Senate Appropriations Committee moves 122 measures to suspense file after brief public testimony

The Senate Committee on Appropriations convened, established a quorum, and considered 122 measures for placement on the committee’s suspense file. Most authors waived presentation and the committee offered an opportunity for public testimony on each item before moving them to the suspense file without member questions or objection.

The Department of Finance did not attend the hearing to provide fiscal comment. Witnesses appeared on several measures to offer support or opposition: labor and restaurant groups opposed SB 951 and SB 947 on policy and cost grounds; EdVoice supported SB 1067 saying early math remediation saves future costs; mutual water companies urged changes to SB 12 91 citing broadband access limits and unfunded compliance at small connection thresholds; and Sen. Richardson presented SB 10 89 as an author’s presentation about GLP‑1 access for CalPERS beneficiaries.

The committee placed the discussed measures on the suspense file and adjourned. Members and authors indicated several bills will return with amendments or additional fiscal detail before further action.