Transcript Highlights:

• It's not the AAPI stuff. Yeah. American Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members.
• HR 314 by Leilani recognizing February 24, 25 as AAPI day of action at the state Capitol.
• AAPI Day of Action is an opportunity for AAPI Texans to raise awareness on the issues important to their
• Thank you to all those who will be joining us for the AAPI Day of Action.
• Thank you for being at your Capitol today and happy AAPI day here at the Texas Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the most number of AAPI elected officials.
• AAPI Heritage Month allows us to celebrate and highlight the diversity and history of our communities
• California is home to one of the largest and most diverse AAPI populations in the nation.
• As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we must commit to building inclusion in every space.
• I also want to note as a point of personal privilege that one-third of my staff are AAPI.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity to offer testimony on behalf of the AAPI Commission in support of our
• The AAPI Commission is the commonwealth's only permanent state agency solely dedicated to advocating
• Commission as a former proud commissioner of the AAPI.
• Thank you for amplifying the AAPI community. And currently, Mr.
• Chairman, we have three former AAPI commissioners: myself, Rup Donald Wong, and Rep. Taki Chan.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have the most number of AAPI elected officials.
• AAPI Heritage Month allows us to celebrate and highlight the diversity and history of our communities
• California is home to one of the largest and most diverse AAPI populations in the nation.
• California is home to one of the largest and most diverse AAPI populations in the nation.
• I also want to note as a point of personal privilege that one-third of my staff are AAPI.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file. On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0. The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none, so ordered. resolution 314, recognizing February 24th, 2025 as a AAPI. guide day
• With nearly 2 million AAPI residents, our state is home to a diverse population representing over 50
• Today, by adopting this resolution, we acknowledge the dedication, resilience, and impact of AAPI Texan
• February 24th. and to celebrate the cultural heritage, contributions, and civic engagement of the AAPI
• And another group that is here celebrating AAPI Day is the Bangladesh...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Forty percent of immigrant AAPI-owned businesses report worsened business conditions in the past year
• An overwhelming percentage of AAPI businesses relied on personal funds, not banks or public programs,
• Lastly, only 23% of AAPI business owners were reported receiving technical assistance in the last 12
• With how many, since COVID to now, how many AAPI-owned businesses...
• Since COVID to now, how many AAPI-owned businesses have closed because of the lack of capital?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its second hearing of the session, with Chairs Gómez and Vargas opening by emphasizing the committee’s focus on equity, small business growth, and support for communities that have historically been overlooked. Several members noted the historic nature of having two Latino chairs. The hearing covered a package of bills centered on access to capital, transparency in state assistance, commercial tenant protections, downtown revitalization, and business improvement district administration. Testimony was largely supportive of bills aimed at helping micro-businesses, small businesses, and disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Beckma, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, a minority- and woman-owned business owner, and a worker-owned Springfield business all backed measures including S. 179 and H. 312/S. 184, which would prioritize capital assistance and require reporting on where state business aid goes. Witnesses said transparency, upfront payments on state contracts, and better data collection could help businesses that struggle with delayed reimbursements, limited reserves, and difficulty accessing traditional financing. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council supported S. 173, which would dedicate a portion of sales tax revenue to a downtown vitality fund for district management, cultural districts, and downtown infrastructure, and said the bill could help sustain downtowns and prevent cultural displacement. There was also testimony on H. 306, a commercial tenant first right of refusal bill, with Beckma supporting it as a way to help small tenants stay in their locations, while the Greater Boston Real Estate Board opposed it, arguing it would add cost, delay, uncertainty, and could reduce property values and the commercial tax base. The board supported H. 305, a housing bill that would expand by-right multifamily and open-space residential development while preserving local zoning protections. Andre Leroux of MassINC also supported S. 173 and H. 299, the latter proposing longer BID renewal periods and audit requirements aligned with nonprofit standards. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and questions, with the chair closing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• incredible contributions, resilience, and diversity of the AAPI community. 1869.
• <01:50:50.639> Heritage today as we celebrate AAPI Heritage today as we celebrate AAPI Heritage
• Here in New Hampshire, we are fortunate to witness the impact of the AAPI community every day.
• <01:52:18.400> community<01:52:19.199> every AAPI community every AAPI community every
• AAPI We must amplify AAPI voices,<01:53:09.440> celebrate<01:53:09.920> their<01:53:10.520

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 6 million AAPIs reside in California, with 2.5 million celebrating the Lunar New Year holiday.
• Or, Un Feliz y Prospero Año Nuevo to all of my AAPI sisters, brothers, and siblings.
• Thank you to my colleagues from Alhambra, my colleague from Alhambra, and the entire AAPI Alliance.
• And to champion the rights of AAPI and LGBTQ plus individuals.
• , which is the most AAPI women we've ever had in our California state representation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very pleased to be joined here today by Connie Tan from Stop AAPI Hate, who's here to testify and
• Connie Tan, and I'm a research manager at Stop AAPI Hate.
• Stop AAPI Hate operates the largest community reporting center for anti-Asian and anti-Pacific Islander
• 46% of AAPI adults in California, or about 2.8 million AAPI adults, experienced a race-based hate act
• We have an AAPI comedy event coming up to support the community.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee heard and advanced several bills covering workers’ compensation, public pensions, workplace training, public works wages, and disability/paid family leave benefits. AB 1048 would require greater transparency when medical provider payments in workers’ compensation are reduced through network or administrator arrangements; supporters said providers need the underlying contract to verify reductions, while opponents argued the problem is overstated and existing dispute remedies are available. AB 1601 would give Sonoma County flexibility to provide targeted cost-of-living adjustments to retirees; supporters emphasized retirees have gone without a COLA since 2008 and that the retirement system is well funded, with no opposition testimony heard. AB 1439 would request a UC Berkeley study on labor standards in real estate and infrastructure projects funded through CalPERS and CalSTRS portfolios; labor groups supported it, while local governments, housing, and industry groups opposed it as unnecessary and potentially burdensome. AB 1697 would delay implementation of last year’s AB 692 on stay-or-pay and related employment contract provisions to 2027, with some support from the NFL and a support-if-amended request from the financial services industry for a 2028 date. AB 1803 would add anti-hate speech content to existing workplace harassment training; supporters framed it as a response to rising antisemitism and workplace hate, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and argued current law already addresses harassment. AB 2120 would extend Los Angeles Unified’s selective certification hiring authority and allow retention of such employees in layoffs, and AB 2292 would bar providers from charging administrative fees for completing disability insurance and paid family leave certification forms; both drew support and no opposition testimony in the hearing. AB 1198, the Fair Pay for Construction Workers Act, would tie prevailing wage to the time work is performed rather than bid advertisement, with supporters calling it a fairness fix and opponents warning of uncertainty and higher costs on public projects. The committee later reconvened and voted all of the heard bills out, with most passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; AB 1439 was the only measure with recorded dissent, passing 4-1 on the final committee vote. Several items were also placed on call before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of myself, Delegate Mark Chang, and the AAPI caucus, uh, please uh, welcome them to Annapolis
• /c><00:02:49.599> Chang,<00:02:50.000> and<00:02:50.160> the<00:02:50.319> AAPI
• Delegate Mark Chang, and the AAPI Delegate Mark Chang, and the AAPI caucus,<00:02:52.080> uh,

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House of Delegates met with 131 members initially present, opened with the pledge and prayer, and then approved the previous day’s journal. The main floor recognition was for Korean American Day, with Delegate Mark Chang and the AAPI caucus honoring Linda Han and Alana Lee and reading a resolution congratulating Global Han Yundai for its leadership in celebrating Korean American Day and assisting Korean immigrants in Maryland. Committee announcements followed, including an Appropriations briefing on the effects of federal budget cuts on Maryland health and nutrition, an Economic Matters briefing on seasonal and migrant farmworker housing, and an Environment and Transportation energy briefing series. Ways and Means announced bill hearings, while Government, Labor, and Elections, Health, and Judiciary said they would not meet that day; Health subcommittee chairs were scheduled for analyst training. During personal and caucus announcements, members noted upcoming meetings for the Howard County delegation, the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, and the Veterans Caucus, and introduced the doctor of the day, Dr. Padmei Ransani Rana Singh of Johns Hopkins. The House also adopted a committee change appointing Delegate Susan K. McComas to the Judiciary Committee. After a final roll call showing 132 members present, the House remained in session and the majority leader moved adjournment until Wednesday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• AAPI rising 16% of our population.
• AAPI Californians are our educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, colleagues, friends, family, and
• And we all benefit from the cultural enrichment brought by the AAPI community, which truly shapes our
• As chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, we know the value of not only the economic exchanges, but also
• Thank you so much, Chair Fong, for your leadership on the AAPI Caucus.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• California is home to more than 6 million residents of AAPI descent, and Assembly District 54 is proud
• of More than 6 million residents of AAPI descent, and Assembly District 54 is proud to be one of the
• I want to thank my colleague from Alhambra and the AAPI Legislative Caucus for bringing this meaningful
• I want to thank my colleague from Alhambra and the AAPI Caucus for continuing to show your culture here

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file. The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage. The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rights at the Government Operations Agency, GovOps, last year in collaboration with the chairs of the AAPI
• As Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I'm proud to join Senator Gonzalez and my colleagues and urge
• SB 998 establishes a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI discrimination.
• SB 998 establishes a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI discrimination.
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAPI community has experienced and been a target of numerous anti-Asian

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rights at the Government Operations Agency, GovOps, last year in collaboration with the chairs of the AAPI
• As Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I'm proud to join Senator Gonzalez and my colleagues and urge
• SB 48, along with other deputy coordinators, but it also establishes a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI
• SB 998 establishes a deputy coordinator on anti-AAPI discrimination.
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAPI community has experienced and been a target of numerous anti-Asian

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black Caucus, the LGBTQ Caucus, the Women's Caucus, the Muslims Caucus, and the Jewish Caucus, and AAPI
• And<00:21:13.760> AAPI And AAPI And AAPI in<00:21:16.120> the<00:21:16.200> press

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then spent much of the session on recognitions and ceremonial resolutions. Members honored the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute girls basketball team for winning the Maryland State Girls 3A championship, and the Crofton High School boys indoor track and field team for a historic season that included county and region titles and the school’s first boys state championship. The chamber also recognized Sacred Heart Home in Hyattsville for 100 years of service to seniors in the community. The House received Senate Bills 10 and 84 from the Senate, waived separate readings, and referred them to the appropriate committees. Committee announcements noted upcoming bill hearings and vote sessions, including Appropriations, Economic Matters, Environment and Transportation, GLEE, Health, and Ways and Means, along with a reminder that amendments for the next day were due under House rules. Members also announced the formation of the Maryland Legislative STEM and Emerging Technology Caucus, focused on STEM education and policy issues such as AI, quantum technology, autonomous systems, robotics, and data infrastructure. Additional announcements included a Veterans Caucus breakfast, a Women in Government lunch, Eye Week screenings, a Savage Race team invitation, a birthday recognition for Delegate Bonnie Cullison, and a joint press conference by several caucuses. After a final quorum call confirmed 126 members present, the House adjourned until Wednesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• AAPI NH communities are diverse and spread across all 33 counties in this state, but they are not unique
• In the chamber and in the galleries, and to all of our AAPI NH communities, I want to say welcome.
• Today we have AAPI NH students representing the Bosque School. Please stand. Go ahead, stand.
• And in the gallery, we have AAPI community members from across the state. the state with heritages spanning
• So it is my honor to introduce you today to one of those board members, and it's this year's AAPI NHD

Transcript Highlights:

• For us standing here, AAPI Heritage Month is not simply a celebration on the calendar.
• Here in New Hampshire, our AAPI neighbors are woven into the fabric of our state.
• Heritage Month is not simply a AAPI Heritage Month is not simply a celebration<02:24:34.960> on
• neighbors are woven into the our AAPI neighbors are woven into the fabric<02:27:37.200> of<02
• calls<02:28:09.760> us<02:28:10.000> to AAPI Heritage Month also calls us to AAPI

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Bills: HR202, HB2095, SB2657, SB2138, SB3110, SB3082, SB3109, HB1800

Keywords: Hawaii, Hawaiʻi, house resolution, congratulatory resolution, education, public schools, librarian of the year, middle school principal of the year, school counselor of the year, teacher of the year, library system, blind and print disabled, accessible learning, braille, audio technology, principal, school counselor, agriculture education, culinary arts, student recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today on behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus and in strong support of ACR 70, which proclaims
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and AAPI Caucus in support of H.R.
• So on behalf of the LGBTQ and AAPI caucuses, I'm proud to join this significant commemoration of the
• Today I rise on behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus in strong support of SB 81, which protects our
• Our AAPI communities and immigrant communities know this fear all too well.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a busy floor session with several procedural motions and bill actions. Members suspended rules to allow speeches and guests, withdrew AB 362 from Appropriations to the second reading file, and voted 41-13 to suspend the rules for that motion. The body also took up a number of items on the daily and third reading files, with several measures passed, retained, or moved to inactive file. The main policy focus was ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged greater use of 988, secure firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses spoke in support, sharing personal experiences with suicide and emphasizing stigma reduction, access to care, and the importance of checking in on others. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed to members. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with unanimous support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510, the Assembly PERS Committee bill, which passed 66-1. Members then adopted H.R. 65, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, after extensive remarks celebrating Filipino American history, labor organizing, public service, and community contributions; 63 co-authors were added without objection before the voice vote. Later, the chamber passed SB 81, protecting access to health care facilities from immigration enforcement, and SB 98, requiring schools and campuses to notify communities when immigration enforcement is present; both were framed as part of a broader package to protect immigrant communities and passed on urgency votes. The session concluded with debate on SJR 9, a resolution condemning mass immigration raids and defending civil liberties, which drew sharply divided remarks from supporters and opponents, with no final action shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm hoping this won't come as a shock to you, but not all of us in the AAPI community graduate from
• horrendous attacks on our Latinx brothers and sisters cannot be denied or accepted, this is also an AAPI
• Historic AAPI enclaves are reporting slowdowns in businesses as people are afraid to come out of their
• community, in the Black community, in the Indigenous community, the Latino community, the LGBT, the AAPI
• community, in the Black community, in the Indigenous community, the Latino community, the LGBT, the AAPI

Summary: The Select Committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to examine the scope of hate activity in California and hear from state agencies, commissions, and community organizations. The chair opened by framing hate as a persistent crisis affecting many protected groups, and Assembly Member Gonzalez briefly joined the committee. The first panel included the California Department of Justice and the California Commission on the State of Hate, both of which presented recent data and policy recommendations. The Department of Justice reported that in 2024 California saw 2,023 reported hate crime events, 2,568 hate crime offenses, and 2,491 victims, with anti-Black bias remaining the most common category, followed by anti-Jewish and anti-Latino bias. DOJ also said referrals for prosecution increased, and it described its hate-crimes guidance, rapid response protocol, and multilingual resources. The Commission on the State of Hate said hate is undercounted in law enforcement data and cited a survey suggesting about 2.6 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year, including more than half a million potentially criminal incidents. It recommended permanent data infrastructure, mandatory law enforcement training, and continued funding for community-based prevention and victim support. The committee then heard testimony from representatives of the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, CARE, Equality California, and the Racial Equity Commission. Witnesses described systemic racism, anti-immigrant enforcement, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian bias, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate, often linking these harms to political rhetoric, social media, and federal actions. They urged the Legislature to fund programs such as California vs. Hate, Stop the Hate, nonprofit security grants, language access, school and mental health supports, and legal assistance, while also protecting civil rights, due process, and free speech. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing, but members indicated they would request additional recommendations and continue the discussion in future hearings.