Shannon Grove — Asked about controls to minimize fraud and ensure grant-funded services reach intended recipients.
Shannon Grove — The chair referred to her as Vice Chair Grove while transitioning to the next questioner.
Shannon Grove — Senator Laird joked that he had been 'assaulted by Senator Grove.'
Shannon Grove — Senator Shannon Grove is referenced twice in connection with her earlier questions, including a question about audits on CBOs, with both mentions serving as part of the same ongoing discussion.
Shannon Grove — Senator Grove moves to advance the nominee to the full Senate floor and is subsequently recorded as voting aye on the motion.
John Laird — John Laird was called present during roll call and then repeatedly recorded as voting aye during the same roll-call sequence, including on the appointment and Item 3.
John Laird — Was thanked by the Chair after the witness response.
John Laird — Recorded as voting aye.
John Laird — The chair called on Senator Laird to ask questions next.
John Laird — Senator John Laird presses the witness on contingency planning and accountability, asking whether there are backup plans if recommendations are not implemented and whether the agency can compel action or shut down unsafe juvenile facilities. He follows up by asking if closure would be considered when conditions are unsafe and then questions why the witness wants the job, keeping the exchange focused on enforcement authority and readiness to act on unsafe conditions.
John Laird — Recorded as voting aye.
Eloise Reyes — Eloise Reyes was present during roll call and then repeatedly recorded as voting aye during the subsequent vote sequence, including on Item 3.
Eloise Reyes — Raised questions about online retail sales tax collection and referenced Wayfair.
Eloise Reyes — Said she represents a district and county that were forward in cannabis cultivation and raised concerns about illicit activity trends.
Eloise Reyes — Recorded as voting aye.
Eloise Reyes — The chair indicated Senator Reyes would follow Senator Laird.
Eloise Reyes — The chair indicates the next question will go to Senator Reyes.
Eloise Reyes — The speaker refers to a colleague's prior comments and continues questioning.
Eloise Reyes — The speaker references a colleague's comments and the San Diego author Atkins bill.
Eloise Reyes — Referenced as part of the accountability discussion.
Eloise Reyes — Referenced as having asked earlier questions.
Eloise Reyes — Senator Reyes is addressed directly as asking a follow-up question.
Eloise Reyes — Senator Reyes asks whether abusive staffing was also a major issue.
Eloise Reyes — Recorded as voting aye.
Trista Gonzalez — Trista Gonzalez completed her confirmation remarks by emphasizing team culture, efficiency, innovation, and her desire to continue serving, then offered to answer questions. In the ensuing exchange, she confirmed she would return legislators’ calls and explained that the lithium extraction tax is already established in CDTFA’s system and ready for taxpayers to register when extraction begins. She then discussed CDTFA’s nearly nine-year evolution from the Board of Equalization, noting the agency’s focus on team members, engagement surveys, consistency, and giving the new organization time to reestablish itself with new processes and a safe space for staff input. She also said CDTFA reports through the secretary and governor and strives for transparency, and described how she fields taxpayer and representative questions while the taxpayer rights advocate office handles complaints and calls. The later remarks praised her responsiveness and problem-solving for constituents and small businesses, reinforcing the theme that she is accessible and effective in helping taxpayers and businesses.
Rosilicie Bogh — Thanked the nominee for leadership, said she had no questions, and said she looked forward to making the nomination to the floor.
AB147 — Cited as the legislation that adjusted the online sales tax threshold in California.
Kate Bell — Testified in strong support on behalf of Ryan LLC.
Jennifer Tannahill — Testified in support on behalf of Aaron Reed and Associates and the California Society of Enrolled Agents.
Director Gonzalez — Was congratulated on the committee’s approval to move the appointment to the full Senate.
Aaron McGuire, J.D. — Aaron McGuire, J.D., opened his testimony as the executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections by thanking the committee, his family, and colleagues for their support and acknowledging his appointment by Governor Newsom. He then described his 22 years in state government and 10 years at BSCC, including roles as general counsel and chief deputy director. McGuire explained that BSCC’s responsibilities have expanded significantly, including annual detention facility inspections, a growing grants portfolio, and the creation of an in-custody death review division aimed at increasing transparency and reducing preventable deaths in custody. In response to questions, he addressed a budget change proposal requesting 11 permanent positions, clarifying that the positions would be funded within existing administrative cost authority rather than requiring additional General Fund support. He said the workload growth across grant programs has stretched staff, especially given added challenges in nonprofit and private-sector grants, and that more staff are needed to provide technical assistance and ensure proper administration. McGuire also outlined BSCC’s grant oversight process, including pre-screening applicants, verifying eligibility and documentation, conducting grantee orientations, requiring regular reporting, using site visits, desk reviews, and audit staff, and performing end-of-grant compliance audits that can reduce reimbursements for unallowable expenses.
SB519 — Senator Laird requested a status update on the implementation of SB 519, asking what has been accomplished so far, what work remains, and what challenges have arisen in standing up the program.
SB519 — SB 519 is discussed as the bill creating a state program to review investigations and related trailer bill language. The discussion explains that the bill would allow matters to go before the board for additional authority when local investigations may be incomplete, and it also provides follow-up options if recommendations are not implemented.
the witness / agency leader — Said they enjoy the job, have worked at the agency for 10 years, and are proud of the team and the work.
Darby Kernan — Speaks in support of Aaron McGuire's nomination and appointment, on behalf of several re-entry providers.
Jamie Miner — Speaks on behalf of Giffords in support of BSCC's work and Aaron McGuire's leadership.
Monique Limón — Thanked the witness and explained why responsiveness to legislators matters in committee work.
Monique Limón — Senator Monique Limón was called on the roll and recorded as voting aye, and the appointment was then announced as approved to move to the full Senate for confirmation.
Monique Limón — The witness referenced the Senate confirmation process, which occurred before the committee chaired by Senator Limón.
Monique Limón — Recorded as voting aye.
Shannon Grove — Shannon Grove was called present during roll call and then participated in a series of committee actions by making motions on appointments and items, including Lee Herrick’s appointment and Items 3 through 9, and voting aye during the roll calls on those actions.
Shannon Grove — Shannon Grove shared a brief constituent-service anecdote, saying she had not realized the witness would be before the committee and thanking her for quickly resolving an issue. She continued praising the witness’s responsiveness and problem-solving, contrasting her follow-through favorably with others who “talk the talk” but do not “walk the walk.”
Shannon Grove — Moved to send Director Gonzalez to the full floor for a Senate vote.
Shannon Grove — Recorded as voting aye.
Shannon Grove — Welcomed the nominee and began questioning him.
Shannon Grove — Questioned the nominee about risk among community-based organizations and the request for 11 permanent positions.
Shannon Grove — Pressed the nominee on whether the staffing request implied a greater risk profile and whether it required additional General Fund support.
Shannon Grove — Sought clarification on whether existing administrative dollars would fund the positions.