[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6520265,"mediaKeyId","5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d","parentId",5333744,"title","Assembly advances bill to let California join interstate reciprocity for online higher education after stakeholder debate","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7752000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d&start=7752&end=7752","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d/thumbnail_7752000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6520265/California/Assembly-advances-bill-to-let-California-join-interstate-reciprocity-for-online-higher-education-after-stakeholder-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520265-a21eac3686ff6ddad5c98a5bf6ac996e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775470097&Signature=jdwYNBciNbqq1vb7GBArIsYP-lR-2fxMl~l3DBwD4srfWt~e4hNOL3c1hZ-m1hPYU209sbkYxirDfNnemGRxCgwdKN3flmZaK1-0DXWLSmGEWXgtNAYETpm4kHcU1ejODv5hrmatXZbQaVCbAEJILMlY9LfMAiqb6agy-meAMIZ8PXmD9k~gbjyPmmiaRqouLs7h2jnF2UHSCFO0KfzPYM6y4hgbB0q4nGKtyRPsBrcTN9c7LyWDcOZO8Mnl7l~HfLLBAuYs5UuAoIboYzEqaaaj2c-TIy~8KVaR3Iul7WqBmPzxakcqEOUrQPU0OPiFvzOifgBDdURUBkLyZ-8ykA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California State Assembly","date","2025-07-08T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Cabaldon presented SB 790 to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Oct. 26, 2025, asking the committee to allow the governor to enter into an interstate compact that would permit California to join national state authorization reciprocity for postsecondary online education.

The author said California currently requires out‑of‑state online providers to register with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education but has not joined the national reciprocity agreement (NC‑SARA). He argued that the current framework imposes administrative and financial burdens on California institutions that seek to offer online courses to students in other states and that joining a reciprocity compact would both protect California students taking out‑of‑state online courses and make California institutions more competitive nationally.

President Laurie O’Connor of Palo Alto University said the university relies on synchronous online programs to train behavioral health professionals and that the cost and administrative burden of securing unique authorizations for every state can prevent students — including military and mobile students — from continuing their programs. “Our online programs meet rigorous standards of professional accreditation,” she told the committee, and joining a compact would reduce barriers for students and institutions.

Opposition speakers, including representatives of the University of Phoenix and the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, said they support reciprocity in principle but raised concerns that the bill as written could require other states to accept California‑specific terms, or could conflict with NC‑SARA rules that currently allow proprietary institutions to participate. Consumer‑protection advocates also asked for further changes; the author said he had accepted many suggested amendments and would continue negotiations.

Senators from both parties praised the bill’s aim to protect students and limit administrative duplication while urging continued discussions with stakeholders about enforcement and consumer protections. The committee moved SB 790 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Business and Professions Committee (1)","oneSentenceSummary","SB 790 authorizes the governor to enter interstate compacts for state authorization reciprocity in postsecondary online education; supporters said joining a compact would ease administrative burdens and protect students, while some private and for‑profit institutions asked for clarifying amendments before endorsing the bill.","taxTitle","California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California","taxId",17099,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520269,"Committee clears bill exempting commissioned muralists from contractor‑licensing requirement",897,4184000,5081000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d&start=4184&end=5081","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d/thumbnail_4184000.jpg","/articles/6520269/California/Committee-clears-bill-exempting-commissioned-muralists-from-contractorlicensing-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520269-87a0d36e734666ec73ace9f06360c7c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775470097&Signature=Gu9nxUG5Ch8sXJqxD1Ygp-tdihG9SfKJ16TVrzOuv6jYbSdQeMj1cJ~dTybUaL~OAR5rgSa0APHwrnYQCRYt0Jm4qtJxFoG7eLprAAQ02jK-~YVuud-NMfF4hdLHUKmcS5HWW-qGnLi~fQdUVe3YpGc~Tb7bYzmEJ3oSCu0obJxNNhxXdraRixzxrsMpWRPN2hRCZwSFlFBMS7eCaD-gALGScOOgd55axqezddt7CghQerA35eh3fy57X4hia30G-1C-d6e83cDjz8lOMYBPcJsz1Ujh9fNkfLik--apgLMQlNbS6lqgGAmManAPiUolZdMEquVDpXy0l5f-zEyxdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Ashby presented SB 456 to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Oct. 26, 2025, describing the bill as the “community beautification act” that would exempt commissioned muralists from the requirement to hold a contractor’s license when performing fine‑art murals.

Ashby and witnesses said a recent interpretation by state regulators had chilled mural projects across the state because municipalities and artists feared a contractor‑licensing requirement would apply to painted murals. The bill would clarify that the exemption applies to works of fine art, does not waive safety regulations, and does not apply to painted wall signs.

Donald Gensler, Sacramento’s art and public places manager, testified that mural projects are “part of the city’s vital economic development,” and that the recent licensing interpretation led several cities to pause or cancel mural projects. Artist Jaya King testified about her public mural projects and said the current licensing approach “forces us into a system that was never meant for us” and that the change would preserve artists’ livelihoods and community expression.

Support for the bill included many cities, county boards of supervisors, arts organizations and tourism groups. The Painters and Allied Trades expressed safety concerns initially but said conversations with the author mitigated most issues and moved the group toward a neutral or “tweener” position.

The committee moved SB 456 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.","SB 456 would add a muralist exception to the Business and Professions Code so commissioned fine‑art murals are not treated as construction requiring a contractor license; the committee passed the bill to Appropriations after broad support from cities, arts groups and artists.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520273,"Assembly committee advances bill to address abandoned endowment‑care cemeteries and create an abandonment grant program",1008,3015000,4023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d&start=3015&end=4023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d/thumbnail_3015000.jpg","/articles/6520273/California/Assembly-committee-advances-bill-to-address-abandoned-endowmentcare-cemeteries-and-create-an-abandonment-grant-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520273-451cf16d0447cd56acb30d5c188ce2a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775470097&Signature=mWAB1IOI4anvf~UT8ODCoFITNGgrEuNILgO7iEDM2tT945hZi2tlVT6Chz-IFuzfT8Gj6B6KXnZ~EF2KqzWXaXOtlfPDelEglS44IhCUDSi49qjW8EEzwANFgWBAIGAMddfUK3CB-vZgAomTTQd1ClSk9PIV3a5Q194QywzP3DAOelV~7TOcEOPhhaWZzEbWpNemoFZOei0~N~X67aVN1e4QarpAIY4I1F0IFamvlrs6~F57C-URMjDQwdDHGB1JwLU99CPDnv5bCE8m-Ybliu8wmS0SEssaj4NvY9sWuBMKsuzoFnQbaW3QovF856GrxctEtuN-JAy6I5nnUaJuDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Richardson presented SB 777 to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Oct. 26, 2025, proposing a statutory process to identify abandoned private cemeteries with endowment care accounts and to convene a stakeholder working group to recommend solutions by an accelerated deadline.

Richardson said the bill responds to rising cases of privately owned cemeteries falling into disrepair after owners walk away, leaving families unable to access gravesites and leaving grounds neglected. He cited Lincoln Memorial Park in Carson and described common problems including overgrown grounds, stolen markers, and insufficient endowment funds whose interest does not cover maintenance costs.

SB 777 directs the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (CFB) to convene a working group of stakeholders — including local governments, LAFCOs, the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties and urban and rural county representatives — to meet and report recommendations earlier than a previously scheduled working group in statute.

The bill author’s office described an “abandonment grant funding program” funded by a proposed 150% increase in licensing fees under the bureau’s authority, with 50% of the fee increase dedicated specifically to cemetery rehabilitation and long‑term viability; the bureau’s operations would also receive funding per the bill language as proposed and amended. Witnesses clarified some of these details during testimony and the author accepted committee amendments.

Local governments and industry participants described the problem and their positions. Carrie West, on behalf of the city of Compton, said the bill “establishes a clear statutory process for transferring responsibility of abandoned endowment care cemeteries to local agencies backed by regulatory oversight and financial assistance” and that it “does not place an unfunded mandate on local governments.”

Jerry Desmond of the Cemetery and Mortuary Association of California said the industry would remove its opposition and participate in the stakeholder process. County representatives, including from Marin, urged reforms beyond the study, such as requiring secure, low‑risk investments for endowment funds, inflation‑indexed contributions, earlier enforcement tools for the bureau and transition plans to maintain operations during enforcement actions.

Senator Richardson said the committee amendments and working group were a step forward and asked members for an “I” vote. The committee moved the bill as amended to the Committee on Local Government.","SB 777 would require the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau to convene a working group and establish a grant program, funded by increased licensing fees, to support transfer or rehabilitation of abandoned endowment‑care cemeteries; the committee moved the bill out with amendments to a study and working‑group process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520278,"Assembly committee advances bill to allow 12‑month dispensing of prescription hormone therapy and codify federal nondiscrimination protections",580,2375000,2955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d&start=2375&end=2955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5333744-5f9a78c7d450c5f0862da98456d1368d/thumbnail_2375000.jpg","/articles/6520278/California/Assembly-committee-advances-bill-to-allow-12month-dispensing-of-prescription-hormone-therapy-and-codify-federal-nondiscrimination-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520278-9ecf9421b436569c551e9584b6fa051c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775470097&Signature=WYkFU5AsMt7rlFg3IFjqbCQ8MLv2tDAudCQQneGN-ZKRdRiSHBZfFGIUgeyzzhvBZwwWJ5F~c4~4h4Jg-1puye1UylaiS8-euNeIeqQH6-mDvf4hRw56e--F2SYpStPih~LtKBnSM8loGEuqoQdQvuNKLTTmnclyt3mqeXxM6SZ2646xaaprU8VcIJXOv9vEVvpzkVj8ng3h~3hQfcs-Rto1FHbT~dPIEA0q3Izrrr53EnZ4O5JbAhzmiAqgFla5hubR~YUH7D0Pqgi3GQ0qqxurGyHLDcCqudegIZPWpvSjWOMKzgeq2k4ewahBLZX~fr-slHOsHq-NyB85wiJYwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Menjivar presented SB 418 to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Oct. 26, 2025, proposing two main changes: codifying Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act into state law and requiring pharmacists to dispense up to a 12‑month supply of prescriptive hormone therapy when medically approved and authorized by a provider.

The bill’s sponsor said the measure would replicate prior California law expanding 12‑month dispensing for contraceptives and would codify nondiscrimination protections in health programs and activities that receive government funding. Senator Menjivar told the committee the changes were intended to “alleviate the fear that at the very moment your prescription can be cut off.”

Supporters of SB 418 described patients stockpiling or rationing medication because of uncertainty about federal policy. Shana Kirk, identified as a parent of a transgender child and a representative of Rainbow Families Action, said, “The ability to access a much more robust supply of doctor approved medications in the event something was to come up could make a huge difference in their well‑being, emotionally and physically.”

Board‑certified family physician Denise Taylor, who testified in support, said she has provided gender‑affirming care for more than two decades and that inadequate hormone access can worsen mental and physical health. “Decreasing barriers to access to care literally saves lives, and this bill will help achieve this goal for one of the most vulnerable groups of Californians,” Taylor said.

Multiple medical and advocacy organizations listed support, including Equality California, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, Children Now, Health Access California, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (District IX), and representatives of pediatric and family physician groups.

No primary witnesses in opposition were recorded at the hearing. The author stated she had accepted amendments previously agreed to in the Health Committee. The committee moved SB 418 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations.

SB 418 would set a sunset date for the 12‑month hormone dispensing requirement in January 2035 and would apply the nondiscrimination protection to government‑funded health programs and activities as described in the bill text. The committee report noted the author accepted amendments from the Health Committee prior to today’s hearing.

The bill will next be considered by the Assembly Committee on Appropriations; the author asked for an “I” vote when the committee is ready to act.","The Assembly Business and Professions Committee voted to pass SB 418 as amended to the Appropriations Committee after testimony that the measure would ensure continuity of medically approved hormone therapy and codify Section 1557 nondiscrimination protections into state law.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly advances bill to let California join interstate reciprocity for online higher education after stakeholder debate

Committee clears bill exempting commissioned muralists from contractor‑licensing requirement

Assembly committee advances bill to address abandoned endowment‑care cemeteries and create an abandonment grant program

Assembly committee advances bill to allow 12‑month dispensing of prescription hormone therapy and codify federal nondiscrimination protections