Transcript Highlights:

• And to those returning, we say welcome to you as well.
• And to those returning, we say welcome to you as well.
• Many are very well run. Some are not.
• Well, thank you for that question, Mr. Beryl.
• Well, I'm glad to see you bring this bill forward. Mr.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its first regular hearing of the 2025-26 session, adopted its proposed committee rules on a 5-0 vote, and reinstated a suspense file for bills with fiscal impacts over the committee threshold. The chair explained that only AB 418 would be eligible for an immediate vote, while several other measures would be held for suspense consideration because of budget constraints. AB 330 was pulled by the author. AB 418 by Wilson, which would create a clearer process and administrative remedy for county Chapter 8 tax sales, received support from county tax collectors and housing and taxpayer groups. Supporters said the bill would add transparency, due process, and a noticed public hearing for negotiated sales of tax-defaulted properties, while helping counties dispose of low-value or problematic properties more efficiently. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 418 to Appropriations. Several other bills were heard and then referred to suspense: AB 27 by Chau, which would exclude Chiquita Canyon landfill relief payments from gross income and protect recipients’ eligibility for public benefits, drew strong support from affected residents and environmental advocates; AB 258 by Conley would increase funding for California fairs, with supporters emphasizing fairs’ emergency-response role; AB 397 by Gonzalez would expand the California Young Child Tax Credit into a broader child tax credit for older children; and AB 398 by Aaron would set a $300 minimum refundable Cal EITC benefit. The committee also heard AB 231 by Tye, which would offer a tax credit to microbusinesses that hire formerly incarcerated people, and it too was referred to suspense after supportive testimony from reentry and small-business advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's still June, so happy Pride.
• Well, thank you so much, Mr.
• Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and members and colleagues.
• Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and members.
• And it started because it's passed down in our family as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I butchered your last name as well, right? Close. Caparales. Okay, thank you.
• It establishes abandoned mine reclamation programs and funding in the DOT and DEP.
• Well, I appreciate the question, Senator.
• Going after the gig economy is wrong on its face as well, but we'll talk about that.
• They are, as well, subject to FINRA, the SEC, and state regulators.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we would love to see that passed as well. Thank you.
• Well, Mr.
• I assume the National Guard as well as a backstop.
• Senators, I bet you can understand that as well too.
• But oh, well, we're sorry about that. We have to get it right.

Bills: SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• are not in the well with your hand up, we are calling the question.
• People self-censor, retreat from public discourse, or abandon platforms altogether.
• This is a critically important issue to me as well.
• The idea was to say, well, it doesn't matter how it's delivered.
• Well, all it says is that... Well, all it says is that we can't do that.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Don't forget to acknowledge family members too as well if you are surrounded by loved ones.
• Words as well as introduce a special guest here. Mr.
• My wife is an RN as well, so we serve in our communities.
• Well, since Randy forgot to introduce him, we've got the president of our college here.
• We have to consider their rights as well.

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, they they have a responsibility as well. >> And thank you for the response that Senator
• Well, taken category. >> Thank you. Are there any questions on the amendment seeing none.
• Well, he's specific examples, including names, dates and any law enforcement.
• I believe this bill is misplaced and Mister acted well intended. Not in the correct direction.
• We're going to move on to tab 8 Senate Bill. 8, 3, 0, regarding lost or abandoned property.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are terrible things, as well as sexual abuse that's defined in current code as well.
• And then you're going to say... ...code as well. So we didn't make anything up.
• I think the bill is exceptionally well written, very intelligently written.
• Well, I don't see any other questions. Thank you for being in committee.
• Well, thank you, Ms. Moore. I don't see any other questions.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee heard three measures and advanced all of them. RS 33312C1, sponsored by Sen. Galloway, would raise Idaho’s small claims court limit from $5,000 to $15,000 to give people a faster, less expensive way to resolve smaller disputes; the committee voted to send it to print. RS 33423, sponsored by Sen. Ricks, would create voluntary guidance for merchants on penny rounding in cash transactions as pennies become scarce, including rounding rules and tax calculation on the final invoice total; it also was sent to print. House Bill 518, presented by Rep. Skaug, would allow the Attorney General to accept referrals from law enforcement and prosecute human trafficking cases when requested, with supporters describing the need for a centralized, specialized approach to complex multi-county and interstate cases; the committee voted to send it to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1257, sponsored by Sen. Wintrow, which would clarify that in-person visitation is not required in child welfare cases where sexual or serious physical abuse has been substantiated, while preserving court discretion and allowing other forms of contact. Wintrow and Department of Health and Welfare administrator Jean Fisher said the bill largely codifies existing rules, gives courts clearer statutory guidance, and also clarifies that courts may consider a parent’s incarceration when deciding termination of parental rights. Supporters, including foster parents, child welfare advocates, and survivors, testified that forced visitation can retraumatize children and that the bill would better protect abused children. One online witness, Ives Samantha Moore, testified in opposition, arguing that courts already have authority to restrict visitation, that the bill could create momentum toward termination of parental rights, and that it could worsen disparities without broader reunification and prevention reforms. After extensive testimony, the committee voted to send SB 1257 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well chair recognizes mr. Kim Thank you Mr. Speaker.
• And the Senate as well, and made it out of both committees unanimously.
• Well, Ms.
• And I'm, well, I know you'll have fun with them. and whatever they're coming up with.
• And now that you're in the house, well, what do you prefer?

Bills: HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB29 , HB 125 , HB145 , HB171 , HB255 , HB50 , HB363 , HB 116 , HB491 , HB1495 , HB368 , HB 1285 , HB1905 , HB2002 , HB917 , HB2723 , HB2067 , HB 1238 , HB745 , HB 1188 , HB1606 , HB2003 , HB2147 , HB2355 , HB2546 , HB2495 , HB2818 , HB2249 , HB3228 , HB3240 , HB1507 , HB658 , HB1748 , HB1851 , HB1922 , HB2798 , HB 107 , HB1587 , HB3684 , HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB609 , HB630 , HB420 , HB767 , HB1708 , HB1404 , HB2457 , HB140 , HB227 , HB913 , HB2198 , HB2763 , HB 1261 , HB 1135 , HB1318 , HB2358 , HB2765 , HB2735 , HB3307 , HB 1242 , HB2842 , HB333 , HB201 , HB694 , HB2415 , HB155 , HB272 , HB405 , HB519 , HB 1136 , HB 1275 , HB1437 , HB1532 , HB1675 , HB1868 , HB1888 , HB1990 , HB2286 , HB2523 , HB3129 , HB3251 , HB3354 , HB3479 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3805 , HB3806 , HB3887 , HB4163 , HB4238 , HB 1240 , HB1842 , HB2029 , HB2622 , HB3255 , HB654 , HB4643 , HB4945 , HB3611 , HB3724 , HB3623 , HB3810 , HB4127 , HCR78 , HCR12 , SB767

Keywords: HB 388, HB388, coordination of benefits, COB questionnaire, health benefit plan, health insurance, insurance commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, uniform form, primary payer, secondary payer, multiple coverage, dual coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, HMO, small employer health plan, school district health coverage, self-funded plan

Transcript Highlights:

• In Laudato Si', Pope Francis says, the earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned
• It is wonderful to see you all, and a couple of distinguished EDs as well.
• Well, I agree with my colleague's comments about access to the coast.
• Well, I agree with my colleague's comments about access to the coast.
• Because real support means real protection in the form of permanent protective orders as well.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've known him, and I know him as a friend as well.
• He abandoned the university for a period of time.
• Well, then the fault comes back to us.
• The question is: have you spoken to math teachers as well?
• Well, I'm sorry, I didn't hear the whole question. It's kind of noisy.

Bills: HB3329 , HR1039 , HR1040 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3420 , HB3706 , HB3711 , HB4139 , HB1268 , HB3660 , HJR1023 , HB3298 , HB3056 , HJR1084 , HB3934 , HB3919 , HB4118 , HB4119 , HB3791 , HB4260 , HB4178 , HB4215 , HB4324 , HB3270 , HB4352 , HB4305 , HB2955 , HB3315 , HB3066 , HB1245 , HB4125 , HB3075 , HB3129 , HB3239 , HB4153 , HB3265 , HB4491 , SB680 , HB4263 , HB4268 , HB1675 , HB3885 , HB2984 , HB3697 , HB2959 , HB3671 , HB3852 , HB2933 , HB3057 , HB3802 , HB4294 , HB4285 , HB3708 , HB3979 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB3985 , HB3588 , HB3742 , HB3845 , HJR1070 , HB3590 , HB3595 , HB3391 , HB3183 , HB3764 , HB3765 , HB1002 , HB4434 , HJR1086 , HB4060 , HB3881 , HB3500 , HB4408 , HB3648 , HB3127 , HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Summary: The House met in session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held an extended OU Day presentation recognizing the University of Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team for its 2025 national championship and honoring athletic director Joseph Castiglione. OU President Joseph Harris and Castiglione both spoke about the university’s growth, affordability efforts, health care expansion, and research progress, and the championship team was introduced and thanked the Legislature for its support. The chamber also received several gallery introductions, including visitors from Stigler, North Rock Creek, and Charles Page High School, along with the Doctor and Nurse of the Day. The floor then took up a package of public finance and procurement bills sponsored by Representative Strom. House Bills 3413 through 3420 focused on transparency, contract reporting, subcontractor disclosure, post-contract assessments, central purchasing rules, restrictions on bid information sharing, and limits on pilot programs and CIO contract justifications. Each bill was advanced and passed, with vote totals ranging from 87-95 in favor and only a few nays on some measures. Strom described the package as a response to audit findings and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in state and local spending. The House also passed several other measures. House Bill 3706, as amended, requires more elementary school math instruction time and drew questions about balance with reading and other subjects; it passed 74-19, and its emergency was approved. House Bill 3711 requires school districts to post instructional spending percentages and include them in bond materials, passing 79-16 with the emergency clause approved. House Bill 4139 created the Oklahoma Home Service Transparency Act and passed 89-5. House Bill 1268 created a deferred option retirement plan for certain emergency responders and law enforcement personnel and passed 92-1 after a title strike request. House Bill 3660, concerning natural organic reduction/cremation, passed 59-37 after debate over licensing and public health concerns. House Joint Resolution 1023 updating the workers’ compensation fee schedule passed unanimously, and House Bill 3298 standardizing judicial interviews of children in family proceedings passed 95-0. House Bill 3056, allowing sales of unpasteurized milk at farms, feed stores, and farmers markets, prompted extensive debate over safety, labeling, liability, and market access, but ultimately passed 43-11. The House then recessed until 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I told Chairman Lakey that, he said, well, that doesn't mean anything over here on this side of
• These are terrible things, as well as sexual abuse that's defined in current code as well.
• I think the bill is exceptionally well written, very intelligently written.
• Well, I don't see any other questions. Thank you for being in committee.
• Well, thank you, Ms. Moore. I don't see any other questions.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He also provides direct oversight to the four community corrections regional directors as well as the
• They can email back and forth to their friends and loved ones on those tablets, as well as engage in
• Winkler and then at the end, if there's some recaps, we can do that as well. You don't mind?
• Like, we have to think about the officers as well as there... ...the nightmare for everyone who works
• there, like we have to think about the officers, as well as the people who are housed.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is not coverage, that is abandonment. And we are not alone.
• For people who are mostly stable, that works well. Home care nursing is completely different.
• ,</c> ready to stand for questions as well, ready to stand for questions as well, but<00:16:04.120><c
• The plans are coming in saying, "Well, it doesn't say that we can't put a cap on that care."
• </c> corporate fraud, in my opinion, as well corporate fraud, in my opinion, as well as<00:19:02.040>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senators and House members held a press event in support of HF 4188, a bill addressing commercial insurance coverage for home care nursing for medically complex children who also receive medical assistance. Speakers said the issue arose after Medica and HealthPartners began imposing caps on coverage that had been provided for years under Minnesota law, and argued that the change would shift costs to Medicaid and taxpayers, create budget pressure, and force families to reduce other needed services. They emphasized that home care nursing is distinct from short-term home health visits and said the bill would prohibit quantity limits and clarify that insurers must continue covering authorized nursing care. Parents and family members described the impact on children who depend on continuous skilled nursing to remain safely at home, including one family whose child Nash has spent extensive time hospitalized and another speaker who said her niece Isabel’s care showed how many nurses, aides, and hospice workers are involved in these cases. Testimony stressed that the coverage caps could lead to more hospitalizations, ICU stays, and trauma for children and families, while costing more overall than home care. Several lawmakers, including Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Robert Bierman, said the statute’s original intent was clear in 2010 and that the plans’ reinterpretation and the Commerce Department’s response should be corrected. Lawmakers said the Commerce and Consumer Protection Conference Committee has completed its work but is being kept open for the remaining days of session in hopes of resolving the issue this year. In response to questions, supporters said the bill is intended as a clarification rather than a new mandate, that it would simply bar caps on already-authorized home care nursing, and that they believe there is support to move it through the House and Senate before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, we know the destructive power of evil all too well.
• Well, thank you all so much. What a wonderful day to remember, right?
• It was more about, well, what does immediately mean?
• Well, I want to propose to you, Mr. Speaker, a hypothetical.
• well.

Bills: HR1046 , SB1733 , SB1439

Keywords: Oklahoma City, terrorism, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, memorial, remembrance, first responders, community support, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, fossil fuels, liability protection, climate change, energy independence, oil and gas

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several special recognitions tied to the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber honored the 138th Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department as Veterans of the Week, and also recognized Dr. Camissa Stewart as Doctor of the Day and Tammy Powell as Nurse of the Day for their roles in the 1995 bombing response. A lengthy floor presentation followed, featuring remarks from legislators, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, memorial museum leaders, Justice Stephen Taylor, and Pastor Ronnie Fields, all focused on remembrance, the Oklahoma standard, the victims and survivors, and the importance of hope, civility, and the rule of law. On legislation, Senate Bill 1733 was presented and debated. The bill requires school personnel who have reason to believe a student is a victim of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to report it to law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters said it clarifies and strengthens reporting requirements to protect children, while opponents warned it could trigger harmful public accusations and undermine trust in educators and administrators. The House passed the bill 92-1, and the emergency clause also passed 92-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 1439, an oil and gas measure intended to bar speculative climate-related lawsuits and limit liability to actual violations and provable harm. Supporters argued it would prevent frivolous litigation, protect the state’s energy economy, and keep costs down for consumers; opponents said it would create a special legal carve-out for industry and shift costs to taxpayers and families. The bill passed 74-16. In addition, Senate Bill 2184 was assigned to Rules, and H.J.R. 1078 and H.J.R. 1079 were withdrawn from Rules and sent to appropriations and budget committees. The House adjourned after announcements and introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, yes, Rhonda, please. Madam Chair and members, right, it does two things, right?
• I see there's a Republican no on this as well. Yeah, there's—we can talk about it, Chair.
• So this was a response to, well, we don't have any... ...so this was a response to, well, we don't have
• And while we're at it, let's go ahead and pull 2904 as well. All right, thank you.
• Members, well said, Representative Peslakei. Thank you, Vicente. HB 2113, Valeria.

Summary: The caucus reviewed a large number of House bills, mostly on third-read consent or for floor strategy, covering education, health, water, land, energy, housing, taxation, and public safety. Topics included ESA administration funding, AI in schools and legal communications, towing and DUI changes, health facility licensing and nursing records, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction, superintendent pay and benefits, adoption disclosures in college health settings, anti-Semitism provisions, school safety firearms authorization, coerced abortion penalties, domestic violence testimony standards, border health and terrorism-related bills, and multiple water, land, and state trust land measures. Several members flagged concerns about unfunded mandates, local control, constitutional issues, and special legislation, while others supported bills as technical fixes, public safety measures, or ways to expand access and funding. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2575, HB 2906, HB 2040, HB 2136, HB 2665, HB 2904, HB 2957, HB 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2830, HB 2307, HB 2425, HB 2426, HB 2427, HB 2497, HB 2751, HB 2780, HB 2804, HB 2926, HB 4030, and HCR 2052, among others. Some bills were noted as unanimous or split votes, and several were described as party-line or having constitutional problems. The caucus also discussed committee amendments on multiple measures, including changes to water, land, health, and AI bills. The meeting ended with a series of remarks on the late Reverend Jesse Jackson and an “affordability award” presentation to Representatives Lorena Austin and Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Barbara Lobello, waving—well, I don't know. Wave speaking, waving against. Well, I don't know.
• It is a pattern survivors all across Florida know all too well.
• This is well documented and widely recognized as a predictor of escalating violence.
• And that has to be well before trial.
• We believe this is a well-intended and great bill.

Bills: S0212 , S0656 , S0682 , S0810 , S0812 , S0890 , S0892 , S0900 , S0928 , S1084 , S1284

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously. The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support. Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Barbara Lobello, waving—well, I don't know. Wave speaking, waving against. Well, I don't know.
• This is well documented and widely recognizes a predictor. to submission.
• This is well documented and widely recognizes a predictor of escalating violence.
• There's actually very strict timeframes for that, and that has to be well before trial.
• We believe this is a well-intended and great bill.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, as I stated earlier, I'm sorry, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Well, I just wanted to thank you, Mr. Chair, for the question, right?
• Well, thank you, Mr. Reiner.
• Okay, well, I'm with that understanding.
• Well. Okay. We'll take a very brief recess until Senator Umberg arrives.

Committee: Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related bills. SB 1175 would require lobbyists to file employment changes, terminations, and amendments directly with the Secretary of State through the Cal-Access replacement system, rather than through their employer or firm, to reduce delays and improve transparency. SB 1357 would protect the privacy of voters who sign a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition by omitting signatures and street addresses from the published notice and adding a disclosure explaining that the notice is not itself a petition. Both bills drew support from the Secretary of State’s office and election officials, with no opposition heard in committee. The committee also heard SB 1369, which would add safeguards to judicial recall efforts by requiring disclosure when signature gatherers are paid and shortening the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls from 160 days to 80 days. Supporters, including judges and trial lawyers, said the measure would protect judicial independence and safety amid what they described as politically motivated recall campaigns; one member raised concerns about treating judges differently from other officials. SB 1414 would create an independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County, modeled on other California jurisdictions, to draw supervisorial districts through a more transparent process. It had support from good-government groups and only limited concerns from the county, which said it wanted further amendments. The committee then heard SB 970, which would direct the Secretary of State to develop regulations allowing military and overseas voters to return ballots electronically, with the author saying California should modernize as fax service declines and mail service becomes less reliable. County election officials and veterans’ groups supported the bill, while the Secretary of State’s office and voting-security advocates opposed it, arguing that secure electronic ballot return is not currently feasible and could conflict with existing law. SB 1420 would expand voter education and guidance around “sign, scan, and go” voting, which lets voters cast a vote-by-mail ballot in person at a voting site; supporters said it can speed processing and improve voter convenience, while the Secretary of State’s office sought more clarity on double-voting safeguards. SB 1310 would allow limited information from jury questionnaires to be shared with election officials to help identify possible voter-registration issues, but opponents warned it could lead to wrongful purges and harm eligible voters. All bills were voted out of committee, with SB 1175 and SB 1357 receiving unanimous support, SB 1369 and SB 1414 passing on 4-1 votes, and SB 970, SB 1420, and SB 1310 passing unanimously or near-unanimously after absent members were added on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, as I stated earlier, I'm sorry, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Well, I just wanted to thank you, Mr. Chair, for the question, right?
• Well, thank you, Mr. Reiner.
• Okay, well, I'm with that understanding.
• Well. Okay. We'll take a very brief recess until Senator Umberg arrives.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related bills. SB 1175 by Senator Rubio would require lobbyists to file employment changes and terminations directly with the Secretary of State through the new Cal-Access replacement system, rather than through employers or firms, to reduce delays and improve transparency. SB 1357 by Senator Ochoa Bogh would protect the privacy of voters who sign a notice of intention to circulate a recall petition by omitting signatures and street addresses from the published notice and adding a disclosure explaining the notice’s purpose. Both bills drew support from state election officials and were advanced by committee vote. The committee also heard SB 1369 by Senator Reyes, which would add safeguards to judicial recall efforts by requiring oral disclosure when signature gatherers are paid and shortening the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls from 160 days to 80 days. Supporters, including judges and trial lawyers, argued the bill would protect judicial independence and safety amid recent recall efforts, while one senator questioned whether judges should be treated differently from other officials. The bill passed on a 3-1 vote and was re-referred to the Senate Committee on Public Safety. SB 1414, also by Senator Reyes, would create an independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County; supporters said it would reduce gerrymandering and improve public trust, while county representatives raised concerns but remained open to amendments. It advanced on a 3-1 vote to the Local Government Committee. SB 970 by Senator Cervantes would direct the Secretary of State to adopt regulations allowing military and overseas voters to return ballots electronically, responding to the loss of the federal DOD fax service and mail delays. County election officials and veterans groups supported the bill, while the Secretary of State’s office and voting integrity groups opposed it, arguing that secure electronic ballot return is not feasible and could conflict with existing law. The bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1420 by Senator Richardson, which would expand voter awareness of “sign, scan, and go” voting and require guidance on implementation; it was supported by election officials and advocacy groups and advanced to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1310 by Senator Choi would allow limited sharing of jury questionnaire information with election officials to help update voter rolls, but opponents warned it could lead to erroneous voter cancellations; the author narrowed the bill’s scope in response to concerns, and it passed to Judiciary. Several bills were held on call briefly until absent members were added, after which the committee completed its business and adjourned.