on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) grant program under the Board of State and Community Corrections and related Department of Justice efforts. BSCC reported that it now administers 36 MMIP grants across three cohorts, with awards ranging from $436,000 to $1 million, plus five collaborative grants at $2 million each, totaling $35.4 million awarded to federally recognized tribes. Testimony from tribal leaders and grantees described how the funding supports prevention, family advocacy, domestic violence services, law enforcement coordination, youth programming, culturally grounded healing, and new tribal public safety positions such as investigators, social workers, and drone operators. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that the crisis is longstanding, tied to generational trauma, and that the grant has helped build trust and infrastructure in tribal communities. Several witnesses and committee members urged continued and preferably ongoing funding, noting that demand now exceeds available one-time money. BSCC and tribal representatives described outreach efforts that increased participation from four applicants in cohort one to 20 in cohort two and more applicants than funding in cohort three. Tribes also raised implementation concerns, especially the burden of quarterly narrative reporting, limited staff capacity, and the need for flexible administration. BSCC said it uses steering committees, separate small- and large-project categories, orientations, monitoring visits, and technical assistance to support grantees. Tribal leaders and advocates stressed that the program should remain accessible without requiring a waiver of tribal sovereignty. The second major topic was DOJ’s update on AB 3099, the Tribal Assistance Program, and the tribal police pilot under AB 134. DOJ officials said the Office of Native American Affairs and the Division of Law Enforcement have been conducting outreach, trainings, listening sessions, and coordination with tribal, local, state, and federal partners to address Public Law 280 jurisdictional issues, improve reporting and data, and support Feather Alert and MMIP-related resources. DOJ said the AB 3099 report is in internal review and that the tribal police pilot is moving forward with the Yurok Tribe as a participant, with a July 1, 2026 start date. DOJ and tribal witnesses said the pilot’s main barriers are cost and, for some tribes, the waiver of sovereign immunity. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with broad support for expanding and sustaining MMIP-related funding and infrastructure.