The California Senate Education Committee convened on July 2, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation aimed at improving educational practices and workplace safety in the state.

The first topic of discussion was Assembly Bill 347, which seeks to provide alternatives to animal dissection in educational settings. Several committee members expressed support for the bill, highlighting the humane aspect of allowing students to choose non-dissection methods for learning. Senator Ochoa Bogue noted the availability of technology that can replace traditional dissection, such as virtual simulations and plastic models. The committee emphasized the importance of keeping students engaged in science without turning them away due to discomfort with dissection practices. The bill received bipartisan support, with a motion to pass it to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The second item on the agenda was Assembly Bill 694, which addresses staffing shortages within the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Assemblymember McKinna introduced the bill, stating that the current understaffing is hindering workplace safety inspections across California. The proposed legislation would require DOSH to contract with the University of California to conduct a comprehensive study on the causes of these staffing shortages and recommend solutions. Key stakeholders, including labor unions and worker advocacy organizations, will be involved in the study. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from the California Farmworker Coalition and the United Steelworkers, emphasized the urgent need for a well-staffed enforcement agency to ensure worker safety.

Both bills reflect a commitment to enhancing educational practices and improving workplace safety standards in California. The committee's discussions underscored the importance of adapting to modern educational needs and addressing critical staffing challenges in safety oversight. The next steps for both pieces of legislation will involve further review and potential approval by the Senate.