Transcript Highlights:

• United your resolve, united your hearts, may your spirits be at one that you may long together dwell in unity
• To work very closely with the Senators, and this is a very, very bipartisan bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
• The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
• The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
• The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
• The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and opened with a moment of contemplation honoring Bob Marley. Several senators spoke about Marley’s life, music, and activism, emphasizing his messages of peace, justice, unity, and resistance. One senator highlighted Marley’s 1979 visit to Hawaii and his influence on Hawaiian and “Jawaiian” music, while another introduced members of the Marley family and recognized their continuing musical work and cultural legacy. The Senate also recognized staff members from one senator’s office during the introductions. After the contemplative remarks and guest introductions, the presiding officer asked for a few minutes for photographs. The chamber then processed Governor’s Message No. 665, withdrawing a nomination to the Campaign Spending Commission, and Governor’s Messages Nos. 666 to 668, transmitting nominations to various boards and commissions. Those messages were referred according to the Order of the Day, and Standing Committee Reports Nos. 480 to 674 were adopted by motion without objection. In announcements, the presiding officer thanked the SMA team and legislative staff for efficient work on a record number of bills during the first lateral, noted the upcoming three-day weekend, and extended birthday wishes to Clerk Carol Taniguchi. The Senate then adjourned by motion until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pray for their unity and their purpose, that we may work together to build a better future for Minnesota
• And I hope this is only the beginning of Beginning of a serious bipartisan conversation about how we
• But who knew it just took a Republican author to get bipartisan support for a campaign finance bill?
• And if there is a huge crisis, I'm sure we will get that bipartisan support.
• We also heard that if there is a real emergency, there will be bipartisan support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask for the blessings of inner strength and unity of purpose as we seek to enhance our state.
• This will be a true bipartisan bill that I am honored to present.
• It is a bipartisan issue.
• Our unity is our power, and we can make a difference when we find common ground and work to achieve it
• Our unity is our power, and we can make a difference when we find common ground and work to achieve it

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including guests from the press, Florida State women’s soccer, and former Senator Janet Cruz. Members also announced there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and proceeding quickly to third reading and final passage. Among the measures approved were bills modernizing trust settlement and trustee discharge procedures; revising military affairs laws, including leave protections, retirement eligibility, and assistance programs; creating uniform cash-rounding rules as Florida prepares for the end of the penny; refining podiatric medicine rules on cellular/tissue-based products and informed consent; expanding veterans’ court access statewide; clarifying RV park special assessments; establishing concurrent state-federal jurisdiction for juveniles on military installations; reauthorizing alcoholic beverage loss deductions; and revising bail bond and pretrial release laws, including training, electronic notices, forfeiture timing, and related procedures. Members also passed bills on eyewear insurance licensing, expanding the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund into health science education, streamlining recovery residence regulation, enhancing felony battery penalties, and updating child welfare rules to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success program permanent, and create a best-practices program. Several bills drew brief supportive remarks, especially those affecting veterans, the National Guard, foster youth, and military families. One bail bond bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor stating the current statute would remain unchanged. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously; the bail bond measure passed 36-1, while the others noted here passed with no or minimal opposition. The Senate also adopted an amendment to the military affairs bill and a delete-all amendment to the military-installation jurisdiction bill before final passage. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on her farewell. Members from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, preparation, collegiality, advocacy on issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, Israel, anti-Semitism, breast cancer, school safety, and family law, and her effectiveness in committee and on the floor. Berman delivered an extended farewell speech reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, her district, and her legislative priorities, and the Senate ordered her remarks spread upon the journal before recessing and later returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask for the blessings of inner strength and unity of purpose as we seek to enhance our state.
• This will be a true bipartisan bill that I am honored to present.
• It is a bipartisan issue.
• Our unity is our power, and we can make a difference when we find common ground and work to achieve it
• Our unity is our power, and we can make a difference when we find common ground and work to achieve it

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthen our commitment to justice, compassion, and unity.
• In moments of disagreement, Justice, compassion, and unity.
• This bill, members, is bipartisan. It is thoughtful, and it is deeply humane.
• This bill has bipartisan support in the Senate, including bipartisan co-authors, and asks for favorable

Bills: HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , SCR40 , SCR60 , SB112 , SB131 , SB145 , SB194 , SB268 , SB307 , SB312 , SB319 , SB333 , SB341 , SB346 , SB464 , SB466 , SB488 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , HR9 , HR196 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR20 , HB123 , HB251 , HB625 , HB662 , HB709 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , SB97 , SB105 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , HCR32 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB59 , HB955 , HB1191 , HB1234 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , SB397 , SB442 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB926 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB47 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction, building codes, inspection practices, housing costs, task force, HR254, House Resolution 254, Ty Hebert, Acadiana Legislative Delegation, Louisiana State University, LSU, graduation, commendation

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, that you would give us discernment and wisdom, and a spirit of unity that would wisdom, Lord, a
• spirit of unity that would not be easily broken.
• We have a friendly bipartisan amendment that we believe makes this bill better.
• It was bipartisan.

Bills: SJR 1 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 36 , SJR 1 , SJR 5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SR 61 , SR 91 , SR 97 , SR 103 , SR 104 , SR 112 , SR 115 , SR 116 , SCR 16 , SB 26 , SB 26

Transcript Highlights:

• I welcome the opportunity to look into these matters in a bipartisan way.
• In closing, I appreciate the bipartisan work of Chairman Mr.
• Goodlander for their Bipartisan work on this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.
• Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this Important bipartisan bill. I yield back my time.
• Thanedar for their bipartisan work. I reserve the balance of my time.

Bills: HR818 , HR832 , HR825 , HR828 , HR804 , HR754 , HR788

Keywords: impeachment, judge, criminal conduct, judicial behavior, Supreme Court, assassination attempt, sentencing, ideology, National Chemistry Week, education, STEM careers, science promotion, public engagement, government transparency, communication, House of Representatives, appropriations, furlough, Federal agencies, military service

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of these pieces of legislation have bipartisan support the last couple of sessions, so I thank you
• Guest speakers included Patriots legend Matthew Slater, who spoke about unity and peer support.
• Matthew Slater, who spoke about unity and peer support, as well as Dr.
• honor those heroes, reflect on the lives lost, and educate future generations about the resilience and unity
• honor the past while inspiring future generations to uphold the values of courage, compassion, and unity

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill passed through both committees with bipartisan support, zero no votes.
• This has gained bipartisan support in every committee.
• The bill has had bipartisan support so far, and I respect all of you to vote for it.
• I think it takes away the opportunity to speak as a with a strong bipartisan voice.
• This bill has received bipartisan support and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a beautiful holiday, for those of you that are unfamiliar with it, a holiday of unity, reflection
• This bill has received bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption. The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• , support underserved communities, and support the needs of our community. communities, and foster unity
• According to the findings of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which Congress passed with strong bipartisan

Transcript Highlights:

• Discrimination weakens us, but unity strengthens us.
• Unity is not optional. It is divine.
• We do not see how this could not be supported on a bipartisan basis.
• We'd be happy to have bipartisan support if it was offered.
• And this collaboration demonstrates this is bipartisan and a bipartisan solution.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• But keeping kids safe at school is a bipartisan agreement that we can do."
• is a bipartisan agreement that we<00:24:19.679><c> can</c><00:24:19.840><c> do.
• political hats for like a bipartisan political hats for like a minute<01:06:09.920><c> here.
• So we really ask that this is the year, because there's been such bipartisan support in the past.
• So we really ask that this is the year, because there's been such bipartisan support in the past.

Bills: HF3492 , HF3493 , HF3494 , HF3495 , HF3602

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill has received bipartisan support in both houses and has no opposition.
• Indian flag in support of the Indian Independence Day, but we also raised the American flag to show our unity
• And we should have unity within this body, within all of America, that women should have the right to

Summary: The Assembly met on June 4, 2025, after a quorum call and opening prayer led by Assembly Member Ramos, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural actions. Members handled several motions on bill referrals and file management, including disputes over SB 280 and ACA 8. The Speaker’s rulings were repeatedly appealed and sustained, and the body ultimately approved re-referral and notice waivers related to ACA 8 and SB 280, along with related committee hearing notices and shortened file notice requirements. Several bills were also removed from consent, moved to inactive file, or withdrawn from committee as nonfiscal measures. The chamber then held a Native American Day ceremony centered on ACR 102 by Assembly Member Ramos, recognizing California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders and members spoke in support, emphasizing California’s Native history, past state harms, and recent legislative efforts affecting tribal communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 71 coauthors were added. The ceremony also honored Native leaders and students, including Judge Abby Abinanti, Councilwoman Catalina Chacon, Rosemary Salgado, Chairman Frederick Massetti, and Clovis Unified students who defended their right to wear regalia at graduation. Later, the Assembly took up concurrence votes on several Senate-amended bills, all of which passed unanimously: AB 829 on Parkinson’s disease, AB 463 on emergency medical services, AB 493 on mortgage escrow interest, and AB 1387 on behavioral health coordination for justice-involved individuals. The body also adopted ACR 100 honoring India’s Independence Day and H.R. 44 recognizing homeless service providers, both by voice vote after substantial support from members and coauthors. Guest introductions highlighted the music industry, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and visiting officials from Pakistan. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Joel Nilsen and Grace Akiko Kojima, followed by announcements of upcoming session dates and adjournment under the call of the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's important to know they stand for unity, for acceptance; they stand so that it will never happen
• dealing with rising anti-Semitism, and what should be in the name of every person that cares about unity
• Thank you for your participation, your bipartisan support of these issues, and everyone in the public

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:15.320><c> There's</c> bipartisan effort behind this.
• There's bipartisan effort behind this.
• </c><00:34:23.080><c> uh</c><00:34:23.280><c> where</c> people who run Mercy and Unity uh where people
• who run Mercy and Unity uh where they<00:34:23.600><c> vacated</c><00:34:24.280><c> a</c><00:34:24.679
• </c> uh and closed pretty much all of Unity uh and closed pretty much all of Unity Hospital<00:34:30.960

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And this wasn't with bipartisan support.
• Said they want an independent, bipartisan redistricting commission.
• IN ORDER TO CREATE AN INDEPENDENT BIPARTISAN REDISTRICTING COMMISSION.
• We have an independent bipartisan commission.
• We have an independent bipartisan commission.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no. The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber. The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators. Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to just take a moment and reflect on the historic level of unity among organized labor around
• It has received bipartisan support in the opposition, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• It has received bipartisan support in the opposition, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Bills: AB40 , AB2674 , SB328 , SB344

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: AB 2674, financial abuse, financial deception, elder financial abuse, bank fraud, scam prevention, consumer protection, depository institution, bank, credit union, suspicious transaction, fraud hotline, trusted third party, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, elder abuse, senior citizen, treble damages, civil action

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard several measures, led by AB 40, which would require a full CEQA environmental impact report before approval of any new or expanded large coal terminal and require updated review if the project changes significantly. The author and supporters, including West Oakland community advocates and environmental groups, argued the bill was needed because an outdated environmental review did not analyze coal at the scale now proposed for the Oakland terminal and because West Oakland already bears heavy pollution burdens. Opponents, including business and terminal representatives, argued the project had already undergone extensive review and litigation and warned the bill would set a precedent for reopening settled approvals. Members questioned whether the air district had already approved the project and whether the bill was targeting a single facility. The author responded that the air district still had to issue a discretionary permit and that the bill was narrowly tailored to large coal terminals. The committee ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments to AB 40 on a recorded vote, with the bill passing out of committee. The committee also heard SB 344, which creates a project-specific pathway for San Diego’s Midway Rising redevelopment, a large mixed-use project with thousands of housing units, including affordable housing, parks, and a new arena. Support came from labor, the city, and business groups, while members raised questions about whether the bill was effectively insulating the project from CEQA litigation. The author said the bill does not exempt the project from CEQA but confirms the final EIR’s sufficiency once certified. SB 344 received a due pass recommendation and passed the committee. Finally, the committee heard SB 328 for the Concord Reuse Project Area, which would streamline implementation of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse plan by creating an exemption within the Surplus Land Act and related disposition process for qualifying projects. The author and supporters emphasized decades of planning, extensive environmental review, a project labor agreement, and commitments to 25% affordable housing and open space. After questions about enforcement of affordability and tribal consultation, the bill received a due pass recommendation and passed. The committee also adopted a consent resolution and passed AB 2674, a transparency measure requiring CARB to post landfill temperature and monitoring data it already receives.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a beautiful holiday, for those of you that are unfamiliar with it, a holiday of unity, reflection
• This bill has received bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.