Asm. Michaelle C. Solages

Asm. Ra explained that the bill allows individuals applying for or renewing a driver's license or non-driver ID to opt in to receive information from the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplant Program and the National Marrow Donor Program, which connect volunteer donors to patients needing bone marrow transplants. Ra shared a personal story about his mother's Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis and recovery through a bone marrow transplant, which allowed her to see him graduate high school and college. He noted that every three minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer, and about 70 percent of patients needing a transplant won't have a fully matched donor in their family.

Argued that utilities should not have a blank check for their lawyers' reimbursement while citizen groups and nonprofits cannot afford to participate in rate proceedings. Stated the bill creates a fund with checks and balances allowing diverse regional groups to advocate for ratepayers.

Sponsor argued the fund gives ratepayers a voice against utilities with unlimited legal budgets. Cited Idaho and California examples showing ratepayer savings of approximately $19 million. Emphasized the fund applies only to residential gas, electric, and steam rate cases and allows the PSC to combine groups and ensure accountability through a framework with checks and balances.

Argued that utilities receive reimbursement for their advocates while citizen groups and non-profits cannot participate in rate proceedings due to cost. Stated the bill creates a fund with checks and balances allowing diverse regional groups to advocate for ratepayers and low-income customers.

Sponsor argued the fund gives ratepayers a voice in rate proceedings and levels the playing field against utilities that have unlimited budgets for attorneys. Cited California and Idaho as examples where similar funds saved ratepayers money. Emphasized the fund would help small nonprofits and community organizations, not government agencies, and would apply only to residential gas, electric, and steam rate cases.

Argued that the bill clarifies that courts cannot deny class certification solely because a lawsuit involves a governmental operation, ensuring low-income and marginalized communities have access to courts and that government is held accountable like any other entity.

Sponsor explained the chapter amendment merely clarifies language by removing redundant definition of ammunition dealers, as firearms dealers already cover ammunition under law. No substantive changes to the bill's intent.

Assemblymember Gandolfo spoke in favor, arguing the bill increases transparency and scrutiny on no-bid contracts awarded during states of emergency. He cited a COVID-era example where New York paid $637 million for COVID tests at nearly double the market rate, while California paid half the price for identical tests, noting the vendor's CEO was a major contributor to the Governor's reelection campaign.

Argued the bill enables detection of suspicious bulk ammunition and firearm purchases that may indicate fraud or illegal activity, citing that credit cards financed at least eight major mass shootings including Pulse nightclub and the Las Vegas Harvest Festival, and that specific MCCs would flag unusual purchasing patterns.

Argued that specific MCCs for firearm merchants would enable payment networks to flag suspicious bulk purchases of ammunition and firearms, citing that credit cards financed at least eight major mass shootings including Pulse nightclub and the Las Vegas Harvest Festival.

Argued that specific MCCs for firearm merchants would enable detection of suspicious bulk purchases of ammunition and firearms, citing at least eight major mass shootings between 2007-2018 financed through credit card purchases of large quantities of weapons and ammunition.

Explained HOPP has provided free legal services for years with annual allocations varying by need, noting the current budget cycle allocated $40 million for the program.

Sponsor explained the bill would codify the existing Homeowner Protection Program providing free legal services and housing counseling to homeowners facing foreclosure and deed theft. Mr. Goodell questioned the $40 million annual cost and criticized the program's structure, arguing it incentivizes homeowners to stop paying mortgages and utilities while banks maintain properties, allowing homeowners to live rent-free for years while destroying their equity. He argued the current system is counterproductive compared to pre-2008 foreclosure timelines when homeowners were encouraged to sell quickly and retain equity.

The bill ensures equal access to courts by preventing denial of class action certification solely because a lawsuit involves government. Class actions are critical tools for holding government accountable and providing redress to citizens harmed by illegal governmental conduct, particularly low-income and vulnerable populations.

Sponsor argued the bill creates a process for reasonable recovery of expenses by community-based organizations advocating for ratepayers, noting that multiple advocacy entities are necessary and that community groups help ratepayers with arrears and other issues while being spread thin.

Argued the bill levels the playing field as utilities use millions in ratepayer funds for advocacy, and noted intervenor programs have saved billions in rate hikes since the 1980s and work in other states.

The bill ensures equal treatment under law by preventing courts from treating government as a special litigant. Class actions are critical tools for holding government accountable and providing redress to citizens harmed by illegal governmental conduct, particularly low-income and vulnerable populations who cannot afford individual lawsuits.

The bill creates a process for reasonable recovery of expenses by community-based organizations advocating for ratepayers. Multiple advocacy entities are needed, and community organizations help with arrears and other utility issues while being spread thin.

Argued the bill levels the playing field as utilities use millions in ratepayer funds for advocacy, and noted intervenor programs have saved billions in rate hikes since the 1980s and work in other states.

Argued the bill ensures oversight, transparency, and accountability by requiring at least one labor representative and one school board member or superintendent on all IDA boards. Stated this promotes inclusive government and community buy-in, noting that labor engagement on IDAs has proven beneficial and that the State Comptroller reported IDAs increase municipal revenues.

Argued the bill prevents serious complications like necrotizing enterocolitis and eliminates reliance on unsafe, untested black-market donor milk sold online, with medical professionals and insurers retaining authority to limit duration.

Announced the Majority Conference would vote in the affirmative on the bill.

Ms. Solages explained the bill would prohibit administrative, handling, and clerical fees charged at the expiration of motor vehicle leases, while allowing fees for excess mileage and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Mr. Goodell questioned the scope of prohibited fees, including whether dealers could charge for refueling, cleaning, detailing, destination/relocation fees, and temporary storage. Ms. Solages clarified that such fees should be incorporated into the initial lease price and cited a recent Attorney General investigation into Nissan dealerships that found consumers were being overcharged $7,000 to $18,000 in undisclosed administrative fees at lease end.