Transcript Highlights:

• But the problem with that single step is that tomorrow we would have an outstanding balance with the
• So it is that balancing. We'd prefer that the state be sort of in charge, so to speak.
• And the budget is only balanced due to reliance on one-time resources like reserves.
• Those are kind of the choices when you've got a fund out of balance.
• Those are kind of the choices when you've got a fund out of balance.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision proposals for labor, public safety/judiciary, and transportation, and no votes were taken. In Part A on labor, the Employment Development Department described funding for EDD Next document management work, updated UI loan interest costs, disability insurance and paid family leave benefit increases, WIOA adjustments, UI and school employee benefit changes, an EMT training reappropriation, and a technical correction tied to an EDD Next reversion. PERB discussed reduced funding requests for AB 288 due to litigation and a proposal to implement AB 1 covering legislative employees. DIR presented proposals for legal unit reclassifications, two major IT modernization projects, a new Cal/OSHA emerging technologies unit, a COIA reappropriation, and trailer bill language requiring electronic payment of employer assessments and removing a salary cap for the DWC administrative director. CalHR proposed consolidating employee assistance services into a statewide contract with enhanced support for first responders, and CalPERS and CalSTRS presented budget adjustments tied to investment costs, state contributions, and benefit overpayments. Members focused heavily on the unemployment insurance debt and interest payments, asking why the administration had no concrete plan to pay down principal. Finance and LAO explained that the state’s UI tax structure has long been insufficient and that any long-term solution would need to address both the outstanding federal loan and the structural imbalance in employer taxes. Questions also centered on EDD Next costs and timelines, with the chair asking for clearer long-term project cost estimates and Finance noting that future maintenance and operations costs will continue after implementation. On DIR’s emerging technologies unit, members asked whether it would address AI-driven workplace harms; DIR said the unit would focus on physical workplace safety issues involving AI, robotics, autonomous equipment, and related guardrails, while LAO noted broader labor-practice questions would likely fall outside Cal/OSHA’s scope. In the CalPERS discussion, members raised concerns about transparency in private equity and external management fees, while CalPERS said higher fees reflect a strategy of greater private-market and active-management exposure and are offset by higher net returns. Members urged more information on specific investments and future reporting. For CalSTRS, Finance presented routine contribution and overpayment adjustments, but members also raised broader transparency concerns that CalSTRS staff said they would follow up on separately. Public comment in Part A was dominated by strong support for an immigrant worker emergency relief fund, along with support for apprenticeship and workforce proposals and PERB staffing. The chair and members said they would follow up on where the immigrant relief proposal should be considered, noting it may belong in another policy area. The hearing then moved into Part B with an overview of Judicial Branch-related May Revision items, including court interpreter funding, appellate court security, workload cap changes, lactation room implementation delays, and a reduction to the state court facility construction backfill.

Transcript Highlights:

• What are your thoughts on balancing those two together? Are you allowed to answer that?
• So we can talk about that and balance that. So if you're interested, be there.
• That's the increase in municipal use is almost balanced by a decrease in agricultural use.
• I know we got to find a fine balance.
• So I'm curious, what are your thoughts on the balance of if we start regulating?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Several features help maintain that balance.
• . balance. balance.
• . balance. balance.
• </c> liquidity of its cash balance. liquidity of its cash balance.
• </c><02:18:42.760><c> with</c> of the state's daily cash balance with of the state's daily cash balance

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; And<02:17:00.160><c> the</c><02:17:00.319><c> balance</c><02:17:01.760><c> and</c><02:17:01.920
• ><c> the</c><02:17:02.080><c> balance</c><02:17:02.559><c> I</c> Mr.<02:17:08.800><c> Fuller,</c><02:
• Chairman, upon review, it looks like the balance is $30.1 million. Okay. Other questions on this?
• And then subsection C moves into the unencumbered, unobligated balance of the perpetuity fund shall be
• Director Richards, I think we had one more item, which was our budget balancing options. >> Uh, please

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to figure out a balanced approach to make sure that the families that go visit their loved
• And I think there is a balance. We just need to. To make an income, and I think there is a balance.
• And I think there has to be a balance in which we are not putting one in place that is going to take
• I don't think the balance is equal, and I think it's an unfair situation for the vendors.
• I think that the proposal from our vice chair on the whole is reasonable and balanced.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• She thanked Senator Igo for his commitment to a balanced approach to energy and his incorporation of
• She concluded by saying action is needed now. thoughtful balanced energy policy while thoughtful balanced
• She thanked Senator Igo for his commitment to a balanced approach to energy and his incorporation of
• </c><00:16:10.880><c> approach</c><00:16:11.319><c> to</c> commitment to a balanced approach to commitment
• to a balanced approach to energy<00:16:12.560><c> his</c><00:16:13.079><c> incorporation</c><00:16:14.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that's correct except it's also balanced that's correct except it's also balanced by<00:23:41.880
• </c><00:40:31.000><c> in</c> you know checks and balances in you know checks and balances in government
• </c><03:48:49.399><c> I</c> System instead so just the balance I System instead so just the balance I
• fund, what's the balance and then whatever else you'd like to share.
• <04:38:03.119><c> yeah</c><04:38:03.439><c> so</c><04:38:04.439><c> go</c> balance yeah so go balance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the balance of my time.
• I reserve the balance of my time.
• I reserve the balance of my time.
• I reserve the balance of my time.
• I reserve the balance of my time.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And anytime there's been a question, there's certainly been a check and balance.
• I believe that's the check and balance.
• The additional check and balance there being, of course, the appointments that we make to the advisory

Bills: SB248, SB985, SB1307, SB1319, SB1405, SB1530, SB1919

Keywords: tourism, revolving fund, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, real property, fund management, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement, farm to school, school districts, Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, local producers, meat processors, reimbursement program, agriculture, nutrition, farmers, ranchers, local sourcing

Transcript Highlights:

• Ohio has the largest, and our average balance in the accounts is about $11,200.”
• you have money left over in that program after 46, you age out, and let’s say you have an account balance
• Then whatever is the remaining balance can be transferred over to your beneficiary.

Summary: The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 2771. Members adopted a House Committee amendment, then rolled it into a new substitute combining HB 2771 with HB 1993. The House Committee substitute for HB 2771 and HB 1993 was then voted do pass by a roll call of 21 ayes and 0 nos. The committee also announced that another bill on the agenda would be held over until the following week at the request of Representative Roberts, who is working with the Missouri Veterans Commission and its director. No action was taken on that measure during this meeting. The remainder of the meeting was a presentation on the MoABLE program by State Treasurer Vivek Malik and coordinator Yvonne Riedman. They explained that, under a federal change effective January 1, 2026, eligibility now extends to people whose disability began before age 46 rather than 26. They said the program helps disabled Missourians, including veterans, save and invest without affecting certain means-tested benefits, and that account funds can be used for qualified expenses such as housing, health care, education, transportation, and assistive technology. Committee members asked about veteran eligibility, asset limits, work status, account balances, and outreach efforts; Malik said enrollment has grown from under 2,000 to nearly 6,000 and that the office is promoting the program through veteran organizations and upcoming public service announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are going to have a balanced budget amendment... Gentleman 12, the floor. Thank you, Mr.
• So we are going to have a balanced budget amendment informational hearing this week on the 22nd at 8
• He's going to be there to answer some questions and give some remarks on the balanced budget amendment

Summary: The House convened with 70 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal. The chamber then received committee reports noting that House Bills 489 through 493 had been printed and referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee. Under resolutions and first reading, House Concurrent Resolution 21 was introduced to designate 2026 as the Year of Volunteerism and the America 250 in Idaho Service Challenge, with related commemorative activities for the nation’s 250th birthday; it was referred for printing. The House also introduced House Bills 494 through 498, covering background checks and related code updates, dentistry and denturist regulation, podiatry licensure and discipline, controlled substances scheduling and related technical changes, and authorization for legislative leaders to employ outside counsel in federal litigation. All five bills were referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee for printing. During announcements, members welcomed teachers, IEA members, and several guests in the gallery, and noted a sound money talk, a balanced budget amendment informational hearing featuring Governor Ron DeSantis, and a pharmacy student reception. Committee meeting notices were also read for the coming days. The House then adjourned until 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we talk about cash balances, many times they say, "Well, this is for the RFR process, or this is
• If that's why the districts are having to use cash balances or maintain higher cash balances, then those

Transcript Highlights:

• If I'm the headmaster of a private school and I have a student leaving with a balance, then what do I
• do to recoup that balance?
• You know, they can't use the transcript as leverage to say if you have an unpaid balance, we're not going

Bills: SB166, HB365, HB272, HB232, HB234, SB278, SB277

Keywords: Ten Commandments, public education, displays, funding, Alabama law, sex education, abstinence, public schools, parental consent, human reproductive process, teen pregnancy, educational policy, sexual risk avoidance, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How does this exemption balance transparency with the public while protecting sensitive information?
• The question was, how does this exemption balance transparency with the public while also protecting
• So how does this exemption balance transparency with the public while also protecting sensitive information

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably. Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is the balance struck. >> That's not what I meant.
• So that is the balance struck. We're trying to strike a balance, which has been discussed.
• So that is the balance struck.
• So that is the balance struck.
• </c> reasonable balance. reasonable balance. Thank<03:04:15.520><c> you.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• approach of saying districts come up with a procedure for doing this, come up with a procedure for balancing
• approach of saying districts come up with a procedure for doing this, come up with a procedure for balancing
• these interests. ...districts come up with a procedure for doing this, come up with a procedure for balancing
• And so I trust schools and districts to be able to come up with a procedure that balances all of these

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But Colchester concluded the first half on top 14-2 and it remained ahead for the balance of the game
• top 14-2 and it remained ahead<00:04:57.360><c> for</c><00:04:57.520><c> the</c><00:04:57.680><c> balance
• </c><00:04:57.919><c> of</c><00:04:58.080><c> the</c><00:04:58.240><c> game</c> ahead for the balance
• of the game ahead for the balance of the game winning<00:04:59.199><c> the</c><00:04:59.360><c> division

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• University of California at Berkeley in sciences, something I would never tackle, who struggled to balance
• University of California at Berkeley in sciences, something I would never tackle, who struggled to balance
• Proportional representation leads to more balanced governance by encouraging a wider range of candidates
• Proportional representation leads to more balanced governance by encouraging a wider range of candidates

Bills: HB1662, HB1683

Keywords: education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, education, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• University of California at Berkeley in sciences, something I would never tackle, who struggled to balance
• University of California at Berkeley in sciences, something I would never tackle, who struggled to balance
• Proportional representation leads to more balanced governance by encouraging a...
• Proportional representation leads to more balanced governance by encouraging a wider range of candidates

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 1662 would move several education-related boards and commissions—the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Charter School Commission—toward operational independence from OSPI by July 1, 2027, including separate administrative services, asset and employee transfers, and transition planning by OFM. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would improve transparency, fiscal accountability, and agency flexibility, while OSPI-related testimony emphasized that small agencies need more nimble administrative support. No one testified in opposition; the hearing record noted 2 pro, 1 con, and 5 other sign-ins, and members were told the bill was substantively the same as the version passed the prior year except for date changes. The committee then heard House Bill 1683, which would require most school districts with 2,000 or more students to elect at least some school board members from director districts rather than entirely at-large, with larger districts needing more district-based seats and districts under 2,000 students exempt. The sponsor and supporters argued the change would improve geographic and demographic representation, especially for lower-income communities and communities of color, and would help ensure school boards reflect the students and families they serve. Opponents, including a school directors association representative, said the bill would be an unfunded mandate, reduce local control, and create added election costs and recruitment challenges; one witness also suggested the bill should consider broader proportional-representation options. Staff noted that 23 districts would currently be out of compliance, and the hearing record showed 12 pro, 163 con, and 2 other sign-ins. No executive action was taken on either bill during this portion of the meeting. At the end of the hearing, the chair reminded members that several bills heard that week would be on next Thursday’s executive session agenda, urged prompt amendment requests, and announced that the committee would adjourn to caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the fact of leaving some in while pushing others out - the unfairness of it tips the balance for
• So vulgarly contrary to the system of checks and balances that we've relied upon in this country for
• Because there's a system of checks and balances that the framers of our Constitution and the philosophers
• Western law contained in this bill and the massive destruction they do to the system of checks and balances