Transcript Highlights:

• Adam Canyanis, California Advocates, on behalf of the California Bean Shippers Association, California
• I'm from Groveland, California. Brian Kiefer from Northern California with CHC.
• I'm from Groveland, California. Brian Kiefer from Northern California with CHC.
• These policies directly affect iconic bird species such as the California spotted owl, the California
• These policies directly affect iconic bird species such as the California spotted owl, the California

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

Summary: The committee heard a series of water, parks, transportation, energy, and fisheries bills, with authors and supporters generally emphasizing targeted exemptions, improved access, or regulatory clarity. AB 430 would require the State Water Resources Control Board to study and publicly release the economic and environmental impacts of repeated emergency water curtailment regulations; farm, water, and local government groups supported it as a transparency measure. AB 1139 would expand a CEQA exemption so county park agencies can open existing roads and trails for non-motorized recreation, with supporters citing outdoor access and opponents warning about impacts to species, riparian areas, tribal resources, and fire risk. AB 929 would temporarily exempt small community water systems and managed wetlands from certain SGMA pumping reductions and fees; supporters said it protects vulnerable communities and wetlands, while agricultural and water interests argued it undermines basin-wide groundwater management and could worsen SGMA implementation. The committee also heard AB 1225, creating an Accessibility Advisory Committee for State Parks, which drew broad support from disability advocates and committee members and no opposition. Additional measures focused on infrastructure and environmental policy. AB 975 would give Sutter County a narrow, temporary exemption from streambed alteration agreements for certain damaged small bridges and culverts, with county officials describing long delays in repairing flood-damaged crossings and no opposition heard. AB 514 would declare state policy encouraging local water suppliers to develop emergency water supplies for drought or service interruptions; it received broad support from water agencies and no opposition. AB 550 would allow incidental take permits for species under consideration for listing, aimed at reducing delays for clean energy projects; supporters said it would prevent regulatory limbo, while environmental groups sought amendments to clarify the permit standard, limit the use of scientific research as mitigation, and add a fee provision. The committee also took up AB 697 on the Highway 37 corridor, authorizing an incidental take permit for the near-term project between Mare Island and Sears Point to advance mobility and habitat restoration. Supporters from local transportation agencies and county officials said the corridor is a major bottleneck and the interim project is needed now, while environmental and tribal opponents argued it would fast-track highway widening, increase emissions, and affect tribal cultural resources. Members discussed tolling limits, equity, and the long delay on the corridor; the bill was moved out on a vote, with some members noting they would continue to monitor it. Finally, AB 1056 would phase out transferable set gill net permits after 2027, allowing only limited family transfers thereafter; supporters framed it as a gradual conservation reform consistent with Fish and Game Commission findings, while fishing groups opposed it as harmful to working fishermen.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, California lacks a consistent streamlined mechanism for authorizing qualified California lacks
• California through SB 803.
• I have been finished to you with California. California Life Sciences, in support.
• George Cruz on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association, proud sponsor, and the California
• George Cruz on behalf of the California Behavioral Health Association, proud sponsor, and the California

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, with most items presented for later vote once quorum was reached. Early in the hearing, the committee adopted a consent calendar of multiple bills with motions for due pass to Appropriations, and it noted that AB 2029 had been pulled from the agenda. The committee also took up AB 1973, a bill by Aguiar-Curry to expand who may provide procedural abortion care. Supporters, including physicians and certified nurse midwives, argued the bill would align law with current training and improve access, while opponents said later-term abortion procedures require physician-level surgical training and raised safety concerns. The author emphasized hands-on training, consultation, and transfer protocols, and the bill was held pending quorum with a motion and second recorded. The committee then heard AB 1558 by Arambula, which would adopt the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act to speed the use of out-of-state licensed volunteers during declared disasters. Supporters from the Uniform Law Commission and the Red Cross said the bill would reduce delays and clarify legal authority for volunteer health workers; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2282 by Alanis, a temporary rural emergency stabilization center for Patterson while a permanent hospital is built, drew support from local emergency responders and a late opposition from the California chapter of ACEP. The chair praised the bill as a creative local solution and agreed to coauthor it; a motion and second were recorded, with the vote to occur later. Several public health access bills followed. AB 1843 by El-Hawari would limit prior authorization and align hepatitis C treatment coverage with medical guidelines; supporters said it would remove barriers to a curable disease, while health plans opposed it as a mandate, citing premium impacts and the recent SB 306 prior-authorization process. AB 2247 by El-Hawari would create the THRIVE program for mental health services for youth affected by gun violence; Youth Alive and other supporters described trauma-informed, community-based care, and the chair and another member asked to be added as coauthors. AB 2138 by Krell would expand access to certified peer support specialists in enhanced care management and remove automatic disqualifications based solely on criminal history; supporters said peers are essential to engagement and recovery, and the bill was held with a motion and second. Later, AB 1682 by Hart would require coverage of scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, with emotional testimony from cancer survivors and clinicians; insurers opposed it as another mandate, but the author stressed the modest per-member cost and the bill was moved with a motion and second. AB 1879 by Dixon would standardize data reporting for alcohol and drug treatment facilities, including private providers, to improve statewide information on outcomes and access; the bill drew broad support from recovery organizations and the prior opposition was withdrawn after amendments. AB 1906 by Aguiar-Curry would require coverage of at-home cervical cancer screening kits without cost sharing; supporters cited improved access for rural and working Californians, insurers opposed it on affordability grounds, and the bill passed on a recorded roll call after quorum was established. Finally, AB 1556 by Haney would clarify and support drug-free recovery housing and return-to-use policies; supporters said it would expand sober housing options, while opponents warned it could allow evictions after relapse and conflict with Housing First principles. The hearing ended with the bill still under discussion and opposition-unless-amended concerns noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Child Poverty in California, and United Ways of California.
• On behalf of the United Way California Capital Region and the Prosper California Coalition, we ask that
• On behalf of United Ways of California and the Prosper California Coalition, we ask that you please support
• of California, in strong support.
• of California in strong support.

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:

• , for most of the state of California.
• , Southern California.
• Northern California and Southern California are coming together to... ...and the Giants come together
• Northern California and Southern California are coming together for the sake of water security long into
• For thousands of years, California grizzlies coexisted with the ancestors of contemporary California

Summary: The committee first heard SB 872, which would direct $300 million annually for 20 years to repair subsidence damage in the State Water Project and to fund Delta levee repairs. The author and supporters said the bill is needed to protect water deliveries for 27 million Californians, prevent major infrastructure and flood risks, and address long-term threats to California’s water supply. Support came from a broad coalition of water agencies, local governments, environmental groups, and business interests; there was no opposition testimony. Members discussed the scale of the funding, the beneficiary-pays issue, and whether the bill should more clearly address risk and identify likely project areas. The committee adopted amendments, and SB 872 passed 5-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1305, a study bill on the feasibility of reintroducing the California grizzly bear. The author, tribal sponsors, and conservation supporters framed the bill as a science-based roadmap that would examine habitat, impacts, and implementation, while recognizing the grizzly’s cultural significance to tribes and its ecological role. Opponents, including sheriffs, cattle groups, county representatives, and a former Fish and Wildlife law enforcement official, argued that California lacks the staffing, funding, and public-safety capacity to manage another apex predator and that the state is already struggling with wolves and mountain lions. Members raised questions about the scope of the feasibility study, local control, and whether the bill should address conflict risk earlier in the process. The author agreed to work on additional amendments, and the bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations and remained on call. SB 1079, creating a Cal Fire Fire Innovation Unit to speed the testing and deployment of wildfire technologies, was heard next. The author and supporters said California has strong wildfire innovation but lacks a formal pipeline to move promising tools from pilot projects into statewide use. Supporters included Megafire Action, Fireworks, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the California Association of Realtors, which sought amendments related to nonprofit administration of grants. There was no opposition testimony. The bill passed 5-0 to Emergency Management and was placed on call. The committee also heard SB 997, which would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to collect fines and fees tied to its groundwater sustainability plan. Supporters said the change would allow more efficient enforcement and avoid lengthy civil litigation; no opposition appeared. Members asked whether the authority should be extended more broadly to other statutory GSAs, and the author said discussions were ongoing. SB 997 passed 2-0 to Judiciary and was placed on call. The committee later caught up on votes for the earlier bills and then moved to SB 894, a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on Go Green to help homeowners finance home-hardening measures; it passed 5-0 to Emergency Management and was placed on call. Finally, SB 1229 was introduced by Senator Allen to strengthen coastal protections for rebuilding after disasters, beginning with the Palisades fire context, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Chan, with Audubon California, in support. Jacob Evans, with Sierra California, in support.
• This bill would modernize California.
• California faces unprecedented energy challenges.
• Would it be your recommendation that California should invest in storing nuclear waste here in California
• 280 state parks across California.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Sierra DeKette, on behalf of the Rural County Representatives of California and the California Association
• Christine Smith, Health Access California, in support. I'm at Pelfaxis, California, in support.
• California, in support.
• California Teachers Association.
• Denise Perlach, Nguyen Martinez, on behalf of California, California.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health heard a series of bills focused on access to care, insurance coverage, and public health. AB 387 on youth sports AED access drew support from the author and safety advocates, but opposition from school, park, city, and county groups over liability, cost, and access concerns. The author said he would continue working on amendments to shift the bill toward requiring access to existing AEDs rather than mandating facility procurement. Committee members emphasized the life-saving purpose of the bill while also raising affordability and access concerns for youth sports programs. The committee also heard AB 1682, which would require health plans and insurers to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling devices for chemotherapy patients. Supporters, including breast cancer survivors and health groups, described the emotional and quality-of-life benefits of preventing hair loss and said cost is the main barrier to access. There was no formal opposition, though one senator raised concerns about whether the mandate could exceed essential health benefits. The chair and members expressed support for the bill’s goals and said it would be taken up when quorum was established. AB 2093, a follow-up to the 988 crisis line law, sought to clarify statewide leadership, improve coordination among 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams, and create a more sustainable funding structure. Behavioral health organizations and crisis center representatives supported the bill, saying implementation challenges and demand growth require statutory fixes. Committee members generally supported the concept but noted the bill was a gut-and-amend and that additional work was needed with county and behavioral health stakeholders. The committee then heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 1629 on dental assignment of benefits, AB 2540 on community college access to medication abortion services, and AB 1929 on disclosure of health plan investments. AB 1843 had broad support from medical and public health groups but opposition from health plans, which argued it conflicted with the prior-authorization framework in SB 306 and could raise drug costs. AB 1629 was supported by dental and patient advocates but opposed by dental plans and insurers over concerns about network participation and out-of-pocket costs. AB 2540 drew strong support from reproductive health advocates and student representatives, while community college health services and some others opposed or were neutral pending amendments; the author said the bill was about equity and accepted amendments to reduce burdens. AB 1929 was backed by labor and immigrant rights groups as a transparency measure, but opposed by health plans and insurers who said Covered California was not the right entity to administer the disclosures and that the information was already publicly available. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly weighed public access and transparency against cost, administrative burden, and implementation concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ted Toppin, for the Professional Engineers in California Government and the Association of California
• Matt Broad, for Teamsters California, in support. Matt Broad, for Teamsters California, in support.
• Well, Breger, from Climate Action California.
• Eric Larry on behalf of the California State Association of Counties, the Urban Counties of California
• , the League of California Cities, and the Association of California School Administrators in support

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 1729, which would update California state telework policy. The author and many unionized state workers argued that telework has improved productivity, reduced emissions and commuting costs, saved the state money on office space, and should be governed by written, evidence-based departmental policies rather than blanket return-to-office mandates. Supporters emphasized flexibility, morale, and the need for transparency through a public dashboard. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was later moved on a 2-1 vote, with the item placed on call. Members also heard AB 805, which would create a Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program to connect high school career technical education with registered apprenticeships. The author and supporters said the bill implements recommendations from the California Youth Apprenticeship Model report and would expand earn-and-learn pathways, especially for youth facing barriers. The bill passed the committee 3-0 and was placed on call. Two workers’ compensation and labor-relations bills drew sharp opposition. AB 1576 would reform the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund; supporters said it would reduce litigation and employer assessments, while opponents argued it did not go far enough and preferred the administration’s trailer bill. AB 1582 would make it an unfair labor practice for UC or other higher education employers to disregard arbitration decisions on contracting out; supporters said it would protect arbitration outcomes for service workers, while UC argued it would interfere with bargaining agreements and threaten patient and student services. Both bills were moved on 2-1 votes and placed on call. After quorum was established, the committee also advanced AB 1630, allowing union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions remotely; AB 2650, a CalSavers cleanup bill to improve retirement savings access and administration; AB 2054, expanding paid family leave eligibility for relatives of military service members on domestic duty; AB 2157, making permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund pilot program; and AB 1838, requiring bidders on local public works projects to disclose recent wage-and-hour violations. AB 1630 and AB 2157 were both placed on call after divided votes, while AB 2650 and AB 2054 passed 2-1 and 3-0 respectively, and AB 1838 was placed on call after a 1-1 vote. The transcript ends as the committee begins AB 2682, which would conform the appeal process for transportation network company driver unionization law.

Transcript Highlights:

• on from California refineries, and then you have California peak, and under that you have California
• California crude or we import it.
• is the average California demand, the peak demand for California, and the demand that California refineries
• California demand, the peak demand for California, and the demand that California refineries have to
• California are not voluntary.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lives are on the line in California.
• Cost of living in California for the typical California family is almost $30,000 more for a family of
• California to do business.
• California to do business.
• We are California. We are supposed to be the... We are California.

Summary: The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, and then completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge. Members observed a moment of silence for the fatal B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in Assemblymember Lackey’s district. The body then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of numerous Senate bills to different committees, suspending rules for committee notices, and taking up the budget bill, AB 109, without reference to file for concurrence in Senate amendments. Debate on AB 109, the 2026 budget act, centered on competing views of the state’s fiscal condition and policy priorities. Supporters said the budget balances the current and next year’s budget, reduces the structural deficit, builds reserves, protects health care, schools, housing, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and responds to federal cuts under H.R. 1. Opponents argued the budget increases taxes and costs, shortchanges schools, underfunds Proposition 36, relies on gimmicks, and does not adequately address public safety, cost of living, or long-term sustainability. Several members also highlighted specific provisions such as hospital support, Medi-Cal and IHSS protections, child care, immigrant legal services, prison closure, and funding for courts and victim services. A motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to return AB 109 to the Senate failed on a roll call vote, 13 ayes to 45 noes. The Assembly then voted on concurrence in the Senate amendments to AB 109; the measure passed, and the Senate amendments were concurred in without objection, with immediate transmittal to the Governor. Afterward, the Assembly moved to the daily file and took up SCR 89, a resolution affirming diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporters from several caucuses framed DEI as a core California value and a response to federal attacks, while opponents criticized DEI as divisive. The transcript ends during debate on SCR 89, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the California Arts Council are included
• CalVet, the California Department of Veterans Affairs, serves California veterans and their families.
• And those are all in Northern California. Monterey, and those are all in Northern California.
• So how has California— How has California?
• In fact, California is over home to Oklahoma, Identity piece for the state of California.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• He knew I was in California alone.
• And we wanted to, because it's a constitutional right in California, ensure that our California-based
• Off, on behalf of Smart Justice California, in opposition. California, in opposition.
• Debt Free Justice California.
• Debt Free Justice, California.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of public safety bills, with several measures pulled off calendar and one consent calendar adopted. AB 2419 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva would extend body-worn cameras to Los Angeles County juvenile probation officers. Supporters said cameras would improve accountability, youth and officer safety, and public trust; opponents argued the bill would not solve deeper problems in juvenile halls and raised concerns about officer discretion, privacy, and labor issues. The bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote. AB 1902 by Assembly Member Pellerin, co-sponsored by Santa Cruz County, would revise the juvenile detention extension hearing process in response to the Madison Middleton case. Supporters, including the victim’s mother and county officials, said the bill would clarify jurisdiction, allow continuances, permit hearsay at the probable cause stage, extend the maximum detention period, and better protect the public and victims from repeated trauma. Opponents from public defender, youth justice, and civil liberties groups argued the bill expands civil commitment, reduces review frequency, and could lead to inappropriate adult placement. The committee approved the bill to Appropriations, with some members noting remaining concerns. AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie would allow continuity in prosecution for elder and dependent adult abuse cases, including a limited continuance so the same prosecutor can stay with a case. Supporters said older victims and those with dementia or other impairments benefit from a single point of contact and less repeated trauma; opponents said the bill could undermine speedy-trial rights and was broader than necessary. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1588, also by Assembly Member Stephanie, would strengthen sideshow and street takeover enforcement by adding motorcycles and dirt bikes to the law and increasing penalties. Supporters framed it as a public safety and accountability measure, while opponents warned it would expand punishment, surveillance, and fines without addressing root causes; the bill was sent to Transportation on a roll call vote. AB 1753, another Stephanie bill, would tighten firearm relinquishment and protective-order enforcement, expand remote hearing access, and align firearm prohibitions across protective order categories; it passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 1739 by Assembly Member Ward, which would criminalize clergy sexual exploitation when clergy provide therapeutic services, with survivors and advocates testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue of Southern California refining closing and potentially Northern California refining closing
• AB 405 duplicates existing laws in California, such as the California Legislature's ban on PFOS in new
• AB 405 duplicates existing laws in California, such as the California legislature banned PFOS and new
• Owners and Managers Association of California, and NAIOP California.
• Green Building Council California, Vote Solar, California Environmental Voters, Sierra Club California

Summary: The committee heard several climate, environmental, and housing bills. AB 1425, dealing with pit dewatering near the San Joaquin River Parkway, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the river, groundwater, floodplain conditions, tribal and cultural resources, and public access from a proposed mining project near the river. Opponents, including Cemex, labor representatives, and industry groups, said the bill would bypass the CEQA process before it was complete, threaten jobs, and create uncertainty for an existing operation. Members questioned both sides about hydrology, blasting, dewatering, and the adequacy of the ongoing environmental review. The bill was moved, but several members expressed concern about preempting CEQA and some did not vote or voted no. AB 881, which would allow California to move forward with carbon capture and sequestration pipelines, was presented as a way to advance state climate goals and capture federal funding. Supporters, including SMUD, labor, and industry groups, said the bill would help deploy carbon capture safely and preserve jobs. Environmental justice opponents supported stronger safety direction and warned that CO2 pipelines pose serious risks and that the state should not move ahead without clearer standards. The bill received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations. AB 1207, on the cap-and-trade allowance price ceiling and the social cost of carbon, was presented as a science-based update to California’s climate policy. The author and EDF said the bill would keep the program aligned with current economic and climate data and protect it from federal political interference. It received broad support and a due-pass recommendation. AB 1106, creating a coordinated network of air quality incident response centers, was also approved after testimony about wildfire smoke, toxic emissions, and the need for better real-time monitoring during disasters. AB 28, the Landfill Fire Safety Act, focused on the Chiquita Canyon landfill fire and related health impacts in Castaic and Val Verde; residents described serious illnesses and contamination concerns, while landfill and county representatives warned about costs and asked for more study. The committee nonetheless advanced the bill with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard AB 357, which would speed Coastal Commission review of student and faculty housing projects, with supporters citing student homelessness and opponents urging caution but acknowledging the need for more housing; the bill was presented and discussed, with the committee emphasizing the need to balance housing production and coastal oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also ask to share support for the California Alliance of Children and Family Services, the California
• Ryan Spencer, the California Society of Pathologists, the California Orthopedic Association, and the
• Pathologists, the California Orthopedic Association, and the California Radiological Society share the
• and Northern California.
• Societies in Central California and Northern California. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on workforce access, consumer protection, behavioral health parity, and public health safety. AB 1591 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would create a podiatric medicine pipeline program to address shortages of podiatrists, especially in rural and underserved counties; it drew strong support from podiatrists and medical groups and no opposition. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart would codify federal mental health and substance use disorder parity standards into state law; supporters argued it would preserve access if federal enforcement weakens, while health plans and insurers opposed it as premature and potentially confusing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and remained on call after a roll vote with several ayes and some noes. The committee also considered AB 2311 by Assembly Member Chiavo, which would allow public health care district hospitals to directly employ physicians. Supporters said the change would help district hospitals recruit and retain doctors and stabilize care in underserved communities, while CMA and emergency physicians warned it could weaken the corporate practice of medicine protections and physician autonomy. Members raised concerns about guardrails, but the author said the bill would continue to be refined; it passed on a due pass motion to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 2030 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would prohibit sales of over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss or muscle-building supplements to minors, with supporters citing eating disorder risks and opponents objecting to scope, age-verification, and retail requirements. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee. AB 1864 by Assembly Member Berman would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism and would authorize enforcement penalties for noncompliance. Supporters from Stanford, Encode, and the medical community said the measure would align California with federal best practices and address growing biosecurity risks, while life sciences representatives raised concerns about operational burdens and supply-chain impacts. Members discussed whether the bill should include an urgency clause and how to keep the standards current; it passed to the Judiciary Committee. AB 2457 by Assembly Member Connolly would standardize and speed up Medi-Cal managed care credentialing for physicians, and it passed to Appropriations with broad support. Finally, AB 2302, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, would require infant formula manufacturers to test for toxic elements such as lead and arsenic and post results publicly; pediatric and disability advocates supported the measure as a transparency and infant safety bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• , for most of the state of California.
• , Southern California.
• Northern California and Southern California are coming together to... ...and the Giants come together
• Northern California and Southern California are coming together for the sake of water security long into
• For thousands of years, California grizzlies coexisted with the ancestors of contemporary California

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:

• Or do you still require a California board exam? We do not have a separate exam here in California.
• However, we know the vastness of California, so if that student is staying in California...
• We know the vastness of California.
• , become nurses in California, and stay in California.
• California.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is being sponsored by the California Labor Federation, SEIU California, the Central American
• Good afternoon, Eric Will, on behalf of Rural County Representatives of California and California Special
• of California, and the League of California Cities, in respectful opposition.
• Just Eric Will on behalf of Rural County Representatives of California, California Special Districts
• Association, Urban Counties of California, and the League of California Cities, opposed unless amended

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard and advanced a series of labor, workplace, and pay equity bills. SB 703 on port trucking misclassification would require ports to collect and report data to help identify misclassified independent contractors; supporters said the bill would improve enforcement and protect workers, while trucking and retail groups said recent amendments addressed many concerns. The bill passed 5-0 and was re-referred to Transportation. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 275, SB 648, SB 355, and SB 693. Members then heard SB 294, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which would require the Labor Commissioner to create a template for employers to annually notify workers of labor and civil rights protections, with supporters arguing workers need clearer information amid federal uncertainty and opponents from the restaurant industry raising concerns. SB 7, dealing with automated decision-making systems in employment discipline and termination, would require notice and human review; labor groups supported it as a safeguard against biased or opaque algorithmic management, while employer groups objected to broad definitions and burdens on businesses. Both bills passed and were re-referred to Judiciary and Privacy and Consumer Protection, respectively. The committee also approved SB 238 on workplace AI/surveillance transparency, SB 442 on self-checkout staffing standards, and SB 464 on expanding public-sector pay data reporting tied to reparations and pay equity goals. Supporters of SB 238 emphasized transparency and privacy, while business and public-sector groups warned about security and administrative burdens; SB 442 drew support from labor and retail workers who said self-checkout reduces hours and increases safety risks, while grocers argued it would raise costs and reduce flexibility; SB 464 was backed as a way to better measure representation and pay gaps, though counties and local government groups said the bill needed narrowing to avoid covering county workers. Finally, SB 642 on equal pay reforms and a longer recovery period for wage claims passed 5-0 after labor advocates said it would help workers recover lost pay, while business groups opposed the 10-year lookback as too burdensome.

Transcript Highlights:

• That big, beautiful bill is putting 1.8 million California... ...of us here in California.
• That big beautiful bill is putting 1.8 million California. of us here in California.
• California stands for fairness.
• California is leading in that space.
• But in California, we're not bystanders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Isidro Avalar from Hesperia, California and I oppose to AB 928 Blanca Navarro I oppose California and
• Florentino Jimenez, Visalia, California. I oppose 928. Cierres, Oakland, California, I oppose.
• I am from Sacramento California and I strongly Good morning everybody, my name is Nad Orvo, California
• I'm from Northern California Glen County.
• California and I oppose this bill.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The California Foundation for Science and Health Research is an opportunity for California to control
• The California Foundation for Science and Health Research is an opportunity for California to control
• Tim Madden representing the California chapter of the American College of Cardiology and the California
• California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and the
• The American College of Cardiology, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and the California Society

Committee: Senate Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Ted Toppen for the Association of California State Supervisors, the professional engineers in California
• truly what happened to California Indian people.
• You can't talk about California unless you talk about discovering California and how it was done by killing
• Eid al-Adha as state holidays in California.
• California is home to over 7 million AAPI Californians.

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization