The Assembly Judiciary Committee of the California State Assembly convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative proposals, including Senate Bill 763 and Senate Bill 307. The meeting began with a focus on SB 763, which aims to expand penalties related to certain legal violations. Several representatives from various associations, including the Civil Justice Association of California and the California Hospital Association, expressed their opposition to the bill. They argued that increasing penalties before the completion of a law revision commission's recommendations would be premature. Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of existing penalties under the Cartwright Act, which already provides substantial legal recourse, including treble damages and injunctive relief.

Despite the opposition, supporters of SB 763 highlighted the need for updated criminal penalties, noting that the last increase occurred 50 years ago. They pointed out that the bill had undergone amendments, reducing the proposed cap on penalties from $100 million to $6 million, which they viewed as a positive change. The committee ultimately moved to pass the bill to the Public Safety Committee, although the vote reflected a mix of support and dissent.

Following the discussion on SB 763, the committee turned its attention to SB 307, introduced by Senator Cervantes. This bill seeks to protect undocumented students in California's higher education system from the impacts of shifting federal immigration policies. SB 307 mandates that the California State University system implement protections for students who may need to withdraw due to immigration actions, ensuring their academic standing and access to financial aid remain intact. The bill also calls for a uniform statewide policy to support these students, who represent a significant portion of California's higher education population.

The committee's discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by undocumented students and the importance of legislative measures to safeguard their educational opportunities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the implications of both bills as they progress through the legislative process.