Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum. Ms. President. Senators, if we can kindly return to our seats, please, please rise. Will the guest beyond the railing please rise? We will be led in prayer this morning by Sister Michelle Gorman, after which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

So let us pray. Holy fire at the heart of all reality. Warm our human hearts with the energies of passion and compassion. Illuminate our minds with the truth of our temporary and mortal state and give us a hint of enlightenment about the purpose of our existence.

Illuminate for us the world with all its awesome wonders, so that we may go about our life wisely and creatively, ready to reject illusions, ready to accept facts, however harsh, grateful for the honor of being present to it all. Give us enough wisdom to cope with the gift of this astonishing life itself.

We ask this in your name. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance. There will be no privileges of the floor. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted. Moving into motions, resolutions and notices. There are floor amendments at the desk.

They will be deemed adopted under floor amendment. Motion without objection. Floor amendments that cross the desk tomorrow, Friday, September 5th, will be adopted, published and ordered to second reading Members without objection. AB509 will be added to today's special consent calendar. Senator Laird, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Please move the following bills to the inactive file at the request of the author. Assemblymember Berman, file item 137, Assembly Bill 686 and file item 247, Assembly Bill 1130.

The desk has noted. Any other Member wish to be recognized under motions and resolutions? Majority Leader, you are recognized.

Thank you. Members, I move the adoption of author's amendments as approved by Senate leadership that cross the desk on Saturday and Sunday, September 6th and 7th. These amendments will be adopted and published upon receipt.

Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

Thank you. Madam President. We respectfully object and ask for a roll call vote.

Thank you. Senator Valladares is asking for a no vote. Senator Gonzalez is asking for a aye vote. Once Secretary is ready, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 28, Noes 10. Motion carries. Majority Leader, you're once again recognized.

Thank you. Madam President. Members, I moved to suspend SR 29.3b to allow committees to cross authors amendments after the deadline on Saturday September 6th and Sunday, September 7th.

Senator Valladares, you're recognized.

Thank you. Madam President, respectfully object and ask for the previous roll call to be applied.

Senator Valladares is asking for a no vote. Any objection to utilizing the previous roll call? See none. Ayes 28 Noes 10. The motion carries. See no other members wishing to be recognized. Under motions and resolutions. We're going to move into the meaty part of our day. Consideration of the daily file.

Colleagues, we have a lot of support support items today. If you stay within what we're calling hollering distance, we will be able to get through this day as quickly as possible. Please let the floor team know if you're going to be moving further away from that zone. We have items 1 through 33 under second reading. File secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 836 with amendments 60 with amendments 610 with amendments 1250 with amendments 890 with amendments.

Second reading will be deemed read. We have four items under Governor's appointments, all under the Senator Laird show. Senator Laird, you may begin with file item 36.

Thank you very much, Madam President. And thank you for the characterization. Final item 36 is the confirmation of Doug Hendrickson for reappointment to the State Athletic Commission. Mr. Hendrickson was first appointed to the Commission in 2021. He's the Executive Vice President for the National Football League division at Wasserman.

He was approved by the Rules Committee on July 16. I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

See no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Senator Laird moves to call. Moving on to file item 37. Senator?

Thank you, Madam President. Item 37 is the confirmation of David Nahi to the Water Quality Control Board in the Los Angeles region. He first served on the board from 1997 to 2009. He returned in 2021. He currently serves as the board chair.

He's also chair of the Los Angeles Business Council and the board Member of the UCLA Luskin Center and Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator. He was approved by the Rules Committee on July 16. I respectfully asked for an iPhone.

We'll be moving through the roll call just once. We'll be putting the items on call. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Laird moves to call. Senator Laird with file item 40.

Thank you, Madam President. File item 40 is the confirmation of Darnell Grisby for reappointment to the California Transportation Commission, where he currently serves as the chair. He's the Senior Vice President at the Beneficial State Foundation, also a Member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials and the Urban Land Institute.

He was approved by the Rules Committee on August 20th. I respectfully request an aye vote.

I see no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Laird moves to call. Senator Laird on your final item for Governor appointments file item 42.

Thank you, Madam President. File item 42 is the confirmation of Vivian Perez for reappointment to the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Board. She is the Executive Director of the Community Organization Riesis and also on the faculty of the College of Health Professions at the University of Phoenix. She currently serves as the board's chair.

She was approved by the Rules Committee on August 20. I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

No discussion on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Laird moves the call. Moving into unfinished business. I know. Senators, a reminder, be as concise as possible and stick to the amendments of your Bill. Starting us off is going to be Senator Wiener with file item 46.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 276 by Senator Wiener, an act relating to local government and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, SB 276 is back on concurrence. Amendments in the Assembly require subsequent violations of the Bill to occur within 18 months of the first violation. SB 276 is a narrow, surgical approach to deal with a significant issue in San Francisco around the sale of stolen goods on our streets.

I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Wiener moves to call. Senator Limon, you're up with file item 48. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 412 by Senator Limon, an act relating to public health.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. SB 412 is back on concurrence. This Bill better prepares affiliated home care aides to handle challenges with caregiving for an individual with Alzheimer's disease. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

No mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Limon moves to call. Senator Rubio, you have file item 55. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 443 by Senator Rubio, an act relating to retirement.

Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise to present SB 443, a good government bill to help ensure public employees keep their CalPERS benefits when they transition to work for a joint power's authority. This Bill is back in concurrence after just taking amendments to chapter out, out of SB 853.

This Bill has no opposition, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Rubio moves to call. Up next is file item 57 by the birthday boy. Happy birthday to Senator Arreguin. If we can congratulate and celebrate him right now. Happy birthday.

Thank you, Madam President.

Secretary, please read file item 57.

Senate Bill 617 by Senator Arreguin, an act relating to employment.

Birthday boy.

SB 617 is back on concurrence. Amendments taken the Assembly were technical and clarifying to ensure that these notices include a standard message written in simple terminology. Respectfully ask your aye vote on SB 617.

No mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Arreguin moves to call file item 60 by Senator McNerney. Secretary, please read

Senate Bill 31 by Senator McNerney an act relating to water quality.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, SB31 is back on concurrence. We just added a few co authors in the Assembly. It's a water recycling Bill. I ask for your aye vote.

Seeing no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator McNerney moves to call Senator Laird with file item 65. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 230 by Senator Laird an act relating to workers compensation.

Senator.

Thank you very much, Madam President. SB230 is back on concurrence. The amendments clarify that the Bill is perspective. There's support on both sides. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. I see no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Laird moves to call file item 68. Senator Arreguin.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 49 by Senator Arreguin, an act relating to local government.

Thank you, Madam President. SB 49 is back on concurrence. This Bill required that all public agencies that have a role in approvals for housing developments post approval requirements online. Amendments taken the Assembly were technical in nature. This Bill has no opposition. It passed off the Assembly for in a vote of 64 to 0.

Senator.

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Arreguin moves to call Senator Perez with file item 73. Secretary, please read

Senate Bill 782 by Senator Perez and accurately to local government and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. SB 782 establishes a streamlined mechanism for cities and counties to create climate resilience districts and bypass the traditional infrastructure financing plan process. Assembly amendments further clarified that two members of the district board need to be from the immediate disaster affected area. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

No discussion on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Perez moves to call, colleagues moving into Assembly. Third reading. Senator Umberg will kick us off with file item 97.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 94 by Assemblymember Bennett, an act relating to elections.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. AB 94 simply cleans up some legislation with respect to recalls. What it does is it prohibits someone who's been recalled from being immediately reappointed to that exact same position. I urge an aye vote.

No mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Umberg moves to call. Senator Cortese, you have file item 104 on a support-support. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1299 by Assemblymember Bryan, an act relating to vehicles.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to present AB 1299 on behalf of Assembly Member Bryan, a bill that gives local governments the flexibility to reduce or wave parking fines for people who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. This is a common sense fix and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Cortese moves to call. Senator Valladares, you have file item 114 by Assemblymember Lackey. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 779 by Assemblymember Lackey, an act relating to Child Welfare Services.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present AB 779 on behalf of Assemblyman Lackey. This measure is designed to protect survivors of domestic violence and strengthen our child warefare system—welfare system. Right now, survivors of domestic abuse can face negligent—neglect allegations—simply for being victims, being forced to choose between staying silent or risking child removal.

AB 779 builds on a proven program in the Antelope Valley that places domestic violence consultants directly in Department of Child and Family Services offices. These experts guide social workers in real time, helping them understand family dynamics and connect families to critical resources. This pilot has worked. It's trauma informed, family centered, and keeps more families together safely.

The Antelope Valley has some of the highest rates of domestic violence and foster placements. This program directly addressed those challenges, and this Bill will scale the success for the state, with an opt-in program.

AB 779, we can, with AB 7—with AB 779, we can expand this model and give our social workers and families the tools that they need to act with compassion and position. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senators. My fault. I forgot to tell you, with support-support. We have a full house. We are gonna move forward with calling the roll call twice for any missing members. If we get everybody on the floor right now, we can establish a unanimous roll call moving forward.

Secretary, please call the roll because I see no mics up for discussion.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 38. Noes 0, measure passes. Senator Grove, you have file item 134 and a support support. Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 568 by Assemblymember Macedo an act relating to water districts.

Senator.

Thank you Madam President. Colleagues, I rise to present Assembly of 568 by Assemblywoman Macedo. AB568 establishes a groundwater sustainability agency for Tulare County after several cities and irrigation districts left the previous joint powers authority. Since the implement implementation of SGMA GSAs across the state have worked to achieve compliance in the central Valley.

However, the top three food producing counties in the entire world, we face a critical challenge because there's not enough surface water to effectively recharge our groundwater. This Bill will provide Tulare county with a functional GSA helping the region to meet the SGMA requirements. Then to secure a sustainable groundwater future. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 38 Noes 0, measure passes. Senator Rubio with file item 136. She's ready to go and has support support.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 592 by Assemblymember Gabriel, an act relating to business.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President and ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. I rise as a proud co-author to present AB 592 by Assemblymember Gabriel. Community restaurants are the heart and soul of California, providing good-paying jobs, enriching communities, and giving friends and family a place to connect and celebrate.

After the devastating Covid impact to our businesses and communities, many restaurants struggled to stay afloat. Outdoor dining was a lifeline to these small businesses during those difficult times, and now, our restaurants continue to struggle, and we want to be able to provide support and help them once again.

AB 592 will provide critical support for restaurants by cutting through unnecessary red tape and allowing them to continue operating outdoor dining under current regulations until 2029. This Bill has passed through both the Assembly and the Senate committees with bipartisan support. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up for discussion. This also is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Seeing none. Aye's 38, no 0. Measure passes. Senator Umberg with file item 164. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 931 by Assemblymember Kalra, an act relating to attorneys.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, AB 931 deals with funding for litigation. What it does is it creates basically certain rules with respect to litigation funders and those who are recipients. It addresses excessive interest rates, requirements that the funding company not steer legal strategy and unrealistic repayment timelines.

It requires that all terms be disclosed in plain English and also provides consumer a five day right of revocation. I urge an aye vote.

Unanimous roll call was short lived. We're going to be putting future items on call. Senator Rubio, I don't know if you left your mic up. Okay, no discussion on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Umberg moves to call. Senator Wahab is ready with file item 192.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 251 by Assembly Member Kalra an act relating to elders and dependent adults.

Senator.

Thank you. I rise to present AB251, which gives a judge discretion to apply the preponderance of the evidence standard as the burden of proof if the court finds intentional destruction of evidence by defendant's skilled nursing facility. Residential care facility for the elderly.

RCFEs, as they are known, are adult care facilities in relation to a civil case under the Elder Abuse Independent Adult Civil Protection Act. This Bill addresses the governor's veto on a similar Bill from last year by giving judges discretion to apply the lower standard or not after determination that intentional destruction of the material evidence occurred.

Often elder abuse victims are unable to provide testimony due to sickness or death and usually have to deal with an unusually high burden of proof in the act can make it nearly impossible to justify a claim. This difficulty is compounded when there is an intentional and willful destruction of evidence relevant to the case.

This is narrow, as it only applies when there's proven. It's proven by the plaintiff. And the author also worked out other amendments with the California Association of Healthcare Facilities, who are now neutral on the Bill. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

I see no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Wahab moves to call Senator Perez. You have file item 220, Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 681 by Assembly Member Elhawary an act relating to student financial aid.

Senator Perez.

Thank you. Madam President. I rise today to present AB681 on behalf of Assembly Member Elhawary, which will make graduate education more accessible for undocumented students. Undocumented students currently can't access federal aid, but California's Dream Loan program helps fill that gap. Unfortunately, the borrowing cap for the Dream Loan program is currently $4,000.

This does not help many Undocumented student meets the cost of Graduate School. AB681 seeks to alleviate that issue by increasing the annual loan cap under the existing Dream loan program from $4,000 to $20,500. Aligning much more closely with federal graduation loan limits.

AB681 opens doors, breaking barriers and setting a standard for progress that others should aspire to follow. I ask for your aye vote on AB 681. Thank you.

Seeing no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Perez moves to call. Senator Caballero, you have file item 234, Senator.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 833 by Assembly Member Alvarez an act relating to teachers.

Senator.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Members, I rise to present AB833 on behalf of Assembly Member Alvarez. The Binational Teacher Expansion Act.

A vital step to address California's growing teacher shortage as of 2022-2023 School year California is home to over 1.1 million English Languages Language Learner students, making up approximately 19% the total K through 12 student population. Additionally, there are hundreds of thousands of bilingual students who benefit from dual language programs.

Despite this significant need, the state faces a critical shortage of bilingual teachers. Teacher shortages have disproportionately impacted underserved communities, and AB833 ensures that every student, especially those in bilingual classrooms, has access to a quality education regardless of their zip code.

It also opens the door for qualified teachers from Mexico to temporarily teach in California, bringing their cultural knowledge, experience and expertise into the classroom. AB833 explicitly requires the State Board of Education to include exchanges with Mexico in its rules and regulations.

It also extends the program to school districts, county offices of education and charter schools while allowing designated visa sponsors in addition to the California Department of Education. This promotes cultural exchanges, enriches our classrooms, and the bill is a critical step to address California's urgent teacher shortage and. Ensure every student has access to quality.

Education, especially in bilingual classes. I thank you and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

No discussion on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Caballero moves to call. Senator Durazzo. You have filed item 239. Colleagues just getting a little bit too loud.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1002 by Assemblymember Gabriel, an act relating to professions and vocations.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of Assemblymember Gabriel, I'm pleased to present AB 1002. This measure will protect workers from serious and repeat wage theft violations.

Most importantly, this Bill gives the Department of Justice, in cooperation with the California State License Board, Contractor State License Board, the authority to pursue contractor license suspensions or revocations or conditions in the most serious cases of repeat wage theft. The current regulatory system provides insufficient deterrence for some repeat offenders.

This Bill's supported by labor organizations, the Contractor State License Board, State Building and Construction Trades, Labor Federation, and numerous legal aid groups. It has no opposition and is sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. No mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

For now, we have a full house. Secretary, please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 33, noes 2. The measure passes. Senator Durazo, you're back up again with file item 248.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 1136 by Assembly Member Ortega an act relating to employment.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, it's really wonderful to present AB 1136 today on behalf of Assemblymember Ortega. This Bill will give workers who have been wrongfully detained or deported by ICE a necessary and humane grace period to organize their affairs and return to their jobs without putting employers at either legal or financial risk.

The Bill provides workers with five unpaid days to attend immigration related matters. The Bill also requires employees to be offered their position back once they have returned to the US and proven their legal status. This language dates back two decades, to when it was first negotiated by Unite Here under my leadership.

Most major hotels and casinos in the US have a version of this bill's language in their collective bargaining agreements, including President Donald Trump's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up on this matter. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Because we can't have nice things, we're placing items back on call. Senator Durazo moves to call. Senator Arreguin with file item 259. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1344 by Assembly Member Irwin an act relating to firearms.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President and Senators, I'm pleased to present AB 1344 today on behalf of Assemblymember Irwin. Gun violence restraining orders are a key tool in the battle to reduce gun violence.

These orders prohibit the restrained individual from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition and allow law enforcement to remove any firearms or ammunition that the individual may have.

While previous laws have sought to increase access to gun violence restraining orders, current rates of gun violence restraining orders continue to remain low, though our communities throughout California continue to suffer gun violence at heartbreaking rates.

AB 1344 will help in the fight against gun violence by creating a pilot program in the counties of Alameda, El Dorado, Santa Clara and Ventura to test whether the addition of district attorneys to the list of authorized petitioners can meaningfully impact the rates at which gun violence restraining orders are attained without creating unintended consequences. I respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Seeing no mic. Oh, Senator Blakespear, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of SB 1344, which will make it easier for district attorneys to file gun violence restraining orders. In my home County of San Diego, we've seen that dedicated resources are needed to take full advantage of these restraining orders. This involves keeping hands.

Keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and others with a history or danger of committing violence. This is an important part of preventing gun violence and keeping people safe. This Bill recognizes that County District Attorney's offices can help with the workload of filing for a gun violence restraining order via this limited pilot program.

I'm excited about this Bill, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Not missing any other mics. Senator Arreguin, you may close.

Respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Arreguin moves to call, Senator Perez with file item 279.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 239 by Assembly Member Harabedian an act relating to housing and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present AB239 on behalf of Assemblymember Harabedian which establishes a state led disaster housing task force with representation from Cal HCD, Cal OES, FEMA and local governments to streamline and accelerate housing recovery efforts in response to the devastating LA fires. AB239 has no opposition and has received bipartisan support. I respectfully ask your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. This requires a 2/3 vote. Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Perez moves to call Senator Durazo. Ready with file item 290. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 339 by Assemblymember Ortega, an act relating to public employment.

Senator Durazo.

Thank you, Madam President. Current law requires that local governments provide reasonable notice to local employee unions when they are contracting out bargaining unit work. However, local governments inconsistently comply with the requirement to notify the union.

AB 339 would require local governments to notify unions of plans to contract out bargaining unit work 45 days before engaging in an RFP process. This Bill does not prohibit contracting out. This Bill does not prevent local governments from responding to emergencies like the LA fires.

This Bill is a simple measure to ensure that civil service employees who have an MOU and the expertise perform local government services are not undercut by private contractors being paid with taxpayer dollars. Unlike the Federal Government, which has laid off tens of thousands of federal workers, this Bill ensures that California has a strong public sector workforce.

And on behalf of Assemblymember Ortega, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. I see no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Durazo moves to call. Senator Ashby is ready to go with file item 292.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 352 by Assembly Member Pacheco an act relating to crimes.

Senator.

Madam President, rise to present Assembly Bill 352 on behalf of Assemblymember Pacheco, which responds to the alarming rise in threats against our judicial system and elected officials.

AB352 provides a targeted solution, adding a subdivision to penal code for 422 to make criminal threats against judges, court commissioners, Members of the Legislature and state constitutional officers an aggravating factor in court proceedings. The Bill sends a clear message. Threatening judges and elected officials will not be tolerated.

Protecting these institutions protects the rule of law and more importantly, our democracy. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Ashby moves to call. Senator Padilla. You have file item 296.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 399 by Assemblymember Boerner, an act relating to coastal resources.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present AB 399 on behalf of Assemblymember Boerner, which would allow the California Coastal Commission to authorize blue carbon demonstration projects and add that to the suite of factors it considers for potential mitigation when approving coastal development permits.

Research shows that blue carbon ecosystems, such as seagrasses and salt marshes, are more efficient at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon, the most terrestrial forests or settings.

This bill's a result of a transportation project in North County, San Diego, where a project to widen the I-5 freeway lanes addressed environmental concerns related to wildlife living in six coastal lagoons, 32 acres of wetlands, 74 acres of coastal sage through a blue carbon mitigation project. I'd respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Choi, you're recognized on this item.

Thank you, madam and the Members. I rise today in opposition to AB 399. The idea of blue carbon projects may sound appealing, but this Bill is costly and poorly designed. The California Coastal Commission, made up of unelected bureaucrats, should not be granted any more expanded authority.

What we should be focusing on is incentivizing businesses to make climate investments, not expanding burdensome regulatory mandates, at a time when many of our coastal communities are reeling from wildfire devastate—devastation—and it's not the time to add layers of red tape and delay projects that are necessary to rebuilding those areas along the coast.

The Legislature should pursue carbon initiatives through voluntary and incentive-based programs, rather than expanding regulatory mandates. I urge a no vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Padilla, would you like to close?

Thank you, Madam President. Members. I would just remind the members that the language in the Bill before us is permissive. It adds to a suite of other potential mitigations the Coastal Commission may consider. It only applies to projects that impacts coastal wetlands or marine habitat, entirely consistent with the goals of the Coastal Act.

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Padilla moves the call. We will now move back in file, to file item 157, AB 1415. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1415 by Assemblymember Bonta, an act relating to healthcare.

Senator Menjivar, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise on behalf of AB 1415 for Assemblymember Bonta. In 2022, this Legislature and the Governor stood up the Office of Health Care Affordability, or OCA, with an aim of lowering health costs, improving outcomes, and improving equity in health care.

Currently, OCA's three primary responsibilities are managing spending targets, monitoring system performance, and assessing marking consolidation. This Bill slightly expands the role of OCA by requiring private equity and hedge funds investing in buying healthcare entities to report as part of OCA's existing merger review.

This is because private equity acquisitions of health care providers in California have totaled $4.3 billion in the last two years, which is one third of all health care deals and like other health mergers, health care mergers, these transactions drive up prices for consumers and some have resulted in negative impacts on quality access to care and some hospitals have even had to close post private equity investment.

This Bill also includes management service organizations in OCA's merger review and ongoing research. And while the MSOs help provide a variety of non-clinical services, they have a very significant impact on healthcare market functioning, patient care, and prices.

They help manage physician organizations and once brought up by private equity, limit how doctors provide care and could shorten—increase prices and requiring shorter appointments—less appointments for consumers. The author has worked tirelessly to address the concerns of opposition. She has refined the definition of MSO to clarify that it does not include health systems.

She's added language to clarify the entities that currently have to report to OCA will not be subject to duplicative reporting provisions, which has removed the University of California to neutral on this bill. This is a much narrower bill than when she introduced it.

It's about reporting and transparency in mergers and acquisitions for our health care systems colleagues. We've heard our families across the state are grappling with the increase of costs in health care and aren't receiving the quality of care they deserve.

This Bill will ensure that OCA has the needed authority over private equity and health care entities impacting our costs. We cannot talk about affordability without addressing the cost of health care. With that, respectfully asking for an aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Padilla, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support. The Office of Healthcare Affordability is trying to stop healthcare from getting even more unaffordable than it is now. More than half of California consumers skip or delay healthcare simply because the cost is too great to bear.

This Bill ensures that OCA has the necessary information to review private equity firms purchases of hospitals and physician practices which, in turn, impact costs in the care systems and inhibit them achieving their mission to patients. This Bill does not give OCA the authority to prevent private equity investment in healthcare.

Most of the opposition concerns here are related to existing law. This is not a time to reitigate—relitigate, excuse me—OCA. Would respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate. Senator Menjivar, would you like to close?

I appreciate my colleague from San Diego for his support on AB 1415. AB 1415 does not—just simply requires basic transparency about healthcare transaction. It does not block transactions. It does not divert capital or reduce access to care. Investors looking at California hospitals, clinics, and group practices as an investment opportunities would still be able to do so.

They just simply have to notify the state about that transaction. Asking for an aye vote, respectfully.

Thank you. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 26. Noes, 10. The measure passes. Senator Grove, we're coming back to you with file item 330. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 830 by Assemblymember Rogers, an act relating to streets and highways.

Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise to present AB 830 on behalf of Assemblyman Rogers. This is a bipartisan measure to help a small rural community in Hopland in Mendocino County. The State Highway 101 runs directly through Hopland, and any maintenance on the highway falls under the jurisdiction of Caltrans.

Caltrans is ready to move forward with the project to improve ADA access, repave a highway, and make some safety upgrades for this small community, but under current law, the Hopland Public—Public Utility District—would be required to pay for relocating its utilities, and the expense is about $3 million.

Hopland Public Utility District supports and import—supports this important project—for making sure that they have good, safe highways, but with S—but with 340 ratepayers—securing that funding for $3 million would take years and further delay the critical safety improvements.

So, AB 830 is a client compromise fix which requires Caltrans to take responsibility for relocating the utilities so the project could move forward without leaving this small community with an impossible bill. On behalf of all of us who represent rural communities, please, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. I see no mics up for discussion. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 39. No, zero. The measure passes. Senator Arreguin, you have file item 364. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1314 by Assemblymember Ahrens, an act relating to foster care.

Senator.

Colleagues, I rise today present AB 1314 on behalf of Assemblymember Ahrens. AB 1314 ensures that all youth eligible for transitional housing have the best chance of placement by requiring counties to create contracts to ensure maximum flexibility and minimize barriers for youth placement.

California law already allows the Department of Social Services to license with transitional housing placement programs that offer housing and support services to former foster youth and help them develop skills for independent living. In California, the number of 18 to 20 year olds re-entering foster care increased by 105% between 2022 and 2024.

In 2010, AB 12 was enacted to enhance support for foster care youth by raising the age limit for eligibility to 21 years of age. This change aims to provide these young individuals with additional time and resources to transition into adulthood.

It is critical that we support our youth during these defining moments in their lives and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on AB 1314.

Thank you, Senators. Colleagues, if we could take our conversations to the back of chambers, please. Getting too loud. Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please continue calling the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 32. Noes, zero. The measure passes. Senator Umberg, file item 387. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 1374 by Assemblymember Berman, an act relating to rental pass—rental passenger vehicle transactions.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. AB 1374 is a righteous bill concerning rental car transparency. All of us here in this chamber have rented a car. What this Bill says is when you rent a car, you should be knowledgeable, and you should be provided that knowledge up front as to the actual price.

In addition, it also says that if you go and you rent a car and you show up at the counter, turns out you don't have a car that has a gas combustible engine, you get an electric car that is only rechargeable at certain stations that may not be accessible, that you should know that ahead of time.

Not that that would be a personal issue. In any event, I urge an aye vote.

No discussion on this item. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 29. Noes, 3. Measure passes. Senator Cabaldon on file item 138.

Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 697 by Assemblymember Wilson, an act relating to protect the species.

Thank you, Madam President. One of the most beautiful highways in California is almost entirely contained within my district, and I know many of you have had the chance to drive on it.

Senator.

That is Highway 37, which you would enter from Vallejo and cross through the marshes, the marshes and baylands of the North Bay into Sonoma county and ultimately into Marin. It is a beautiful drive because the waves of the bay as they seek to get into the marsh flap along the side.

You get plenty of time to look because it's highly likely that you will be stuck in endless, unmoving traffic. But there is a problem and that is that due to climate change and sea level rise, the expectation is that highway will be entirely underwater within the next 25 years. It is not mainly a scenic highway though.

It is the lifeblood for so many residents of my district, particularly in Solano County, who work, are the essential workers for Sonoma County as well, to be able to get to and from work.

This Bill authorizes the incidental take of four species for the interim project, the half a billion-dollar interim project, across Highway 37 to protect it against sea level rise and also to implement restoration projects in the bay and the marsh. It is a hotly contested project in the in the local community.

Let me make no mistake about that. And that is because there is a better project, and this is the lead up to. There is an elevated causeway project that would be even better than the project that is proposed. However, the Appropriations Committee was not going to allow an $11 billion appropriation for that project.

So, we are working towards that ultimate goal of building the elevated causeway, but this project is essential and is a special step towards the completion of that. The legislation that is before us assures that the incidental take permit will be undertaken with all of the protections that would apply to habitat conservation plans or natural communities' conservation plans, that it will fully mitigate the impacts on these species and that will include these restoration projects.

I would point out that the incidental take will be required whether it's this project or the ultimate $11 billion project. The opponents have said that they prefer that long term project and that we should have transit instead.

And that we should build more housing in Sonoma County, so people don't have to go from Vallejo and Fairfield to work in Sonoma County. Both of those are true, but in order to have effective transit on this corridor, we need more than one single lane.

You cannot run an effective bus service on Highway 37 when you know you're going to be trapped in traffic the entire time. So, it is essential for that purpose.

And while we do need to build housing in Sonoma County for, for folks who work in Sonoma County, the answer to that, to that problem today is not to tell all the folks in Vallejo and Fairfield that they will be out of a job while we work on a project for the next 20 years for the long—big, long-term solution.

So, with that, this is supported by all of the local governments, the transportation agencies in the region. It is the appropriate next step. This is an essential part of that, and I would urge an aye vote.

Senator Alvarado-Gil, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. With respectful opposition to the fact that Highway 37 is one of the most beautiful highways in California, I just want to add to what the good Senator from Napa has offered, is that Highway 395 here in California, one of the most historic highways that will take you through some of the most breathtaking views of California, through the eastern Sierras and Nevada mountains.

So, I am in respectful support. Just want to add for the record and contention of Highway 395 is one of the most beautiful highways.

And this is a friendly competition between the Senator and I, who share also wine regions and historic recreation areas. So, respectful support of this Bill.

Seeing no other mics up. Senator, you may close.

Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of all of the most beautiful highways in California, I would urge an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes—please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 36. Noes, zero. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 153. Senator Wiener, you have file item 153.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 321 by Assembly Member Schultz an act relating to crimes

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to present AB321 on behalf of Assemblymember Schultz. This Bill allows judges to classify wobbler cases as felonies or misdemeanors. They have sufficient evidence to make the decision before trial or under specified changed circumstances.

When making decisions that impact the trajectory of a criminal case, judges should be able to review and weigh relevant information required to make sound, informed decisions. This Bill will make the court system more efficient and save public money by ensuring that the resources Spent on cases match the seriousness and complexity of the crime. I asked for an aye vote.

Seeing no mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent Members one more time.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 23, Noes 13. The measure passes. Senator Ochoa Bogh, you have file item 403.

Secretary, please read

Assembly Bill 1370 by Assemblymember Patterson an act relating to state government.

Senator.

Madam President and ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. On behalf of Assemblyman Patterson, it is my honor to present AB 1370, which will improve transparency of the legislative process. Non disclosure agreements have an important, important role in private legal disputes, especially in protecting trade secrets and financial information.

But when it comes to crafting the laws that govern us, NDA should not be used to obscure the process. AB 1370 seeks to prevent the use of NDAs in the drafting, negotiation and discussion of any proposed legislation. The Bill focuses on two key provisions. First, it prohibits legislators from entering into or requesting NDAs related to legislative matters.

This means no more secretive deals while developing and negotiating the laws that affect all Californians. Second, it allows NDAs when it comes to protecting truly sensitive information, such as trade secrets or proprietary financial data, which is important for maintaining confidentiality in the private sector.

AB 1370 will help ensure that our government works in transparent work is transparent because we've seen how a lack of transparency can erode trust in our institutions. This is our chance to strengthen the public trust by ensuring legislative processes are open, accountable and free, fully visible to the public.

Let me note again that this Bill does not eliminate all NDAs, just those used with regard to developing legislation. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. I see no mics up on this item, so we're going to call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0. The measure passes. All right, y'all, that was it. We're gonna lift calls. We're going to start with file item 36. Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 30, Noes 9. The appointment is confirmed. Please open the roll on file item 30.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29. Noes 8. The appointment is confirmed. Please call the absent Members on file item 40.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29. Noes 10. The appointment is confirmed. Let's call absent Members on file item 42.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 30, Noes 5. The appointment is confirmed. It's called the absent Members on file item 46.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0. Assembly amendments are concurred in. It's called absent Members on file item 48.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes. 0. Assembly amendments are concurred in. Call the absent Members on file item 55.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0. Assembly amendments are concurred in. Please call the absent Members on file item 57.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 38. Noes 0. Assembly amendments are concurred in. Call the absent Members for file item 60.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0. Assembly amendments are concurred in. Call the absent Members on file item 65.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0. Assembly Members are concurred in. Please call the absent Members on file item 68.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0 Assembly amendments are concurred in. Please call the absent Members on file item 73.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0. Assembly amendments are concurred in. Open the roll call on file item 97.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0, measure passes. Please call the absent Members on file item 104.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0, measure passes. Please call the absent Members on file item 164.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29, Noes 10, measure passes. Please call the absent Members on 192.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29. Noes 7, measure passes. Please call the absent Members on file item 220.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 30 Noes 9, measure passes. Please call the absent Members on file item 234.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0, measure passes. Please call the absent Members on file item one second. Please open the roll call on fire item 248.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29, Noes 10, measure passes. Call the absent Members on file item 259.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 32 Noes 4, measure passes. Let's call the absent Members on fire item 279.

[Roll Call]

On the urgency. Ayes 39. Noes 0, measure passes. Call the absent Members for file item 290.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 28, Noes 11 measure passes. Please call absent Members for file item 292.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. Noes 0, measure passes. It's called absent Members on file item 296.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29, Noes 10. The measure passes. We're going to go back to motions and resolutions. Any member wish to be recognized under this. Senator Gonzalez. You're recognized.

President. Thank you, Madam President. Please remove file item 456AB 1098 from the consent calendar at the request of the author for amendments. Senator Stern.

Yes. Thank you, Madam President. Please remove file item 441 AB 664. Consent of the author.

Thank you. From the consent Calendar. Thank you, Senator Stern. Desk has noted. Senator Padilla.

Thank you, Madam President. Please remove file item 448 AB 961 from Consent for purposes of amendments.

Desk has noted. No other items. Perfect. Moving on to special consent calendar number 17, which are items 226. I mean 426 through 466. Once again asking no item needs to be removed. Great. Secretary, please read all the Items.

[Roll Call]

Great job. Please. Secretary, please call the roll on the first item and apply the roll call for all items.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39, Noes 0, consent calendar is adopted. Mr. Pro Tem. There is no other business at the desk. The desk is clear.

Thank you so much. Madam President, I want to just take a moment. As we are concluding our first of two week sprint. The majority leader and assistant majority leaders would like to add. You said about 40 more bills today. Okay. Thank you so much. All right, there's.

She said there's going to be a revolt, so a few thank yous. I want to say thank you to the Members, Republicans and Democrats, for all the work, being able to work through some really difficult issues and truly appreciate the dedication you have this state 2.

I want to say thank you to the floor team here, the majority leader, the assistant majority leader, the floor whips, and if we can, give them a round of applause and say thank you because they are keeping us moving and smooth and we have a lot of work in front of us.

I also want to acknowledge the desk staff as we move into this final week and they're going to be working all weekend. If we can say thank you, led by Shawnee. Thank you so much. So here's where we're at a total of 69 bills dispensed with today. For the week, we have dispensed with 182.

That will help us with the load that we're going to see next week. But I want to be very clear, we got some late nights next week, so please be prepared to be able to stay late, come to work early.

We got the late shift moving here in the California State Senate with the best leaders here in the country. I want to say thank you so much to our presiding officers. Thank you, Madam President. The next floor session is scheduled for Monday, September 8th at 2pm The Senate.

Will be in recess until 3:30pm at which time the German motion will be made. We will reconvene Monday, September 8th at 2pm Have a great weekend.