AB611 — AB 611 is taken up as file item number one. The author presents the bill, explaining that it would create a voluntary tax contribution checkoff to fund spinal cord injury treatment research, notes that there is no opposition, and asks for an aye vote. The committee then moves to concur in the Senate amendments, and the bill passes 5-0.
Mark González — Assembly Member Mark González is introduced as the presenter of AB 817, which he explains is intended to address issues arising from the Lineage facility fire in his district. He notes the late hour, frames the bill as a response to problems in his community, and closes by thanking the chair and committee. Subsequent witnesses and committee members thank him for bringing the issue forward, reference his district as the site of the warehouse fire, and express appreciation for the amendments and his commitment to the bill.
Mike Gipson — Mike Gibson is called during the quorum roll call and marked present, then later records an aye vote during roll call.
Sharon Quirk-Silva — Sharon Quirk-Silva was first called during the quorum roll call and marked present, then identified as the member who seconded the motion.
Tina McKinnor — Tina McKinnor is first called during quorum roll call and marked present, then later identified as making a motion, and finally recorded as voting aye during roll call.
Michelle Rodriguez — Michelle Rodriguez was mentioned twice during procedural roll calls: first during the quorum roll call and later during the roll call vote.
Mr. Lee — Mr. Lee is introduced and begins testimony on AB 611; the chair notes that he has no witnesses and allows him to proceed.
AB817 — The committee takes up AB 817 and hears the author’s presentation of the bill, which addresses issues arising from a fire by requiring contingency planning and tax-free settlements, while also adding amendments to narrow the bill, clarify the facilities covered, and delay statewide implementation to address concerns. The chair then opens the hearing for support, and witnesses testify that the bill is an important and appropriate response, though some note concerns about its impact on cold storage facilities, construction costs, smaller businesses, and the contingency-fund requirement. The discussion concludes with a member thanking the author and expressing support for the bill.
Nicole Cignonas — She testifies on behalf of the Global Cold Chain Alliance.
Randy Pollack — He testifies on behalf of the American Chemistry Council in opposition.
Ms. Cionis — Randy Pollack echoes the prior witness's comments.
Rachel — She testifies in opposition on behalf of the California Grocers Association.
Wendy Carrillo — Wendy Carrillo expressed strong support for AB 17, thanked Assembly Member González for bringing the issue forward, and praised the author for acting quickly. She described the bill as a targeted approach that holds responsible parties accountable without harming intended industries such as restaurants, movie theaters, churches, and libraries. She closed by emphasizing the urgency of the measure and thanking colleagues for caring about Boyle Heights and her community.
AB17 — The speaker supports AB 17, describing it as a targeted bill that holds responsible parties accountable without affecting unrelated industries such as restaurants, movie theaters, churches, and libraries. The speaker also notes that the bill went through the proper committee process, allowing stakeholders to weigh in.
AB60 — The chair announces file item number one as AB 60.