Transcript Highlights:

• </c> since the first executive order. since the first executive order.
• And so I the bottom of those grades.
• </c> Maybe we could answer that first, Mr. Maybe we could answer that first, Mr. Chairman.
• So, I'm curious first.
• And our grade is—well, I can't remember the overall grade.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:28.480><c> program</c> there have been when it first program there have been when it first
• </c> first started, it didn't hit that limit. first started, it didn't hit that limit.
• But I do think that's important to have that overview. when I first did the bill, nearly 10 when I first
• And at the bottom of the<02:19:19.040><c> first</c><02:19:19.280><c> page,</c> the first page, the first
• First um that change to 1 testify.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns. Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken. The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended. Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll first hear the proposal from the Department of Finance.
• And the other thing you raised first was, oh, that.
• And so that's where we saw at first.
• So yeah, during the first years, about 40% was unused of the first couple years.
• The first is for an exist for a successor charter.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that grade.
• Whenever you first started out, you didn't like it.
• Because the two serious incidents in our state were first graders, first graders, and it wasn't their
• first time.
• First of all, I appreciate this legislation.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first we have is Maya Abs.
• The first join me in welcoming uh them.
• So busy week. the first full week here.
• </c> grades and would graduate from Booker T. grades and would graduate from Booker T.
• </c><00:23:55.679><c> seem</c><00:23:56.000><c> rather</c> At first glance, it may seem rather At first

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll first hear the proposal from the Department of Finance.
• And the other thing you raised first was, oh, that...
• And the other thing you raised first was, oh, that...
• So yeah, during the first years, about 40% was unused of the first couple years.
• The first is for an existing successor charter.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a first-timer in water, so I'm just trying to learn here.
• First, let's, Madam Chair, first let's go with, is there a certain set of rules that they're supposed
• So, for the first thing that comes to mind, that includes...
• We were all thinking about third grade, and it was not pretty.
• First of all, I believe Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 715 first to order.
• Zuber, I know I asked you personally, you know, this is the first time, the first time that I've saw
• Let me get the authors first and then we can go to you.
• And first, just a point of clarification.
• So first of all, I just want to thank Eli, Ella.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First and foremost, I would like to thank everybody today.
• First person to speak is Derek Washington. Thank you.
• By Shirley, first person speak, is Derek Washington. Welcome.
• I took my first job as a caddy at Brayburn Country Club when I was in seventh grade.
• Club when I was in seventh grade.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work. A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later. Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided. The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• There has been House Finance will get the budget first, um, and usually it takes the budget first, um
• </c> themselves say one of their first themselves say one of their first principles<00:32:43.919><c>
• My first, I’m going to make three points.
• First, all government grants come out of the pockets of taxpayers.
• </c> drinking water plant uh and the first drinking water plant uh and the first several<00:57:57.520

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I first want to stand. I want to thank you, Mr.
• The first is that we set up a new governance structure, streamlining the current commission from five
• I'd like to first give us... Thank you, Madam Speaker and Mr.
• Developmentally appropriate rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to all grade levels.
• I'll be honest with you, I was skeptical at first.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first recognized several student athletes and teams, including East Bridgewater cheerleaders, Medway athletes and teams, and the Housatonic Valley basketball team, and adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition concerning an extension of a lease authorization for conservation land. The chamber then took up Senate 2581, as amended, a major education and youth technology bill. The bill was rewritten to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education, including restrictions on personal electronic devices in public schools and limits on social media access for children. Members debated whether the policy should be bell-to-bell or allow more local flexibility, and several amendments were offered. An amendment from Attleboro to preserve district-specific policies was rejected, while a consolidated amendment tightening social media restrictions and related protections was adopted. The House also considered and passed several other bills, including measures amending the Sandwich charter, authorizing Springfield to help certain residents with local tax obligations, authorizing charity alcohol auctions, and directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific police applicant. In addition, the House rejected concurrence on a Senate version of a higher education infrastructure bill and instead appointed a committee of conference. Later, the House accepted a conference report on modernizing cannabis laws after debate focused on regulatory streamlining, equity, ownership caps, and hemp regulation. The report was adopted by roll call, and the House then passed the amended education bill to be engrossed before adjourning to the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Children who aren't reading on grade level by third grade or four times more. likely to drop out of high
• The first adopted item will start on page 6.
• First item is a cost-out adjustment related to. Board value cards for $140,000.
• The first time we and I worked together on one of these teams, it was great.
• First item was 1.2 million. The second item was $50,000.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was formerly known as the 8th grade cohort data.
• Nobody's talking about their first year in the SEC.
• It'd be one of the aspects of that first focus program.
• First time I've testified for you. Also be light on me, OK.
• And of those 45% were first gen. Just a couple of kudos.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me first say I'm appalled at the...
• All right, we're going to have Senator Miranda's floor amendment read first.
• First, I just want to say that this is so disrespectful.
• Got to get out of that one first, and then I'll come back to you. All right.
• Because she knew, my mom only had a sixth-grade education, but she knew.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we would like your support in making Florida the first state to put our families and babies first
• What is the difference between the first responder?
• So basically, so first responders, they can support...
• I respect our first responders. I support our first responders, but I also, no but, period.
• The nurse at that moment is the first responder.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, I would like to thank my colleagues...
• Not everyone's doing business in a first-world country.
• First of all, I want to thank all panelists.
• Hello, I'm Brooke Sims, a first grade teacher from Stockton, California.
• My name is Amanda Rails, and I am a first grade teacher as well as the president of the Davis Teachers

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals. In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, I would like to thank my colleagues.
• So first of all, just again also reiterate my thanks to be here, and again my well— So first of all,
• First, let me thank you and your staff.
• Hello, I'm Brooke Sims, a first grade teacher from Stockton, California.
• My name is Amanda Rails, and I am a first grade teacher as well as the president of the Davis Teachers

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s taxation of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Committee members and witnesses discussed how unitary taxation and sales-factor apportionment work, why multinational corporations are a small share of filers but a large share of tax liability, and how foreign income, profit shifting, and double taxation concerns affect policy choices. The Franchise Tax Board explained current filing rules, the seven-year water’s-edge election, and recent filing statistics showing about 21,562 water’s-edge returns in 2023, roughly 6% of C corporation filers but about half of corporate tax liability. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and FTB staff emphasized that revenue effects from eliminating water’s edge are uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable, and they noted possible revenue volatility and administrative complexity. Several committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the burden on FTB, whether certain industries are more likely to shift profits, and whether companies would leave California; witnesses generally said there was no strong evidence that firms would exit the state because tax liability is driven mainly by California sales. They also discussed how California already administers both methods, how the election can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on a firm’s facts, and how federal reforms like GILTI/NCTI, CAMT, and OECD Pillar Two may affect the issue. The second panel presented sharply contrasting views. One professor and a tax policy advocate argued that water’s edge creates unfairness, encourages profit shifting, and leaves California with billions in lost revenue, while a Tax Foundation witness argued that mandatory worldwide reporting would tax the wrong income, create double taxation and litigation risk, and impose heavy compliance burdens, especially for foreign-based multinationals. A later panel from the California Budget and Policy Center supported closing the “water’s-edge loophole,” saying it would raise needed revenue for public services and level the playing field between large multinationals and smaller domestic businesses. No vote or formal action was taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have a bill whose sponsor is not in the room, so we’re going to go a little bit out of order
• All right, first up, we've got Daniel Murphy. Please approach.
• I have, in fact, ridden a bike to school since the fourth grade.
• I have, in fact, ridden a bike to school since the fourth grade.
• I think that's something we all learn when we first start too.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard Senate Bill 1272, a code cleanup measure sponsored by Sen. Carrie Semmelroth. She explained that the bill removes outdated or redundant provisions identified through the Idaho Code Cleanup Act and DOGE Task Force process, including obsolete pilot certification language, livestock movement language, and references to discontinued license plates and related administrative duties. Sen. Adams asked for clarification that the bill did not repeal the old-timer license plate itself, only outdated administrative language. The Idaho Transportation Department had reviewed the changes and supported them. The committee voted to send SB 1272 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 500 from Rep. Chris Matthias, prompted by a traffic collision involving his teenage constituent, Sean Norton, who was riding an e-bike when struck by a vehicle. Matthias said a court ruling exposed a loophole in Idaho law because existing language in the driver-duty statute referred to pedestrians and people propelling human-powered vehicles, but not electric-assisted bicycles. He said the bill would update the law to include e-bikes, clarify that e-bike riders are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional cyclists, and avoid confusion in enforcement; he also noted it would not apply to scooters or other micromobility devices. Testimony in support came from Daniel Murphy and Norton, who described the crash, the resulting injuries, and the need to protect e-bike riders under the law. Committee members asked about e-bike classes and the effect of the court case, and Norton said the civil case still found the driver at fault. The committee voted to send HB 500 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, the committee briefly recognized Shaila Tyler, a departing page, thanked her for her service, and presented her with a gift basket. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• First order, reports of standing committees. The Secretary will read.
• Fifth order, introductions and first reading of bills. The Secretary will read.
• Fifth order, introductions and first reading of bills. The Secretary will read.
• I first want to say thank you for the beautiful prayer and song beginning our session today.
• Troop 41752 is comprised of juniors, grades 4 and 5, and cadets, grades 6 through 8.

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, presentation of colors by Senate pages, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer led by Reverend Rennell C. Jones of Tacoma. His daughter, Gabrielle Jones, then performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The chamber also recognized Girl Scout Troop 41752 from southeast Seattle later in the session. After approving the previous day’s journal and handling routine committee and referral motions, the Senate advanced engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5994 on biosimilar medicines to the floor calendar. It also received new introductions and referrals, including Senate Bill 6204, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. No substantive debate occurred on those measures in this transcript. The main item of business was Senate Resolution 8661, recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and calling on Washingtonians to continue the work of justice, equity, and perseverance. Senator Nobles sponsored the resolution and several senators spoke in support, emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy, courage, nonviolence, and the need to keep working on issues such as racial justice, housing discrimination, and community investment. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote, and then adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, let me thank you and your staff.
• The first year they started collecting this data.
• First of all, I want to thank all panelists.
• Hello, I'm Brooke Sims, a first grade teacher from Stockton, California.
• My name is Amanda Rails, and I am a first grade teacher as well as the president of the Davis Teachers

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. The LAO and Franchise Tax Board explained the basic mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and how water’s-edge generally excludes most foreign subsidiaries while worldwide reporting includes the full unitary group. FTB officials said water’s-edge filers are a small share of corporate filers but account for a large share of tax liability, and they described filing trends, industry mix, and the administrative steps needed to administer either system. Members and witnesses debated the policy trade-offs. Supporters of moving away from water’s-edge argued that it enables profit shifting, especially for large multinational and IP-heavy firms, and that eliminating it could raise significant revenue and improve fairness for smaller domestic businesses. They cited estimates of billions in potential revenue and said California already has the audit and reporting infrastructure to handle worldwide reporting, though some transition time would be needed. Opponents argued that worldwide reporting would tax foreign activity unrelated to California, create double taxation, increase compliance burdens and litigation, and could be difficult for foreign-based multinationals to document. They also warned that some of the revenue estimates are highly uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the risk of companies leaving California, the effect on intellectual property shifting, and whether federal or Supreme Court action could block a change. Witnesses generally said major firms would be unlikely to leave because California taxes sales rather than physical presence, but some costs could be passed on to consumers. The panel also discussed alternatives such as conforming to federal international tax rules like NCTI/GILTI and adding anti-abuse rules. No vote or bill action was taken; the hearing was informational only.