Video & Transcript Research : 'Children's Code'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- this is our contact information so you can send us e-mail us at our website and also scan that QR code
- And if you've got the QR code, you're ready to go.
- And we divide this between us and our Children's Medical Services program at the department as well.
- Through their partnerships on the local level are women infant and children's program at the department
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So they need to know, are the building codes? Is the electricity being installed properly?
- there's no code violations, but they<02:30:07.840>
do <02:30:08.000>much <02:30:08.160> - I have seen families who qualified for the Children's Scholarship Fund program who lost their funding
- Would you say that our property taxes are our investment in our children's education?
- I'm not allowed children's education.
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.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Beds to Belonging Workgroup Jul 15th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- really about the foundation of how we're trying to do that at the Oregon Health Authority and in the children's
- So while I oversee the children's behavioral health...
- The responsibility of OHA is really whole child health, so while I oversee the children's behavioral
- And so we wanted to show, again, for the children's behavioral health system, sort of the ideal continuum
- highlight this: psychiatric residential treatment for people under 21 has further regulations by the Code
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 20th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We can run our programs, and another part of that building plan is to have a children's play area, which
- They just don't trust the Navajo Nation, the Code Talkers, to kind of...
- form of Language Nest, to Head Start, to New Mexico Pre-K, and then lastly to our beloved Keres Children's
- In my presentation, another invited member is the Carers Children's Learning Center.
- appoints a member of the Pueblo de Cochiti but also that we extend the invitation to the Caris Children's
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 9th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- higher education, a private or independent institution of higher education. defined by the Education Code
- So this bill solves this issue by repealing the chapter 2060 of the government Code, thereby formally
- Yes by the government code Yes, yeah, and so you know when I look at the physical node it looks to me
- I tried to color code. Thank you. Mr.
- So I'm gonna use Representative Cook's hospital, Children's Hospital.
Bills:
HB 111, HB1545, HB2145, HB2467, HB2520, HB4136, HB4181, HB4214, HB4218, HB4219, HB4359, HB4437, HB4822, HB111
Keywords:
Texas Public Information Act, open records, public records, government transparency, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, governmental body, Chapter 552, public information law, nonprofit association, quasi-governmental entity, economic development, trade secrets, proprietary information, commercial financial information, Alamo restoration, local workforce board, TDCJ contract facility, civil commitment facility, water supply corporation
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- after July 1, 2024. municipality stricture codes enabled municipality stricture codes enabled before
- takes building code.
- The code already takes building code.
- <01:40:46.480>
had <01:40:46.719>towns code requirements, but we've had towns code - If I know that passing this will make sure that the state building code is a state building code, and
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- to the Business and Professions Code.
- Furthermore, there are valid concerns that transferring code provisions from the Health and Safety Code
- and Insurance Code to the Business and Professions Code could inadvertently create harmful roadblocks
- Code.
- Health and Safety Code.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup.
The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements.
Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- would have all the stakeholders come together to talk about looking at the entire landlord-tenant code
- And then we've also received written testimony in support from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
- And then we've also received written testimony in support from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
- And then we've also received written testimony in support from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
- And then we've also received written testimony in support from Hawaii Children's Action Network.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro.
Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons.
Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This article updates the reference to the definitions of net income and Internal Revenue Code in the
- So, uh, goes a long way in really upgrading our tax code to our new economy.
- ><00:30:10.080>
families really benefit children's and families really benefit children's and - <00:30:52.920>
to in trying to modernize our tax code to in trying to modernize our tax code - <00:31:08.480>
to really, uh, upgrading our tax code to really, uh, upgrading our tax code
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 17th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB145, SB29, SB37, SB64, HB279, HB292, SB35, SB40, SB43, SB48, SB96, SB143, HB132, SB20, SB21, SB101, SJR1, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM30, HM52, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB2, SB264, SB241
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Most but not all petitions simply refer to the Education Code statutes with respect to the audit process
- And what I know is what all of you know is that early learning is key to our children's success.
- And what I know is what all of you know is that early learning is key to our children's success.
- This is true no matter the zip code, background, home language, neurodiversity, or other factors that
- Every child in California, regardless of their zip code or how their district is funded, should have
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard AB 84, a charter school accountability measure focused on non-classroom-based charter schools and fraud prevention. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to respond to the A3 charter fraud case and related scandals by strengthening audits, transparency, authorizer oversight, and funding determination rules, while ensuring public education dollars are used for public education. Supporters included FCMAT, CSEA, CTA, and CSBA, who argued the bill would improve oversight and protect taxpayers. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, Green Dot, many charter parents, educators, and charter operators, said the bill was too broad, would impose major new costs and bureaucracy on all charter schools, and could reduce options for families, especially those using flexible, homeschool, or special-needs charter programs. After extensive testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations, with the item left open for additional votes.
The committee then approved a consent calendar of 11 education bills, including AB 542, AB 563, AB 731, AB 753, AB 784, AB 964, AB 988, AB 1034, AB 1233, AB 1255, and AB 1381, all moving to Appropriations. The consent calendar passed unanimously.
Later, the committee heard AB 1454, a literacy and reading instruction bill authored by Assembly Members Rubio and Revis. The bill would require the state to create professional development resources for evidence-based literacy instruction, update English language arts and English language development instructional materials, and revise administrator preparation standards to include literacy training. The authors and a broad coalition of supporters, including CTA, EdVoice, Families in Schools, Decoding Dyslexia, school administrators, and parent advocates, described the measure as a compromise aimed at improving reading outcomes and addressing California’s literacy crisis. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing, and members voiced strong support for the bill and its collaborative approach.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- voice for AACC, I was able to write a children's book.
- Even dismissed cases drive poverty and mean a person can't volunteer at their children's school or go
- Alongside our state and national partners, including Code for America, the Clean Slate Initiative has
- 'I don't have time to review everything,' she said, and wrote an order that erased me from my children's
- My children's father is a Massachusetts state trooper, sworn to protect the public, but for six years
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors.
The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It defines address as the complete mailing address, including zip code.
- This still provides that the city, state, and zip code is still provided.
- This still provides that the city, state, and zip code is still provided.
- This still provides that the city, state, and zip code is still provided.
- You still get to see the city and the state, and the ZIP code.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- DHCS around the data that they can use for exemptions on their side, particularly around diagnostic codes
- But let me just say this: through the humongous work of Assembly Member Mia Bonta and through the Children's
- great Harlem community to see for ourselves the humongous and extraordinary work of the Harlem Children's
- that Promise Neighborhoods becomes also less reliant on state or federal dollars like the Harlem Children's
- I'm thinking about, because for me, I'm always thinking Harlem Children's Zone, right?
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused largely on the implementation of federal HR1 changes and their effects on CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and related county workloads. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, CWDA, LAO, and Finance discussed the CalFresh able-bodied adult without dependents time limit, with CDSS saying about two-thirds of affected adults are already known to be exempt in the system and that roughly 200,000 more could be auto-exempt through new data matches with DHCS and DDS. Officials said those exemptions should be in place by mid-August, before the first possible discontinuance in October, and that counties would receive policy guidance, handbook updates, and client-facing materials. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would be implemented later, with rules and testing completed ahead of a January 2027 rollout, and noted automatic exemptions for some IHSS-related cases. CWDA urged more county staffing and funding, citing examples where high-touch outreach improved exemptions, reduced churn, and increased participation, while warning that without additional resources counties expect delays, higher error risk, and reduced engagement.
The committee also discussed a possible CFAP Plus expansion to provide state-funded food benefits to people losing CalFresh eligibility under HR1. CDSS said implementation could not occur before the planned October 1, 2027 CFAP expansion timeline and would depend on final policy choices, system design, and the complexity of adding new eligibility groups. Finance cautioned that any benefit expansion would carry significant General Fund costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions or more. Members asked for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS agreed to provide follow-up materials and technical assistance.
A separate item reviewed the CalFresh strategic plan and the revision of CDSS’s online mandated reporter training. CDSS said the strategic plan lead position should be posted in May and that the plan would be data-driven and collaborative. For mandated reporter training, CDSS reported that the revised curriculum is being developed with lived experts and stakeholders, will include content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting, and is on track to launch in fall/winter 2026 ahead of the statutory deadline. The committee also heard updates on Promise Neighborhoods, where advocates described strong outcomes and argued for continued and expanded state support, including AB 1969 to deepen partnerships with community schools; members emphasized the need for more stable braided funding and institution-building rather than short-term program funding.
The hearing concluded with updates on the Stop the Hate program and housing assistance programs. CDSS said Stop the Hate has provided direct services, prevention and intervention programming, and statewide coordination, reaching millions through outreach and serving more than 11,200 people through transformative grants; advocates urged reauthorization and more targeted funding for solidarity, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS said proposed one-time investments of $55 million for H-DAP and $105 million for HSP would help avoid funding cliffs and maintain homelessness prevention and housing stabilization services through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in emergency housing assistance, rental subsidies, and enrollments. No votes were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER, HHS-HRE Public Hearings 02-12-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Next we have Nene Cole, Hawaii Children's Action Network, in support; Hawaii Youth Services Network,
- Hawaii children's Action Network and<00:04:18.959>
support <00:04:19.759>Hawaii <00:04: - Next we have Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaii and Hawaii Children's Action Network in support.
- The penalties for violating section 856 of Title 21 of the United States Code include civil penalties
- Chabel Davis, Hawaii Children's Action Network, speaks in support.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support.
The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse.
During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- . under title 10A of the of the code.
- organized under title 27 of the code. organized under title 27 of the code.
- We can't do and our children's children.
- <01:39:35.199>
would anything in the Alabama code would anything in the Alabama code would - So, all subject to the code of Alabama.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Feb 16th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- They operate via zip code and sometimes via address, so they have a way to determine and to share Documentation
- It comes directly from the Oklahoma Administrative Code that already regulates the department.
- It is correct that when we attempt to move something over from administrative code into statute, that
- A nine-year-old was transported by EMS to OU Children's Hospital due to seizure-like activity after ingesting
Bills:
SB1421, SB1427, SB1484, SB1503, SB1553, SB1557, SB1564, SB1566, SB1567, SB1591, SB1642, SB1794, SB1837, SB2044
Keywords:
mental health, nonphysical intervention, training, youth care, conflict resolution, staff training, pediatric screenings, type 1 diabetes, health care providers, parental consent, reimbursement, state funding, public health, medicolegal investigation, medical examiner, coroner, sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, sudden unexpected infant death, SUID
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Children's hospitals have no place to cost shift.
- Children's hospitals have no place to cost shift.
- Children's hospitals have no place to cost shift.
- >
place <00:24:04.080>to Children's hospitals have no place to Children's hospitals have - <05:59:47.920>
we color of our skin or what zip code we color of our skin or what zip code
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-16 (2:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL 806 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
- COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1173 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
- COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 1173 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT RELATING TO THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
- COMMERCIAL CODE.
- WITH 34 YEARS IN HEALTHCARE I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND HOW CRITICAL IT IS TO OUR CHILDREN'S HEALTH.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Catherine Hauerkeed from Stockton, California, a member of Code Pink, Jewish Voice for Peace, and
- The changes to Education Code 244 are problematic. Boards approve and adopt agenda items.
- And just to clarify, the change that the bill is making to Education Code 244 is new.
- It's very specifically aligned to Education Code 220, which is very much about discrimination in the
- Luckily enough for us, the Education Code already does protect against anti-Semitism.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion.
The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues.
Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.