Transcript Highlights:

• families and caregivers across the islands, offering critical support services, care, resources, and education
• housing counseling agency, the organization has significantly expanded access to capital, financial education
• critical support to targeted small businesses, assistance programs, financial guidance, and community outreach
• court matters in all judicial circuits and represents the Departments of Health, Human Services and Education
• Your Committee on Education will hold a public hearing on said resolutions on Wednesday, April 8th at

Bills: SCR8 , SR10 , SCR90 , SR85 , SCR110 , SR103 , SCR54 , SR52 , SCR107 , SR101 , SCR178 , SR173 , SR76 , SCR40 , SR30 , SCR145 , SR137 , SCR62 , SCR95 , SR90 , SCR45 , SR44 , SCR119 , SR112 , SCR63 , SR57 , SCR21 , SR18 , SCR27 , SR24 , SCR75 , SR69 , SCR7 , SR7 , SCR149 , SCR55 , SR53 , SCR180 , SR175 , SCR86 , SR77 , SCR59 , SCR41 , SR31 , HB1678 , HB1824 , SCR177 , SR172 , SCR5 , SCR85 , SR75 , SCR139 , SR131 , SCR146 , SR138 , SR84 , SCR31 , SR27 , SCR46 , SR45 , SCR48 , SR47 , SCR9 , SR11 , SCR83 , SR73 , SCR20 , SR17 , SCR56 , SR54 , SCR87 , SCR39 , SR29 , SCR142 , SR134 , SCR203 , SR191 , SCR200 , SR188 , SCR196 , SR184 , SCR194 , SR183 , SCR114 , SR107 , SCR166 , SR157 , SCR96 , SR91 , SCR172 , SR163 , SCR109 , SR102 , SCR50 , SR49 , SCR64 , SR58 , SCR184 , SR165 , SCR81 , SR71 , SCR19 , SR16 , SCR22 , SR19 , SCR32 , SR28 , SCR57 , SR55 , SCR58 , SR56 , SCR103 , SR97 , SCR159 , SR150 , SCR163 , SR154 , SCR169 , SR160 , SCR68 , SR63 , SCR105 , SR99 , SCR112 , SR105 , SCR198 , SR186 , SCR11 , SR9 , SCR132 , SR124 , SCR189 , SR179 , SCR26 , SR23 , SCR93 , SR88 , SCR117 , SR110 , SCR164 , SR155 , SCR165 , SR156 , SCR170 , SR161 , SCR168 , SR159 , SCR173 , SCR197 , SCR47 , SR46 , SCR94 , SR89 , SCR99 , SR93 , SCR100 , SR94 , SCR130 , SR122 , SCR78 , SR82 , SCR154 , SR145 , SCR195 , SR192 , SCR162 , SR153 , SCR201 , SR189 , SCR202 , SR190

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, older adults, disability access, healthcare, permit processing, home modifications, kupuna, accessibility, parking, business hours, aging population, parking accessibility, private business hours, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• It is no secret that higher education is facing uncertain times.
• The RMV is also developing a plan to improve driver education in Massachusetts.
• The RMV is also developing a plan to improve driver education in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts' driver education system through structured stakeholder engagement.
• We’ve got some of the best educational institutions in the world.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthening broker education would support more effective use of the clearinghouse.
• Strengthening broker education would support more effective use of the clearinghouse.
• Given the size and diversity of California's producer network, education and outreach are essential components
• And there's zero education on it within coalitions of brokers.
• Has caused, I think, a real lack of participation, a lack of education.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%. Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation. The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education.
• One special for $250,000 for the Office of Special Education Ombudsman for outreach to students with
• And then our Office of the Special Education Ombud is also completely funded by general fund.
• As you can see, special education law is very complex and it can get pretty contentious.
• I'll just point out that we do extensive public outreach across the state.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education will come to order.
• I'm Kim Brunzel, Department of Education.
• It's a student to give them a good quality education.
• Andrea Ball here on behalf of the Orange County Department of Education and a coalition of local educational
• I'm an education case manager at Voices Solano.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on universal school meals, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), and community schools, with the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training Grants Program also discussed. For universal meals, the Department of Education supported continued investment, citing high student meal need, reported gains in meal participation and service efficiency from prior kitchen grants, and concerns that federal changes and underreporting could affect funding. The Department of Finance outlined $1.8 billion Proposition 98 General Fund for universal meals and an additional $100 million for a fourth round of kitchen grants, while the LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the allowable uses are broad. Members raised questions about federal matching requirements, Summer EBT, and whether immigration-related federal policy changes could reduce meal counts and state/federal reimbursements. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund plus $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended modifying the proposal to fully fix Tier 2 at the current $1,579 rate and tie future changes to program requirements, while CDE supported the Governor’s approach and said the added stability would help districts plan. Committee discussion focused on whether ELOP should remain a standalone before- and after-school program or be folded into LCFF, with some members and witnesses arguing for more local flexibility and clearer outcome measures, while others emphasized the value of guaranteed expanded learning access, especially for elementary students and working families. CDE noted new CalPADS reporting will provide more data beginning with the 2025-26 school year. For community schools, the Governor proposed $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund to expand the model to thousands more schools and sustain existing ones, along with stronger technical assistance and future accreditation/self-certification. The LAO recommended continuing the current one-time grant approach instead of creating a new ongoing categorical program, citing concerns about scalability, administrative burden, and the need for earlier planning and clearer accreditation timelines if ongoing funding is adopted. CDE strongly supported the ongoing investment, saying community schools have improved attendance, suspensions, and achievement, and that technical assistance and county office support are essential for expansion. Members and public commenters largely supported community schools, with some urging stronger accountability, more support for county offices and MTSS, and debate over whether non-classroom-based charter schools should be excluded from eligibility. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee heard testimony and moved through the agenda items and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education will come to order.
• I'm Kim Brunzel, Department of Education.
• Andrea Ball here on behalf of the Orange County Department of Education and a coalition of local educational
• I'm an education case manager at Voices for Solano.
• I'm in strong support—we're in strong support of the $1 billion allocation for education. ...education

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals for universal school meals, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), and community schools. On universal meals, the Department of Education supported continued funding for the Universal School Meals Program and a fourth round of Kitchen Infrastructure and Training Grants, citing meal-count growth, improved meal service, and the need to offset federal uncertainty, inflation, and reduced direct certification tied to immigration-related policy changes. The LAO recommended rejecting another kitchen grant round, arguing prior rounds are still being spent and the state has not clearly defined unmet need. Members also raised concerns about the state’s ability to backfill federal meal funding and about how federal requirements affect programs like Summer EBT/SUN Bucks. Public commenters largely supported school meals and kitchen investments, with some urging support for plant-based milk options and continued infrastructure funding. For ELOP, the Department of Finance proposed $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding, including $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended going further and fully fixing the Tier 2 rate, saying rate uncertainty complicates district planning. CDE supported the proposal and said the program has improved attendance and academic outcomes, while noting new CalPADS reporting will provide more data soon. Senators discussed whether ELOP should remain a standalone program or be folded into LCFF, and whether the state should require stronger outcome reporting. Public testimony generally backed stabilizing Tier 2 funding, but some speakers urged more support for older youth and more timely, user-friendly reporting. On community schools, the administration proposed $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding to expand the model to thousands more schools and to support existing grantees, along with stronger technical assistance, statewide alignment, and an accreditation/self-certification framework. The LAO recommended continuing the current one-time grant approach instead of creating a new ongoing categorical program, warning about reduced flexibility, administrative burden, and the state’s capacity to support a much larger cohort. CDE supported the ongoing investment but asked for additional county office and technical assistance funding. Senators and public commenters were broadly supportive of community schools, emphasizing improved attendance, graduation, and student engagement, while also debating accountability, accreditation, and whether non-classroom-based charter schools should be eligible. Public testimony strongly favored ongoing funding and highlighted community schools’ role in mental health, family engagement, and wraparound supports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their price sensitivity prevents their full participation in education, health care, and employment,
• We had to go to 21.2 million households, household contacts, so you do repeated outreach.
• So you have to have affordable, You have to have affordable, you have to have much more outreach.
• I represent the Nouve Educational Foundation in partnership with the American GI Forum.
• Nouve Educational Foundation supports SB 716, authored by Senator María Elena Durazo.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education will come to order.
• Kim Brunzel, Department of Education and Nutrition Services.
• Do we have a presentation from the Department of Education?
• Andrea Ball here on behalf of the Orange County Department of Education and a coalition of local educational
• I'm an education case manager at Voices Solano.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> And sticking on our education theme, Department of Education is up next
• for career and tech education programs. ...grants to schools for career and tech education programs.
• The Department of Education has the responsibility of inspecting a large number of educational facilities
• That would include all of our education funding that comes from the U.S. Department of Education.
• The Department of Education and the state as a whole funds career and tech education through the career

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing reconvened with testimony from several agencies on their capital budget requests. The Department of Environmental Services requested a little over $38 million, with major emphasis on dam repairs and design work for aging state-owned dams, including a $5.25 million match for possible FEMA BRIC funding at Pawtuckaway/Tuckaway and other projects such as Milton Three Ponds, Murphy Dam, and Lakeport Gates. DES also requested funding for state revolving loan fund matches, a Superfund match for the Savage Well site, IT and air-monitoring upgrades, and a new $750,000 cybersecurity request for water and wastewater systems. Committee members asked about FEMA eligibility, the distinction between design and construction money, and the timing and risk of banking funds if federal grants do not materialize. The University System of New Hampshire requested $20 million in state support, primarily $15 million for a major Diamond Library renovation at UNH to create a student support hub and reduce/repurpose collection space, plus $2.5 million each for deferred maintenance at Plymouth State and Keene State. The Community College System requested about $16.6 million across seven projects, led by critical maintenance, campus safety/security upgrades, IT infrastructure, parking and site improvements, HVAC replacement at White Mountains Community College in Littleton, a building management/energy system, and modernization of NHTI’s dental clinic and radiology spaces. The Department of Education requested $29.5 million, including a $4.9 million internal management platform to replace paper-based and siloed systems, plus career and technical education capital projects; Milford’s CTE project was described as being revised after repeated failed bond votes, while ConVal said its revised project would focus on modernizing existing CTE space and adding a security vestibule. Fish and Game requested $1.075 million for three facilities: Sewall Falls in Concord, the Lancaster Armory, and the Bunker Lane Barn in Durham, focusing on structural repairs, security, reconfiguration, and in one case replacement of a failing barn with a new 40-by-60 building. The department also said hatchery work is ongoing but that it is taking a cautious approach because of the planned New Hampton Hatchery and future capital needs. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources requested $9.26 million for eight projects, including campground electrical upgrades at Ellacoya and Lake Francis, White Lake water system replacement, Mount Washington fuel tank and safety work, Odiorne Point visitor center work funded through parks revenue, roofing and parking lot repairs, Fox Forest office safety upgrades, and historic site repairs at White Island and Fort Constitution. Members asked about revenue-based capital, the stability of the parks fund, and flexibility in choosing projects as bids come in. The Department of Transportation began its presentation at the end of the transcript, but its detailed requests were not yet discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board implemented a new continuing education framework to better align license education with public
• I have to have a certain amount of education, and I still have to continue that education.
• We strongly believe that the board's educational efforts will result in a reduction of continuing education
• Educational standards are overseen by the National Council of Reflexology Educators.
• Educational standards are overseen by the National Council of Reflexology Educators.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate business committees held a sunset review hearing for five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each board or council described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused on workforce access, transparency, fee authority, and whether current regulatory structures are appropriately tailored to public safety. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issue was a proposal to move toward a bachelor’s degree requirement for licensure. Board representatives said the change would better align education with the complexity of care and could help the profession’s long-term status and reimbursement prospects, but Assembly Member Addis and others raised concerns about rural access, staffing shortages, and added barriers to entry. Public commenters, including respiratory therapists, families, and congregate living health facility operators, strongly opposed the degree mandate and urged continued use of LVNs for certain respiratory tasks in community settings. The board also discussed its ongoing work on LVN respiratory care issues, updated suctioning guidance, digitized licensing and enforcement systems, and fee cleanup language. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current title-act certification model, arguing it establishes competency without evidence of public harm and avoids the disruption a full licensure system could cause. Several committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, the private nonprofit structure, Bagley-Keene compliance, and whether certification meaningfully improves plan acceptance or public safety. Public testimony was split: supporters said the system works and preserves flexibility, while opponents argued the model lacks accountability, creates confusion, and does not reliably prevent plan-check denials or protect the public. The speech-language pathology/audiology board reported major modernization gains, including a new online licensure system, faster processing, continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules; it also received support for creating a new audiology assistant license category, while a consumer group urged more public members, proactive inspections, and faster discipline. The occupational therapy board reported growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and a need for additional fee authority to address rising costs, while public testimony supported reducing advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The final naturopathic medicine item began at the end of the transcript, but no substantive discussion was captured before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board implemented a new continuing education framework to better align licensee education with public
• I have to have a certain amount of education, and I still have to continue that education.
• I have to have a certain amount of education, and I still have to continue that education.
• Educational standards are overseen by the National Council of Reflexology Educators.
• Educational standards are overseen by the National Council of Reflexology Educators.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its licensing, enforcement, modernization, and consumer-protection work since the last review, and committee members focused heavily on workforce access, public safety, transparency, and fee authority. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree for licensure, fee structure changes, and ongoing work on LVNs performing respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree proposal was intended to strengthen competency and could be phased in without harming access, but several public commenters—especially respiratory therapists and families of medically fragile children—argued it would worsen shortages, particularly in rural and low-income areas. Other stakeholders supported clarifying LVN authority in congregate living health facilities, while the California Medical Association flagged the proposed Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist classification as having limited current workforce impact. The interior design segment drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders defended the current voluntary certification/title-act model, saying it establishes competency, has produced minimal complaints, and that licensure would unnecessarily disrupt the workforce and create barriers without demonstrated public harm. Committee members questioned the lack of state-style enforcement authority, transparency, and Bagley-Keene compliance, and some public commenters criticized the private structure and inconsistent plan acceptance in local jurisdictions. Supporters of the current system said the certification and commercial designation help educate building officials and allow qualified designers to work safely, while opponents argued licensure would provide clearer accountability and reduce confusion. The speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster turnaround times, and new continuing education audits and advertising rules. The board supported creating a licensed audiology assistant category to improve access to care, and public commenters generally backed the board while urging continued modernization. The occupational therapy board described steady growth, improved enforcement and licensing performance, and requested additional fee authority to address rising costs; the main public comment supported the sunset extension and a reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The naturopathic medicine board emphasized consumer protection, enforcement against unlicensed practice, and the need to clarify statutes; it said most licensed naturopathic doctors practice in underserved areas and welcomed legislative collaboration on scope and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Higher Education Subcommittee heard a request from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for
• The Higher Education Subcommittee heard a request from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for
• The Higher Education Subcommittee heard a request from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for
• It's used for education, and I trust education that occurs across the state.
• This existing grant provides funding for enforcement-related activities such as public education, outreach

Summary: The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment. A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed. The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections. In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board implemented a new continuing education framework to better align licensee education with public
• I have to have a certain amount of education, and I still have to continue that education.
• I have to have a certain amount of education, and I still have to continue that education.
• Educational standards are overseen by the National Council of Reflexology Educators.
• Educational standards are overseen by the National Council of Reflexology Educators.

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five California regulatory entities: the Respiratory Care Board, the California Council for Interior Design Certification, the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, the Board of Occupational Therapy, and the Board of Naturopathic Medicine. Each agency described its mission, recent modernization or enforcement work, and requested continuation of its authority. Committee members focused on access to care, workforce impacts, fee structures, transparency, and whether proposed changes would improve public protection without creating unnecessary barriers. For the Respiratory Care Board, the main issues were a possible move from an associate to a bachelor’s degree for entry-level licensure, fee cleanup changes, and ongoing work on the role of LVNs in respiratory tasks. Board representatives said the degree change would better align with national trends and could support future reimbursement and professional advancement, while public commenters and some legislators warned it could worsen shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. Much of the public testimony centered on families and facilities relying on LVNs for trach and ventilator care in congregate living health facilities, with requests to preserve or expand exemptions. The board also discussed its reserve cap and efforts to modernize licensing and enforcement systems. The interior design item drew the most debate. CCIDC leaders argued the current voluntary certification/title-act model works, that complaints have not shown public harm, and that licensure would disrupt the workforce and create barriers for experienced designers. Committee members questioned the lack of enforcement authority, transparency, and whether the model provides enough accountability or consistent plan acceptance by local jurisdictions. Public testimony was split between supporters who said the current system is flexible and effective, and critics who said the private structure lacks accountability and creates confusion, especially for commercial work and plan check acceptance. The Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board reported major modernization gains, including online licensure processing, faster application times, new continuing education audits, and updated supervision and advertising rules. Members and stakeholders discussed a proposed audiology assistant license, which the board and the California Academy of Audiology supported as a way to improve access to care and reduce workload pressures. The Occupational Therapy Board described strong enforcement and licensing performance, a new strategic plan, and a request for additional fee authority to address rising costs and reserve concerns; public testimony largely supported the board and a proposed reduction in advanced practice hand therapy training hours. The Naturopathic Medicine Board emphasized consumer protection, unlicensed practice enforcement, and consumer confusion over titles, saying most of its enforcement workload involves unlicensed activity and that stronger title protection and clearer statutory authority are needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• As early childhood educators, we wear very many hats.
• As early childhood educators, we wear very many hats. We're transporters.
• Pamela Gibbs, representing the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
• This is helpful to help us understand what the gap is, so we can do outreach, have plans do outreach,
• My name is Tina Espagna, Outreach and Education team lead for the Office of Communications.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said his second question is about bird flu and whether there are any outreach plans, including with
• He said his second question is about bird flu and whether there are any outreach plans, including with
• </c><00:51:14.800><c> plans</c><00:51:15.760><c> uh</c> and if there is any um outreach plans uh and
• </c> working with other to provide education working with other to provide education what<00:52:53.280
• We have a close relationship with the art and art education community locally and nationally, and with

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, shifting to education.
• And finally, educators are concerned about the multifaceted pressures on higher education institutions
• At the same time, the lack of new basic education investments effectively acts as a cut. ...education
• outreach program, thanks in large part to funding from the state.
• Higher education faces additional strain.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we've got our Veterans Education and Outreach team.
• </c> in accessing that higher education in accessing that higher education benefit<01:23:34.360><c> um
• </c> um uh under the veterans education um uh under the veterans education occupational<01:24:41.040>
• , referral, and education.
• , referral, and education.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:23.679><c> our</c> products um trying to educate our products um trying to educate our visitors
• and from an outreach standpoint.
• </c><00:38:00.960><c> and</c> standpoint and from an education and standpoint and from an education and
• from<00:38:01.520><c> an</c><00:38:01.760><c> outreach</c><00:38:02.720><c> standpoint.
• </c><00:38:03.599><c> So</c> from an outreach standpoint. So from an outreach standpoint.

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah Kate Hawthorne was placed in the Education Committee.
• Sarah Kate Hawthorne was placed in the Education Committee.
• Technology, finance, law, education, the arts, public service, and government.
• Our Native American communities also are included and need to be outreached to.
• Our Native American communities also are included and need to be outreach to.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely ceremonial and floor-action-heavy session. Early business included unanimous consent motions, removal of several Senate bills from the consent calendar, and recognition of the 2025-26 Assembly Fellows and California Council on Science and Technology Policy Fellows. The chamber also welcomed several student and community guests, including National Science Bowl champions from Mission San Jose High School and a group of fifth graders touring the Capitol. One concurrence item, AB 2106, was adopted 65-0 after the author explained Senate amendments expanding enhanced vote-vetting requirements to geologists and geophysicists. The floor then took up several resolutions and one appropriations bill. ACR 199 recognizing India’s Independence Day was adopted by voice vote after remarks highlighting Indian American contributions and the role of the Sikh community in India’s independence movement. HR 119 recognizing International Referees Day was adopted, with 59 coauthors added, and the chamber honored referee Marcia Barclay. HR 125 declaring August as Chicano Heritage Month was adopted with 61 coauthors, with members speaking about Chicano history, civil rights, military service, and economic contributions. ACR 221 on sudden cardiac arrest awareness among student athletes was adopted by voice vote, and AB 2597, an urgency appropriation bill paying specified claims against the state, passed 60-0 on both the urgency clause and the measure. The Assembly also adopted ACR 231 designating Coastal Stewardship Day, with members discussing coastal protection, wetlands, climate change, and marine ecology, and ACR 234 declaring California Wine Month, which passed after remarks on the wine industry’s economic importance and challenges. HR 126 proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month drew extensive, emotional testimony from the author and several members about suicide loss, youth mental health, LGBTQ+ youth, Native communities, and prevention resources; it was adopted with 63 coauthors. HR 127 recognizing Transgender History Month was also adopted after debate focused on transgender history in California, current attacks on transgender people, and the importance of dignity and safety; 47 coauthors were added. Finally, HR 129 recognizing Sarcoma Awareness Month passed with 60 coauthors after members discussed pediatric sarcoma, rare cancer awareness, and a cluster of Ewing sarcoma cases in South Orange County. The consent calendar, including ACR 233 on Sepsis Awareness Month, was adopted 63-0, and the chamber then moved toward adjournments in memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• mother, Tamika Barrett, a proud graduate of Brookside Charter School, where she also serves as an educator
• The JAG program empowers our nation's young people with the skills and support to succeed in education
• , a CASA volunteer; Tammy Wood, a CASA volunteer; Darcy Crane, a really good friend of mine, the outreach
• machines with a promise of tax dollars for education, whoever else is getting this money, and people
• The lottery, also gambling, was implemented and was going to fund education, supposedly.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote. Members then moved through a series of personal privileges and introductions of guests, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university students, nursing students, interns, and other visitors recognized from across the state. On third reading, House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction, was debated as a taxpayer relief measure. Supporters said it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. The bill passed 94-50. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming bill aimed at cracking down on illegal “gray market” machines while creating a regulated local-option video lottery terminal system. Debate focused on enforcement, local control, consumer protection, revenue for education, veterans, and disability programs, and whether the bill effectively legalized gambling in a new form. A motion to send it to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill ultimately passed 83-66 with one present. The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provides a little over $3 billion in additional authority for the rest of FY2026, including tax refunds, disaster response, St. Louis tornado relief, Medicaid-related spending, and Missouri Department of Transportation operations. Members discussed the size of supplemental spending, the use of federal and general revenue funds, and the first-time use of general revenue for the adult expansion Medicaid population. The House adopted an amendment reducing some unused Medicaid authority, then adopted the bill as amended and perfected it for printing. The session ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.