Committee advances a package of environmental, public‑health and consumer bills; most go to appropriations

The California State Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee advanced a group of bills on water policy, consumer protections, hazardous‑waste handling and public health during a multi‑hour hearing. Several measures were moved out of the committee to the Assembly Appropriations Committee or other policy committees for further consideration; a small number of roll calls were left open for absent members.

Key outcomes at a glance: AB 362 (Ramos), which would add “tribal beneficial uses” to water quality protections and require clearer processes for state consultations with tribes, was moved out of committee as "due passed to appropriations" after a motion and second and recorded votes on the floor were left open for absentee members. AB 728 (Lee), a bill requiring age verification for certain anti‑aging skin products sold to minors, was moved "due passed to…