Video & Transcript : 'Los Angeles' :

Page 9 of 212
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 24th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Los Angeles Councilmember, former Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield is in the back.
  • Los Angeles Councilmember and former Assemblymember Adrian Nazarian is in the back.
  • I want to thank my colleague from Los Angeles for bringing this forward.
  • To my colleague from Los Angeles, I stand here as an ally of trans and gender non-conforming people and
  • Thank you to our legislator, author from Los Angeles for HR 21 and for bringing this.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Mar 24th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Los Angeles Council Member and former Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield is in the back.
  • Los Angeles Council Member and former Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian is in the back.
  • Our Los Angeles Council President, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, and Council Member Katy Yaroslavsky.
  • I want to thank my colleagues, my colleague from Los Angeles, for bringing this forward, my colleague
  • So thank you again to my colleague from Los Angeles.
Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded through routine floor business and several ceremonial resolutions. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules to withdraw AB 844 from committee and bring it directly to the floor; that motion received 16 ayes and 45 noes. The body also unanimously approved a request to re-refer AB 341. Members then adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding coauthors: ACR 35 recognizing Greek Independence Day, ACR 17 honoring women in carpentry and the BOOTS apprenticeship program, ACR 50 designating March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day, and H.R. 21 proclaiming Transgender Week of Visibility and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. Each resolution drew supportive remarks from multiple members, while H.R. 21 also prompted extended debate, including opposition centered on girls’ sports, locker rooms, and claims about state policy affecting transgender Californians. In each case, the resolutions were adopted after the coauthor roll and voice vote. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr., who died in the line of duty on March 17. Several members spoke in tribute to his service, his work with youth football, and his family. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Keely Morris on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, in support. Good morning.
  • They only have eight more firefighters in the City of Los Angeles today than they did in 1965.
  • Good morning, John Scoglundon with the County of Los Angeles in support.
  • Good morning, John Skullin with the County of Los Angeles in support. Okay, great.
  • Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and South Los Angeles.
Summary: The committee heard AB 1603, which would restrict new PFAS pesticides from being registered in California and add transparency requirements for pesticide use reporting. The author and supporters argued PFAS are persistent, harmful chemicals that contaminate water, soil, and food, and said the bill would reduce future contamination and public health costs. Supporters included environmental and public health groups, water agencies, nurses, teachers, and local governments. Agricultural and chemical industry groups opposed the bill’s registration ban, arguing California already has strong pesticide review, that the measure could limit future safer formulations, and that it could raise costs and reduce farmers’ access to pest-control tools. Committee members raised questions about affordability, water contamination, and the role of state versus federal regulators; the author said the bill was needed because existing regulation is too slow and incomplete. No vote was taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The committee then heard AB 2635, the Just Transition for Landscapers Act, which would create voucher programs and other support for landscapers transitioning from gas-powered to electric equipment, while limiting penalties and adding privacy protections. The author and supporters said many landscapers are low-wage immigrant workers who cannot afford the upfront cost of electric equipment and should not be punished for complying with local air-quality rules. Air district representatives and other opponents said the bill could be too prescriptive, could divert limited air district resources, and could create administrative and language-assistance burdens; one air district moved to neutral after amendments. Committee members discussed the health benefits of electric equipment and the need to avoid placing penalties on workers. The bill was held pending a quorum. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would extend CEQA streamlining to public university and community college housing projects. The author, UC student representatives, and the University of California said the bill would help address student housing insecurity and speed construction on already planned campus sites. There was no opposition. The committee then took up AB 1744, the Clear Labels, Clear Seas Act, which would prohibit sunscreen products marketed as reef safe or reef friendly from containing certain chemicals that harm marine ecosystems. The author said the bill is a transparency measure, not a ban, and the committee expressed support; no opposition appeared. Additional bills discussed included AB 2152, which would streamline CEQA review for fire station projects and was supported by firefighters and local governments but opposed by contractors over a project labor agreement requirement; AB 2231, which would streamline two hospital projects in Santa Clara and Emeryville and drew broad support with no opposition; AB 2410, which would create temporary CEQA and Coastal Act exemptions for wildfire fuel-reduction projects and drew support from counties, cities, utilities, and fire officials but opposition from Sierra Club California over the breadth of the exemptions; and AB 2234, which would update geothermal exploratory project rules to reflect newer technologies, supported by clean power advocates and opposed or opposed-unless-amended by utility groups concerned about impacts on existing geothermal operations. Several of these measures were discussed with amendments, but votes were deferred where a quorum was not yet present.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The County of Los Angeles is committed to achieving a fossil-free, fuel-free future by 2045, not just
  • Registered electric vehicles in the city of Los Angeles.
  • Angeles. from High Logistics and Artie Mandel from the Port of Los Angeles, Chanel Parsons from SoCal-Adison
  • We've been in business for 15 years operating out of the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
  • My name is Artie Mandel, and I'm the Director of Government Affairs for the Port of Los Angeles.
Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions on state clean-transportation programs. The chair emphasized California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing problems with affordability, charger access, interoperability, and the need to support light-duty, heavy-duty, and fleet electrification. She also highlighted interest in inductive charging, bidirectional charging, and the transition to NACS, and said the hearing would help shape future legislative action. State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described their roles in market development, emissions regulation, incentives, and charging deployment. Go-Biz outlined its ZEV market strategy, equity action plan, and permitting streamlining work, while CARB detailed federal challenges to its clean vehicle rules, the need to defend waiver authority in court, and the importance of incentives and regulatory stability. The CEC discussed charger reliability rules, statewide inventory and planning, funding for public and multifamily charging, and efforts to expand fast charging and improve access in charging deserts. All three agencies stressed that federal rollbacks and the expiration of federal tax credits make state policies and funding more important. Testimony from industry, local government, and advocacy groups largely supported continued state investment. Cal ETC urged a continuous Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund appropriation, more support for multifamily charging, and managed charging programs. The American EV Jobs Alliance proposed a state “conquest” incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily charging is the biggest untapped market. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale fleet and charger deployments, public housing and multifamily projects, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and utility/grid interconnection support. The Union of Concerned Scientists recommended prioritizing Clean Cars for All, using fees on non-CARBOB gasoline to fund cleaner vehicle replacement, and expanding authority for bidirectional EV deployment. Members and witnesses also discussed Level 1 versus Level 2 charging for multifamily housing and other use cases. The chair noted that Level 2 is essential for many drivers but asked whether Level 1 could be a cheaper, faster option in some settings. Witnesses agreed that Level 1 can work in certain contexts, especially airports or some multifamily installations, but emphasized that consumer confidence, overnight range, dealer education, and reliable access to charging remain central to broader EV adoption. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent parts of Los Angeles, like Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and, you know, I live in Eagle
  • Next video is in Los Angeles, the city of Los Angeles.
  • These mountain lions are living Of Los Angeles.
  • But to do that, we need to do that. of Los Angeles.
  • P-22 is the famous mountain lion that lives in Los Angeles, or it lived in Los Angeles.
Summary: The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre. CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement. Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jan 27th, 2026

Water, Parks and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent parts of Los Angeles, like Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and, you know, I live in Eagle
  • We are now one of the only providers serving the east side of Los Angeles County.
  • We are now one of the only providers serving the east side of Los Angeles County.
  • The next video is in Los Angeles, the city of Los Angeles.
  • P-22 is the famous mountain lion that lives in Los Angeles, or it lived in Los Angeles.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Public Safety Committee Apr 7th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Brandon up on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sheriff, in support. Good morning, Mr. Chair.
  • Brandon, on behalf of Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, in support. Thank you.
  • I'm a property owner in the Antelope Valley, one hour north of the city of Los Angeles.
  • For example, in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department established a perimeter around a factory
  • CHIRLA oversees the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network in Los Angeles County and has a front seat to
Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until a quorum was established, then heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. SB 907 by Senator Archuleta proposed five DUI-related changes: requiring Watson advisements when DUI charges are pled down, allowing consecutive sentencing discretion for multiple deaths in one crash, adding enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders, increasing penalties for hit-and-run by drivers with recent DUI history, and treating gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as violent felonies. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, argued the bill would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about overbreadth, legal doctrine, and the violent felony designation. Committee members generally supported moving the bill but urged further changes, especially on the violent felony and consecutive sentencing provisions. SB 907 was passed as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and kept on call. The committee then heard SB 1015, which would create new offenses aimed at online exploitation networks that use minors to coerce, recruit, or extort other minors, including through intimate images and AI-generated images. The author, sheriff’s officials, and district attorneys described rapidly growing online abuse networks and argued current laws do not clearly reach adults who use minors as intermediaries or minors who participate in coercive extortion schemes. Opponents said existing criminal statutes already cover much of the conduct and argued the bill could unnecessarily criminalize youth behavior instead of focusing on platforms and prevention. Members expressed concern about the harms to children and the need to address evolving online threats, while also noting the bill’s juvenile provisions. SB 1015 was passed as amended to Appropriations and kept on call. SB 1285, also by Senator Durazo, would clarify that juvenile record dismissal under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 is a general dismissal statute and that dismissal and record sealing are separate processes. Supporters said the bill would preserve the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile court and help youth avoid lasting collateral consequences in employment, licensing, and military service. There was no opposition after PORAC withdrew its objection, and the committee approved the bill to the floor on a unanimous roll call, keeping it on call for absent members. SB 1342, another Durazo bill, would fix implementation problems in California’s automatic record clearance laws by addressing outdated pending charges, requiring local court records to match DOJ clearance records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It drew broad support and no opposition, and was passed to Appropriations, with one no vote from Senator Seyarto. Finally, the committee heard SB 1330 by Senator Aitken, which would extend enhanced penalties for assault or battery to utility workers performing their duties. The author and utility worker witnesses described increasing threats and assaults, including a recent shooting at a work crew, and said the bill would help protect workers who maintain essential water, gas, and electric services. The bill drew strong support from labor, utilities, and local government representatives. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1330, before any committee vote is shown.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Transportation Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Research from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, conducted under a USDA SMART grant, found
  • Los Angeles is not anomalous.
  • Well, thank you for all your efforts in that regard, especially along Los Angeles. Thank you.
  • Brian White here on behalf of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
  • Yeah, just want to say thanks to the author from Los Angeles for bringing it forward.
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills, with testimony focused on transportation safety, enforcement, privacy, curb management, rail service, and high-speed rail. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would require two DMV points to be applied in misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even if the criminal case is dismissed through diversion; supporters, including a victim’s mother and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would prevent serious fatal crashes from disappearing from driving records, while no opposition was presented. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would authorize selected cities to use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations and a pilot-style, optional local framework; supporters argued it would improve safety, turnover, and compliance, while privacy concerns were noted but softened by amendments, and the bill drew neutral or conditional support from some groups. The committee also heard SB 1228 by Senator Rubio, which would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era outdoor advertising displays. Supporters said the bill would preserve local revenue and avoid penalties for legally established signs, while the California State Outdoor Advertising Association opposed it over federal highway beautification compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten safeguards for automated license plate reader systems by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, limits on data retention, and restrictions on hot lists and queries; privacy advocates supported the bill as a response to documented misuse, while sheriffs and narcotics officers opposed it as an unnecessary restriction on a valuable law-enforcement tool. The committee voted to move SB 1013, but the roll call was 4-1 and the bill remained on call. Other measures discussed included SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín, which would block vehicle registration renewal for owners with unpaid illegal dumping fines, using a process similar to unpaid parking citations; Oakland officials and several local government and waste-management groups supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill passed committee on an 8-0 vote and remained on call. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events and intercity/regional rail connections; supporters said it could boost ridership and make rail more useful for major venues, and it also passed 8-0 and remained on call. The committee also advanced the chair’s SB 1425, which would create a permitting program for new encroachments along the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect the project and manage utilities and other uses, while some utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns, and the bill passed 8-1 and remained on call. Finally, SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, remove a project cap, and support bookend investments; it drew broad support from transit, labor, and rail groups, with some local agencies noting amended concerns, and the discussion continued as the hearing moved toward the final bill.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Adrian Sanneval, GPSN and the Digital Equity Los Angeles Coalition, strong opposition.
  • Oscar Maganya, Everyone On and Digital Equity Los Angeles, strong opposition.
  • for digital equity, and we have become partners in the Digital Equity Los Angeles Coalition.
  • Many of us know Los Angeles County is the epicenter of our homelessness crisis in California.
  • Just to clarify, so this is going to be a mandate on Los Angeles County. Is that correct?
Summary: The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open. The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission. Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Good afternoon, Markey Siege on behalf of the County of Los Angeles in support. Thank you.
  • Good afternoon, Markey Siege on behalf of the County of Los Angeles in support. Thank you.
  • The Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils were established in 1999 to ensure that city government remains
  • Los Angeles has 99 neighborhood councils, each serving about 40,000 people.
  • Sam Nash on behalf of the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda focused heavily on housing, local government, Brown Act teleconferencing, and public agency administration. Early bills included AB 39, which would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning for EV charging and building decarbonization; AB 76, which clarifies Chula Vista’s university innovation district housing requirements; AB 259, AB 409, and AB 467, which extend or modernize Brown Act teleconferencing provisions for local agencies, community college student bodies, and Los Angeles neighborhood councils; and AB 428, which would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance. Supporters emphasized climate planning, housing access, public participation, safety, and cost savings, while several bills were amended to address stakeholder concerns. Most of these measures advanced on bipartisan votes, generally 6-1 or 7-0, and were left open for additional members to add on later. The committee also heard AB 632, which would strengthen local enforcement tools for serious code violations, fire hazards, illegal cannabis operations, and unsafe housing by allowing unpaid administrative fines to be converted into money judgments and liens. Local government and code enforcement groups supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation. AB 670 would let local governments count investments in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element reporting and require broader reporting of demolitions and replacement housing compliance; supporters argued preservation is essential because many unsubsidized affordable homes are at risk. AB 761 would allow Monterey-Salinas Transit to place a future sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board, rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction, to preserve transit funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These measures also moved forward, with the committee noting amendments and sending them to the next committees of referral. Another major item was AB 810, which would require special districts and joint powers authorities to migrate public-facing websites and email addresses to .gov or CA.gov domains by 2031. The author argued the change would reduce fraud and improve public trust, especially after emergency-related scams, while opponents from special districts and IT organizations said the transition would be costly and difficult for smaller agencies. Several school-related opponents withdrew after amendments, and committee members discussed possible aliases and tribal-government language. The bill passed 7-1 to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. Finally, AB 1206 proposed a pre-approved design catalog for single-family homes and small multifamily developments, modeled on a prior ADU bill, to speed rebuilding and reduce design costs; supporters from Habitat for Humanity and housing advocates said it would help both wildfire recovery and broader housing production, and the bill drew at least one opposed-unless-amended position as the committee moved into further discussion.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the director of sustainable cities at the Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator.
  • As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world, the city must be fully equipped to meet increased public
  • Current estimates for the number of officers needed to cover the City of Los Angeles during the 2028
  • AB 2411 is designed to ensure the Los Angeles region has sufficient law enforcement coordination and
  • For these reasons, and on behalf of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, I respectfully ask for your support
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Emergency Management met to consider a large slate of bills, first approving a consent calendar that included measures on emergency management and related topics, with several bills moved on a due pass basis to Appropriations or other policy committees. The committee then heard AB 2013, which would require community water systems to report on wildfire-related preparedness measures such as tank levels, backup generators, and pump hardening. The author argued the bill would provide needed transparency after repeated wildfire water failures, while water agency and municipal utility representatives opposed it, saying it would create new standards, liability concerns, and duplicative reporting. The bill was ultimately passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members voting aye and one member not voting. The committee also approved AB 2385, which would authorize local governments to create local reconstruction agencies for disaster recovery planning and rebuilding; supporters from the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles fire recovery community said it would help communities plan before disasters and speed recovery. AB 2492, concerning public safety coordination for major sporting events like the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympics, was supported by the California Travel Association and passed to Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism. AB 2370, which clarifies Cal OES authority over statewide public safety communications systems, was supported by operating engineers and passed to Utilities and Energy. AB 2475, dealing with after-action report timelines and local reporting requirements, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Later, the committee passed AB 2543, which addresses emergency preparedness for electric vehicle fast-charging infrastructure, and AB 2411, which would create a temporary process for in-state and out-of-state law enforcement to supplement security during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The most debated measure after AB 2013 was AB 2405, which would require law enforcement to transport patients to the nearest appropriate emergency department and report transport patterns. The author and Martin Luther King Community Hospital described severe overcrowding and frequent long-distance drop-offs, while some members raised concerns about rural impacts, exigent circumstances, and added reporting burdens. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to the Committee on Public Safety. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes from absent members on several items before adjourning.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Each year on April 24th, thousands of Armenians from across Los Angeles gather there not only to mourn
  • As the member representing historic Little Armenia in Los Angeles, it's my honor to join our colleagues
  • And indeed, the city of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley would not be what they are without the
  • Chair, and let me just quickly thank the members from Fresno, Los Angeles, Indio, Los Angeles, San Francisco
  • Angeles, Indio, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Glendale, West Hollywood, Whittier, and San Fernando Valley
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims. On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes. The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles County destroyed over 18,000 structures and forced the
  • Adrian Sandoval, GPSN and the Digital Equity Los Angeles Coalition, strong opposition.
  • Oscar Magana, Everyone On and Digital Equity Los Angeles, strong opposition.
  • for digital equity, and we have become partners in the Digital Equity Los Angeles Coalition.
  • Just to clarify So this is going to be a mandate on Los Angeles County, is that correct?
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She worked for so many incredible Latinos that have shaped Los Angeles and California politics.
  • But she wasn't just about Los Angeles. She cared so much about regional equity.
  • And you'll see that embodied in HOPE now, ensuring that they were touching areas of Los Angeles that
  • She worked for so many incredible Latinos that have shaped Los Angeles, California politics.
  • But she wasn't just about... that have shaped Los Angeles, California politics.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor recognitions and resolutions. Senators also welcomed guests including California Conservation Corps members, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo agriculture leadership students, and College of San Mateo championship athletes. The chamber approved the journals, stricken items from the daily file, and referred SCR 112 back to the Assembly floor. The main legislative actions were on two resolutions and two gubernatorial appointments. SR 81 by Senator Pérez, designating March 2, 2026 as Read Across America Day, was supported by Senators Choi and Rubio, emphasizing literacy, libraries, and reading access; it passed 37-0. SCR 125 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Ramadan, was supported by Senator Becker and adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of adjournments in memory. Senators honored Stephen Cassidy, former San Leandro school board member and mayor; John Joseph Zoria, a San Jose farmer and community figure; Crystal Schoenfelder, a workers’ compensation attorney and advocate; and Belinda Baraghani, a prominent Latina political strategist and community leader. The session ended with remarks about Ramadan’s themes of empathy and community, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Transportation Committee Jan 12th, 2026

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 647 is a cleanup bill only to a bill that I authored last year, AB 630, and is sponsored by Los Angeles
  • It clarifies that local agencies within Los Angeles County and Alameda County can implement the new law
  • With me in primary support is Andrew Antwee, who represents Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
  • Shmels Rund Lang, here today on behalf of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
  • Los Angeles County. We're getting people out of inoperable RVs and into affordable housing.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Sep 11th, 2025

Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:
  • to establish a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center only.
  • Located in downtown Los Angeles, the convention center is one of the largest in the country and hosts
  • This plan is smart, flexible financing that avoids the burden on the taxpayers of Los Angeles.
  • Chris McKayley here on behalf of my clients, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood
  • I've just never been aware, like the United Way in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Summary: The committee met without an initial quorum and began as a subcommittee to hear several measures before the Assembly session. AB 770 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to use a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who said it would create construction and permanent jobs and help finance the project without taxpayer burden; there was no opposition. Members asked about the revenue estimate and how it would be used, and the bill later passed on concurrence. SB 451 was heard next and would clarify the law to allow a 50-50 charitable raffle at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related loophole. Supporters from the bill’s author, the 49ers, and the NFL said it would preserve charitable fundraising and maintain existing audit and transparency rules. CalNonprofits did not take a formal opposition position but raised concerns about fairness compared with other nonprofit raffles and about expanding gambling. The committee discussed how raffle proceeds are distributed to charities, and the bill passed with 12 votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 831 by Assembly Member Valencia would make dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos unlawful in California while preserving lawful social sweepstakes that do not award cash prizes. Supporters, including several tribal nations, labor, business groups, and the Sports Betting Alliance, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers and vulnerable populations, and defends tribal gaming sovereignty and revenues. Opponents, including sweepstakes and gaming industry representatives and many members of the Kletsel-Dehe Wintun Nation and allied tribes, argued the bill would eliminate a legal industry, reduce economic opportunity for smaller or geographically disadvantaged tribes, and should instead be regulated and taxed. Members debated consumer protection, tribal exclusivity, and the lack of consumer-group testimony; the committee ultimately passed AB 831 on concurrence, and the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • A place like Los Angeles, San Francisco, they have a lot of adaptive reuse.
  • Scott Epstein, on behalf of the Los Angeles Housing Department, in support. Thank you.
  • UCLA Price did a study on Measure ULA in Los Angeles.
  • Sasha Horwitz, Los Angeles Unified School District, in support.
  • Maria Velos, Los Angeles Community College District, in strong support and co-sponsor.
Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard a long slate of bills, with the chair opening by outlining hearing rules, noting in-person testimony only, and identifying several bills for the consent calendar. The committee repeatedly operated without a quorum for much of the hearing, so several authors closed with requests for aye votes before formal action could be taken. AB 407 (Jackson) was heard first and would broaden eligibility in state loan and financing programs to help small businesses fund environmental, seismic, and ADA upgrades; it drew support from the Treasurer’s office and no opposition. AB 93 (Papan) would require state and local agencies to develop best practices and reporting around data center water use; supporters emphasized water scarcity and transparency, while the Data Center Coalition opposed it as overly restrictive and potentially burdensome. The League of California Cities and water agencies were generally supportive or neutral with amendments. The committee also heard several housing-related bills. AB 650 (Papan) would give cities earlier RHNA information and require HCD to provide clearer, more actionable housing element feedback; it received broad support from cities, planning groups, and housing advocates, with no opposition. AB 507 (Haney) would streamline adaptive reuse of office buildings into housing, especially in downtowns, and AB 1294 (Haney) would create a more standardized housing application process; both drew strong support from housing and business groups, while local government groups raised concerns about one-size-fits-all mandates and local discretion. AB 610 (Alvarez) would strengthen housing element transparency and limit new local housing constraints and fees after certification; supporters said it would improve certainty, while legal aid and city groups opposed it as too rigid and potentially harmful to inclusionary housing and local fee authority. AB 610 ultimately received a 7-0 do-pass recommendation to Appropriations. Other measures included AB 1044 (Macedo), which would create a new groundwater sustainability agency structure for Tulare County to help the region comply with SGMA; it was backed by county and agricultural water representatives and had no opposition. AB 523 (Irwin) would allow proxy voting for single-representative member agencies on the Metropolitan Water District board, with support from several water districts and no opposition. AB 1112 (Wallace) would repeal an outdated property tax carve-out affecting Rancho Mirage; the city supported it as restoring equity, and the committee called the roll after reaching quorum, then moved the bill do pass as amended to Appropriations by a 6-0 vote with the roll left open. Finally, AB 698 (Wicks) would require analysis of the housing, market-rate, and property tax impacts before a local transfer tax is adopted; supporters said it would inform local decision-making, while opponents, including a coalition tied to Los Angeles’ Measure ULA, argued it could undermine local revenue tools and housing funding. The committee discussed that the bill was forward-looking and not retroactive, and then moved it forward as amended.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • California and Los Angeles ties, serving far from their families and loved ones.
  • space per capita in Los Angeles County.
  • He was born in Los Angeles and attended John F.
  • He was born in Los Angeles and attended John F.
  • As mayor of Anaheim, he played the major role in bringing the Los Angeles Rams to Anaheim Stadium.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote. On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Sep 12th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Angeles, Jewish Federation Bay Area, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Jewish Federation of Greater
  • Angeles, Jewish Federation Bay Area, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Jewish Federation of Greater
  • Hi, I'm Alina Abdullah with the California Faculty Association, with Black Lives Matter Los Angeles,
  • At one point, he said verbatim from the UTLA contract, United Teachers of Los Angeles.
  • Angeles; Jewish Federation of Orange County; Jewish Federation Bay Area; Jewish Federation Los Angeles
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Committee Mar 19th, 2025

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I believe you are presenting AB 462. from Coastal Development Permit Requirements in Los Angeles
  • Los Angeles County faces a severe housing crisis, which became immediately worse with the devastating
  • That poses a barrier for homeowners seeking to add much-needed housing supply, especially in Los Angeles
  • Los Angeles County is facing a housing crisis made worse by the destruction of thousands of homes in
  • AB 462 eliminates these unnecessary barriers in Los Angeles coastal zone, allowing ADUs to be approved