Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of our more than 1,800 veterinarian members and veterinary student members, we are here to
• We're going to jump over to Kat Murthy, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, going virtually.
• My name is Kat Murthy, and I serve as Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy.
• My name is Kat Murthy, and I serve as Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, or SSDP
• On behalf of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and our members across the Commonwealth, I urge you to

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors. Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR. Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Behavioral health: not all behavioral health rates are anchored to Medicare.
• I know we've added a bunch of stuff in there with behavioral health, and we've added stuff in there with
• This is the test that every state administers to a population of its students, and it's the test we use
• Portion to cover the cost of meals for all students since we're doing that currently.
• , Native Americans, special education students.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am committed, and I believe we all must be committed, to excellence for every student.
• Students, families, and employers need to know what a diploma represents.
• It's always going to be the most vulnerable students who don't get what they need.
• Students are struggling.
• We need to meet students, young people, where they are.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction. In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures. No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let me underscore this is harmful behavior. It is harmful to those involved in the industry.
• The women came up to my students and said, oh, thank you for cleaning our area.
• And I said, please, you know, let's not address our students.
• And the response from my student to me was, it's okay, miss, we're used to this.
• You need to get the changed behavior or punish. And that's all I have to say. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety held an informational hearing in Pomona on sex work-related crimes and efforts to combat human trafficking. The chair and Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez framed the issue as a major public safety and victim-protection concern, referencing the repeal of the loitering law in SB 357 and the recent enactment of AB 379, which targets buyers of sex rather than sex workers. The hearing was organized into three panels: data and research, policing and anti-trafficking efforts, and courtroom/prosecution impacts. In the first panel, the California Department of Justice presented arrest and conviction data for the repealed loitering statute, noting overall declines from 2019 to 2022 but also explaining that the data did not distinguish clearly between people selling sex, people loitering to sell, and people purchasing sex. USC law professor Hannah Gary summarized a 2021 report finding that law enforcement stings and raids often lack transparency, disproportionately harm Black women, minors, LGBTQ+ people, and undocumented migrants, and rarely achieve the stated goals of protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers, or preventing trafficking. The ACLU of Southern California argued that criminalization of sex work is discriminatory and historically used to police women and people of color, and that laws aimed at buyers still harm sex workers and can increase immigration consequences. Committee members asked about data collection, racial disparities, and whether the new law could worsen profiling; the panelists urged public health approaches, better data, and more survivor services. The second panel featured the California DOJ human trafficking coordinator, Pomona Police Chief Mike Ellis, and survivor advocate Jess Torres of Rising Worldwide. DOJ described its regional trafficking teams, task forces, victim services, and prosecutions, emphasizing a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach. Chief Ellis said SB 357 limited police intervention and contributed to visible open-air prostitution near schools and other sensitive locations, citing complaints from residents and a reported drop in juvenile rescues in Pomona after the law changed; he supported AB 63-style enforcement with safeguards and service referrals. Torres, speaking as a survivor, argued that anti-trafficking policy must be survivor-led, that many youth in the sex trade are boys or LGBTQ youth, and that criminalization and street enforcement often worsen harm and displacement rather than solving the underlying problems. In the final panel, a Riverside County deputy district attorney said AB 63 could help law enforcement make earlier contact with potential victims and identify traffickers, while stressing the need for training, documentation, and oversight. A Los Angeles County public defender argued that prosecuting trafficked people reinforces traffickers’ control, creates lifelong barriers, and retraumatizes survivors, and pointed to diversion programs as a better model. The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking began its testimony by describing its survivor services and crisis response work. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, but with committee members and witnesses continuing to debate the balance between enforcement, data collection, and survivor-centered services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's not forget that every instance of such criminal behavior also reflects badly on the men and
• In the past three fiscal years, almost 6,000 students have earned their GED or high school diploma.
• In the past three fiscal years, almost 6,000 students have earned their GED or high school diploma.
• Right now, we have 10 students who have gone through our program.
• And so right now we have 10 students who have gone through our program.

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Lapel: I have three medical students with me as we speak rotating, and most importantly I do what
• John Lapel: If something comes to the Board by the way of a complaint about the behavior of a physician
• John Lapel: I like to take care of my hospital patients and teach medical students, and that can be a
• In the realm of behavioral health, the Department accelerated provider development efforts resulting
• in an increase of 140 percent licensed bed capacity statewide and a newly created Behavioral Qualified

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What mechanisms are in place to prevent misuse of sensitive behavioral health records once the protections
• Melanie Brown-Woofter, Florida Council for Behavioral Health— Thank you.
• Melanie Brown-Woofter, Florida Council for Behavioral Health Care, waives support.
• Melissa Olive, the Board Association of Behavior Analysis, is waiving in support.
• Melissa Olive, the Board Association of Behavior Analysis is waiving in support.

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support. The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions. The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Students.
• This impacts student learning.
• All educators know smaller class sizes lead to improved academic achievement and student behavior.
• About 320 students.
• students assessed, and a state like Texas has nearly 100,000 students assessed.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the student ID cards.
• Our students oppose this unanimously. Our students oppose this unanimously.
• I recognize Senator Murphy. students are. Those same students can students are.
• So the students on campus.
• So the students on campus.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not accept disruptive behavior, behavior that incites or threatens violence.
• Our current law is not enough to protect students as we've heard from countless students who do not know
• Please help students become better scientists and help educators honor students rights by voting aye
• I'm a student and I'm in support.
• Many students of mine are pre-med.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and By Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral
• Before we take up the next agenda item, I would like to welcome some students from Rural Special Elementary
• So welcome to our students from Rural Special Elementary.
• Bill 63 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral
• Bill 63 by Joint Budget, an act for the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Senate convened, took the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge, and then moved into budget business. The chamber adopted amendments to Senate Bills 29 and 51, then approved several groups of appropriation and supplemental appropriation bills from Joint Budget. The first batch included Senate Bills 76, 10, 16, 23, 24, 55, and 59; the second batch included House Bills 1006, 1013, 1016, 1033, 1048, 1050, 1054, 1065, 1078, 1081, 1082, 1084, 1085, 1086, 1087, and 1088; and the third batch included House Bills 1091, 1092, 1094, 1095, 1096, and 1097. All passed by 33-0, and the corresponding emergency clauses were adopted. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 23 honoring longtime Senate public information officer John Pendleton Reed upon his retirement after more than 35 years of service. Reed and several senators spoke briefly about his career and institutional knowledge. After a recess, the Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 26 congratulating Justin Tate of Elkins for being selected as a Special Olympics “guardian of the flame,” and Senate Resolution 27 recognizing the Elkins High School Elks as the 2025 Class 4A football state champions. Later, the Senate adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 77 removing a proposed GAD transfer tied to AETN/PBS matching funds, and then approved a supplemental budget calendar containing Senate Bills 8, 20, 30, 36, 41, 43, 58, 63, 67, and 73. Those bills also passed 33-0 with emergency clauses. The body received additional committee reports and notices, including Senate Bill 1’s return from the House, and members discussed upcoming scheduling, including possible Revenue and Tax Committee action on a homestead tax credit measure, before adjourning until Monday at 3 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• In their program, the main goals are to support students who want to study science and engineering, yay
• behavior, limiting the use of physical restraint and seclusion, prohibiting other types of... ...limiting
• He is also on the student council, and he is the captain of the football, basketball,...
• He is also on the Student Council, and he is the captain of the football, basketball, and track teams
• It was one of the other students that I was thinking about when I was at Monash School.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• behavior, which not only improves their environment, but it improves the learning environment for all
• of the other students.
• of the other students.
• , not for an award, but to help that student succeed, because that's what teachers Do.
• Because today's students will be tomorrow's CEOs, scientists, Because today's students will be tomorrow's

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Self-reported suicidal ideation among high school students increased between 2011 and 2019.
• <01:47:16.639> behavior<01:47:17.679> indicating pattern of behavior behavior indicating
• pattern of behavior behavior indicating significant<01:47:19.119> risk.
• Only students are prohibited.
• off a student. off a student. >> I'm<02:52:58.000> sorry.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They need $3 million, but instead we're going to spend $5 million on students at UCLA so they can run
• the amount of enrollment funding that we're providing to community college students.
• Additionally, thank you for your actions on IHSS, APS, and the Behavioral Health Services Act revenue
• Withholding these funds creates uncertainty for schools and students.
• Partnership Fund and for behavioral health advocacy contracts.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, and related discussion of the legislative budget agreement. Committee staff and the Department of Finance described a two-year balanced plan with about $253 billion in General Fund spending, roughly $5.5 billion in higher assumed revenues than the May Revision, and about $36.5 billion in combined reserves. They said the package preserves or expands funding for schools and community colleges, child care, IHSS, Medi-Cal-related county administration, housing and homelessness programs, public hospitals, courthouse construction, and some criminal justice and prison-closure savings, while delaying or modifying several prior health care reductions and some Medi-Cal changes. Much of the member discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on low-income and immigrant Californians. Several Democrats argued the budget protects vulnerable residents by delaying some cuts, funding county eligibility work, indigent care, public hospitals, and food banks, and rejecting the Governor’s IHSS cuts and asset-limit proposal. Republicans criticized the budget for assuming future revenues, relying on new taxes, and not doing enough to address the structural deficit or improve accountability. Members also raised concerns and support around homelessness funding, Prop. 36, judgeships and courthouse funding, transit and GGRF allocations, local journalism, Caltrans fleet spending, and a proposed “fair share” revenue measure that was not yet before the committee. Public testimony was largely supportive of the budget’s health and human services provisions, especially the rejection of IHSS cuts and the asset-limit proposal, and the inclusion of funding for child care, sickle cell centers, domestic violence services, trauma recovery centers, distressed hospitals, county eligibility work, and transit programs. Some witnesses representing hospitals and health plans cautioned about the effects of moving certain Medi-Cal populations to fee-for-service and about proposed tax changes affecting health care providers. The chair said revenue trailer bills were still being finalized and would likely come back later in the week; the committee then moved to public comment, with the chair limiting speakers to about one minute each.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for safety reasons, behaviors.
• and students throwing Teachers and students throwing themselves<00:16:04.480> over<00:16:04.880
• I'm in awe of the students bravery. I'm in awe of the students bravery.
• I still can't the younger students.
• , and sexualized behaviors.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas up to 54% of physicians, 68% of nurses, 60% of medical students and residents, and 61% to
• is experiencing severe workforce shortages of physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, behavioral
• Regents analysis, the state needs an additional 14,291 registered nurses, 3,644 physicians, and 2,419 behavioral
• So would all of the GCU students please stand up?
• That right there, ladies and gentlemen, is an active student body that I am so very proud to be an alumna

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, recorded attendance, and recognized several guests and proclamations, including Arizona Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness, the Doctor of the Day, educators visiting the Capitol, and student guests. The chamber also announced temporary committee replacements and received House messages and bill referrals before moving to floor action. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1014 on health insurance, SB 1016 on employment practices, SB 1050 on state parks board/veterans park access, SB 1054 on referendum power and emergency measures, SB 1177 on public monies and gender-affirming care, SB 1194 on health care services and vaccination-related treatment issues, SB 1398 on AHCCCS, SB 1751 on capital punishment, and SCR 1049, a constitutional amendment proposal related to capital punishment. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing veterans’ benefits, limits on emergency measure abuse, health care access, and policy changes on capital punishment, while opponents raised concerns about worker protections, local government authority, discrimination against transgender people, and the death penalty. Each measure passed by recorded vote and was transmitted to the House. The Senate also noted upcoming committee meetings, including Health and Human Services the next day, and then adjourned until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:46:57.599> which school years for those students which school years for those students
• Best interest placements exist for the few students who do, which students you might ask?
• . students responsibility to the school students responsibility to the school community<02:09:19.639>
• <02:15:26.639> but for the best interest of students but for the best interest of students
• <03:37:58.640> receiving 90% of the students receiving 90% of the students receiving efas<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, leaves of absence, guest introductions, and memorial remarks honoring former Representative Carolyn Gargas of Hollis, who was remembered for her long House service, work on child and family issues, and community involvement. The House then adopted a consent calendar and approved a motion to withdraw House Bill 431, which would have created a commission to review draft rules on minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards; the motion failed after a roll call vote, so the bill remained in play. The House next took up House Bill 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. The majority supported the bill as a way to add penalties for knowingly false reports about law enforcement officers, arguing officers deserve protection from false accusations and that the knowingly standard is a high bar. The minority opposed it as duplicative of existing law and warned it could chill legitimate complaints against police. After debate and a division vote, the majority committee report of ought to pass was adopted, 198-173. The House also considered House Bill 218-FN, which would provide victims of crime a free police report. The committee amendment changed the bill so victims would receive a written confirmation that a crime occurred rather than the initial police report, to avoid conflicts with right-to-know law and active-investigation confidentiality. Supporters said the change was a small but important clarification agreed to by law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, while opponents argued the original language was already workable and that the floor amendment was unnecessary. A division vote was requested on the amendment, and the transcript ends during that debate before the final outcome on HB 218 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• were students of color and schools where the vast majority of students were white.
• That work led to expanding student leadership opportunities, growing student campus clubs, improving
• We serve 470,000 students, 75% of whom are students of color, 57% are Pell-eligible, meaning they are
• students of color.
• students of color.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on the cradle-to-college-and-career pipeline, with an emphasis on education, school discipline, community schools, and higher education pathways. Chair Isaac Bryan opened by noting that two bills from the first hearing had been introduced and were advancing through the Legislature. Members Mike Fong, Senator Gonzalez, and Corey Jackson offered remarks supporting bipartisan, cross-sector work to address inequities affecting boys and young men of color. The first panel discussed school discipline and safety. Dr. David Turner cited major declines in suspensions since state reforms such as SB 274, SB 419, and AB 420, but said disparities remain for Black and Native boys and that school policing and “ghost suspensions” still push students out of class. Brandy Bowen-Bremont and LaQuan Muhammad described hidden disciplinary practices, police referrals, and the need for restorative, culturally rooted, and care-first supports. Members asked about the causes of the suspension decline, statewide versus local data, and whether MTSS and restorative practices are being implemented with fidelity. The second panel focused on community schools. Witnesses from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, M.I.L.P.A., and the Center at Sierra Health Foundation urged a $1 billion ongoing state investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They argued community schools improve attendance, school climate, academic outcomes, and family engagement while reducing suspensions and chronic absenteeism. The third panel addressed college and career pathways, with speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A.M.E.N., and Improve Your Tomorrow calling for more financial aid, dual enrollment, mentorship, and student support. They also criticized state spending priorities, compared prison and higher education budgets, and urged investment in programs that keep young men of color connected to school and work. Public commenters largely echoed support for community schools, youth justice, and broader investment in boys and men of color, including rural and urban perspectives. Chair Bryan closed by highlighting the importance of representation and the role of mentorship and second chances in his own life, then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• This strained relationship repeatedly put teachers, students, and the RTC resident students themselves
• This strained relationship repeatedly put teachers, students, and the RTC resident students themselves
• And as the school and the RTC resident students themselves at risk as the school district was left in
• Obviously, students with disabilities come with a wide spectrum of needs, and hopefully most of them
• We outsource a lot of times, like behavioral health services, very similar, especially...

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and announced it would vote on pending bills at 10:30, with public testimony limited to two minutes. It first took up Senate Bill 905, a TDLR cleanup bill on licensing regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Senator Zafferini said the committee substitute would streamline advisory board consultation, remove obsolete provisional licenses, and allow any licensed physician to authorize hearing instruments for minors; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 451, which would require universal screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk for children in DFPS conservatorship and youth under TJJD jurisdiction. The author and witnesses from Children at Risk, the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective, and Texas CASA supported the bill as a prevention tool with existing infrastructure and training; the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee next considered Senate Bill 466, which would clarify that families may request a fetal death certificate at any gestational age, while keeping existing filing requirements for physicians. A constituent father testified about losing his 11-week-old daughter and being told he could not obtain a certificate, which he said prevented funeral arrangements; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. Senate Bill 2311 followed, requiring residential treatment centers to have a written agreement with the school that will educate resident children before becoming operational. The author cited a local dispute where an RTC and school district lacked communication, and witnesses from Texas CASA and Disability Rights Texas supported clearer educational planning while suggesting the Education Code may need conforming changes; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2826, known as Alyssa’s Law, which would create a statewide education program on medical child abuse for medical students, health care professionals, and CPS caseworkers. The author and Sheriff Bill Weyburn described Alyssa’s case as involving repeated unnecessary surgeries and argued the bill would improve awareness and early identification, while several witnesses and members raised concerns about false accusations, impacts on medically fragile children, and the need for scientific, peer-reviewed training and safeguards. After extensive discussion, the chair left the bill pending. The committee also heard House Bill 136, which would add certified lactation consultants as Medicaid providers to expand breastfeeding support; witnesses from lactation and nutrition fields said the bill would improve access, maternal and infant health, and long-term savings, and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2805, a surprise-billing/arbitration measure that would clarify provider identifiers and shift arbitration costs to the losing party. The author said the substitute was a legislative counsel draft with no substantive difference, and witnesses from the Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, and U.S. Anesthesia Partners supported the bill as a modest improvement that would reduce administrative confusion and make arbitration fairer without weakening patient protections. Members discussed how arbitration costs affect settlement behavior and how to define the “winner” in close cases. The bill was heard but not voted out during this segment.