Transcript Highlights:

• It's the California Cockfighting Cruelty Act.
• number of roosters is for cockfighting.
• Cockfighting is terrible. It needs to be stopped.
• If you are serious about deterring cockfighting, make it a felony.
• cockfighting in this state, this bill will not do it.

Summary: The Assembly Agriculture Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then adopted its committee rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session by a 5-0 vote. The committee heard a series of agriculture-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and moving forward. AB 1142 by Assemblymember Hoover would raise the fee thresholds for small public horse events that are exempt from equine medication monitoring rules; supporters said the current limits are outdated and hurt small riding clubs, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 411 by Assemblymember Papin would allow ranchers to compost livestock carcasses on-farm; supporters cited cost, environmental, and predator-control benefits, while rendering industry representatives asked for amendments to protect existing services and limit the bill’s scope. The bill passed to Natural Resources. AB 482 by Assemblymember Solache would modernize the California Table Grape Commission law and raise assessment caps without increasing assessments themselves; it passed to Appropriations. AB 312 by Vice Chair Alanis would shorten the holding period for ag theft property from six months to three months; it also passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 937 and AB 947 by Assemblymember Connolly. AB 937 would make technical changes to the Organic Transition Pilot Program to improve access to organic transition support, with testimony from a farmer who said the program helped him pursue organic certification; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 947 would expand and refine technical assistance under the Healthy Soils/Climate Smart Agriculture programs, including training, grant writing, matching funds coordination, equipment sharing, and outcome monitoring; supporters said the changes would help small and organic producers access state climate programs, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1486, presented by the chair, would use Proposition 4 funding to start grants for public postsecondary agricultural research farms focused on climate resiliency; members praised the role of CSU and UC research farms, and the bill passed to Natural Resources as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on AB 928 by Assemblymember Rogers, the California Cockfighting Cruelty Act. Supporters argued the bill would help law enforcement target cockfighting and rooster trafficking, reduce avian disease risks, and protect public health and animal welfare; opponents, including poultry hobbyists, breeders, and 4-H-related participants, said it would overreach into lawful poultry keeping and harm heritage-breed and youth programs, urging instead that cockfighting penalties be increased to a felony. Committee members echoed concerns about unintended impacts on legitimate poultry owners and requested continued work on exemptions and language. The bill passed to Judiciary on a 5-2-1 vote, with one no vote and one abstention, and the chair noted that further committee review would continue as the bill advances.

Transcript Highlights:

• number of roosters is for cockfighting.
• Cockfighting is terrible. It needs to be stopped.
• They make money from cockfighting. Otherwise, they wouldn't do it, right?
• I guarantee that no cockfighting operation will comply to NPIP anyway.
• I do not at all support cockfighting at all. Have you worked with NPIP?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I wanna make sure I have the, we're talking about cockfighting. Thank you.
• Uh, questions about, uh, dog or cockfighting, you, you please, uh, ask them extensive questions.
• Cockfighting is a blood sport that breeds violence. It breeds drug trafficking.
• If someone is in possession of a dub bird, there's only one reason cockfighting.
• So I don't know why we would allow cockfighting, gambling, and, and not make it a felony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to present AB 928, the Cockfighting Cruelty Act.
• The five largest busts of cockfighting farms in U.S. history all happened in California.
• The most profitable aspect of the entire cockfighting industry is the trafficking.
• The five largest busts of cockfighting farms in U.S. history all happened in California.
• Despite strong existing laws, cockfighting continues to flourish in California.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're talking about cockfighting, yes. Thank you. The state of Texas is...
• Cockfighting is a blood sport that breeds violence. It breeds drug trafficking.
• If someone is in possession of a dubbed bird, there's only one reason: cockfighting.
• You may think that seizing birds used in cockfighting rings is not as important as taking down a drug
• Just 16 days ago, in Hunt County, we seized 65 live and 10 dead roosters from an active cockfight.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, I'm here today to present AB 928, the Cockfighting Cruelty Act.
• I want to start by saying... ...to present AB 928, the Cockfighting Cruelty Act.
• that have names that don't sound like cockfighting.
• The assembly member made a comment about cockfighting isn't an issue in your district.
• The reality is that not everybody does want cockfighting to be out of California.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, I'm regarding cockfighting. Cockfighting is a victimless crime.
• Just to clarify, I believe the cockfighting was removed, but it's in again.
• So, cockfighting is a petty misdemeanor.
• already been charged and convicted three times of cockfighting.
• Why not amend our current cockfighting statute?

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to present AB 928, the Cockfighting Cruelty Act of 2026.
• I'm here to present AB 928, the Cockfighting Cruelty Act of 2026.
• I'm here to present AB 928, the Cockfighting Cruelty Act of 2026.
• Despite strong existing laws, cockfighting continues to flourish in California.
• Also discovered in the vehicle were 24 slasher devices, commonly used in cockfighting.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cockfighting is already at least...
• That are currently producing roosters for the purposes of cockfighting.
• Cockfighting is already illegal in every state.
• for those who participate in cockfighting, but that is not what this bill does.
• punishing responsible... ...stop illegal cockfighting.

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard. The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I'm in for the organized crime and dogfighting and cockfighting. I can see that, certainly.
• Cockfighting still takes place, and adding that to a list of racketeering crimes would be a potential
• I deplore it, and I voted against the cockfighting ban and fought to ban cockfighting.
• A number of people together, two people together to engage in cockfighting, make some second-degree felons
• judicial discretion and leave the legislative intent that they would do so for something like cockfighting

Transcript Highlights:

• Cockfighting is already illegal in every state and this bill we've continued to refine as it's gone through
• And I joined the author in saying that cockfighting is a horrible, horrible, horrible issue and that
• we should enhance penalties for those who participate in cockfighting. cockfighting, but that is not
• for your no vote and ask all of us to join in to ban and to enhance penalties when it comes to cockfighting
• While I strongly support the efforts to stop illegal cockfighting, this bill sweeps too broadly and risks

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• I will point out that the cockfighting lobby and their supporters at the Hawaii State Legislature have
• It is not about cockfighting. It is not about any other complex debate.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must also confront the reality and cruelty of cockfighting.
• We must also confront the reality and cruelty of cockfighting.
• We must also confront the reality and cruelty of cockfighting.
• We must also confront the reality and cruelty of cockfighting.
• Any serious discussion cockfighting.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Bills: SB137, SB1216, SB1226, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1733, SB1921

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB 1216, drug court, drug courts, Oklahoma drug court, eligibility, substance abuse treatment, addiction, diversion program, criminal justice reform, probation violation, revocation, intermediate revocation facility, plea agreement, speedy trial waiver, preliminary hearing waiver

Bills: HB285, HB795, HB1795, HB1871, HB2407, HB2461, HB2695, HB3507, HB4911, HB200

Keywords: animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, aggravated assault, penal code, public servant, deadly weapon, mass shooting, Penal Code, penalties, felony, Texas Penal Code, felony enhancement, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, violent crime, assault punishment, serious bodily injury

Transcript Highlights:

• managing the criminal cases that are in the rural area dealing with animal cruelty, dogfighting, cockfighting
• So we're, we do try and do our best to be on the front line of dogfighting and cockfighting.
• there's some legislation that may roll through here in, in that, uh, realm of, of, uh, dog and cockfighting

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Bills: HB3765, HB4324, HB3678, HB4170, HB3495, HB3040, HB3062, HB4140, HB4106, HB4109, HB4104, HB3581

Keywords: property rights, forfeiture, noncitizen, land ownership, felony, public safety, criminal procedure, sentence modification, resentencing, judicial review, postconviction relief, district attorney, prosecutor, victim rights, victim notification, Department of Corrections, inmate rehabilitation, sentencing reform, life without parole, nonviolent offense

Transcript Highlights:

• All about cockfighting.
• I'm Mexicano and I like cockfighting apparently so there you have it, remember to take note.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cockfighting operations involve felony-level offenses, including animal cruelty, gambling, narcotics,
• responsibilities further strains limited responsibilities further strains limited resources.<01:45:11.840> Cockfighting
• Cockfighting operations resources.
• Cockfighting operations involve<01:45:13.280> felony<01:45:13.760> level<01:45:14.000><

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account