California Senate passes several key budget trailer bills for education and resources

The California Senate convened on June 27, 2025, to discuss a series of budget-related bills aimed at addressing various state needs, including education, childcare, public resources, climate change, transportation, taxation, cannabis regulation, and telecommunications.

The session began with a review of a bill that aligns appropriations for special education programs with actual costs, adjusting the deposit into the public school system stabilization account to $5.455 billion. The bill also eliminates a minimum funding requirement for the statewide clean cars initiative and authorizes $148.1 million from the Children's Health and Human Services Special Fund for Medi-Cal program payments. The Senate voted in favor of this bill with 29 votes for and 3 against.

Next, Senate Bill 120, a childcare trailer bill, was introduced. It allocates $70 million for rate increases for subsidized childcare and preschool providers, establishes enrollment-based pay, and expands reporting requirements for childcare rate reform. Senators expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of childcare for families, particularly single mothers. The bill passed with 30 votes for and 7 against.

Senate Bill 124, concerning public resources, was also discussed. This bill mandates Cal Fire to transition seasonal firefighting personnel to full-time positions and increases funding for state parks. It passed with 30 votes for and 2 against.

Senate Bill 127, a climate change trailer bill, was presented next. It expands funding for clean car programs and modifies regulations for motor vehicle manufacturers. Despite some opposition regarding the expanded authority of the California Air Resources Board, the bill passed with 29 votes for and 9 against.

Senate Bill 128, a transportation trailer bill, allows for temporary lane use during the Olympic Games and adjusts funding for Caltrans. This bill also passed with 31 votes for and 7 against.

Senate Bill 132, a taxation trailer bill, increases tax credits for the California film industry and modifies tax regulations for wildfire settlements. It received 31 votes for and 3 against.

Senate Bill 141, a cannabis trailer bill, updates regulations for cannabis tax funds and includes provisions for tribal police authority. It passed overwhelmingly with 37 votes for and 1 against.

Finally, Senate Bill 142 extends the surcharge for the deaf and disabled telecommunications program until 2034. This bill also passed unanimously with 37 votes for.

The session concluded with all discussed bills passing, reflecting a strong legislative focus on funding essential services and addressing pressing state issues.