Transcript Highlights:

• A study by the Center on Budget and Policy found that 91% of people who get a child tax credit use it
• A study by the Center on Budget and Policy found that 91% of people who get a child tax credit use it
• We're a research and analysis nonprofit that works to expand opportunities and promote well-being for
• Decades of research...
• We also conduct extensive research that focuses on the smallest businesses facing systemic inequities

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its first regular hearing of the 2025-26 session, adopted its proposed committee rules on a 5-0 vote, and reinstated a suspense file for bills with fiscal impacts over the committee threshold. The chair explained that only AB 418 would be eligible for an immediate vote, while several other measures would be held for suspense consideration because of budget constraints. AB 330 was pulled by the author. AB 418 by Wilson, which would create a clearer process and administrative remedy for county Chapter 8 tax sales, received support from county tax collectors and housing and taxpayer groups. Supporters said the bill would add transparency, due process, and a noticed public hearing for negotiated sales of tax-defaulted properties, while helping counties dispose of low-value or problematic properties more efficiently. The committee voted 6-0 to send AB 418 to Appropriations. Several other bills were heard and then referred to suspense: AB 27 by Chau, which would exclude Chiquita Canyon landfill relief payments from gross income and protect recipients’ eligibility for public benefits, drew strong support from affected residents and environmental advocates; AB 258 by Conley would increase funding for California fairs, with supporters emphasizing fairs’ emergency-response role; AB 397 by Gonzalez would expand the California Young Child Tax Credit into a broader child tax credit for older children; and AB 398 by Aaron would set a $300 minimum refundable Cal EITC benefit. The committee also heard AB 231 by Tye, which would offer a tax credit to microbusinesses that hire formerly incarcerated people, and it too was referred to suspense after supportive testimony from reentry and small-business advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and then we will walk through the research and analysis that the task force performed before we review
• <00:03:48.159> and will walk through the research and will walk through the research and &
• , and analysis that the task research, and analysis that the task force<00:03:59.920> performed
• research indicated that Further research indicated that most<00:21:23.120> endowments<00:21:24.000
• , research, analysis, and careful<00:35:22.480> consideration.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In a study titled "Opioid overdose knowledge among adolescents and young adults," ...
• In a study titled "Opioid overdose knowledge among adolescents and young adults," published in 2024 by
• In a companion study of collegiate recovery program directors, we found that programs with sustainable
• In a companion study of collegiate recovery program directors, we found that programs with sustainable
• My research has focused extensively on school-based approaches to opioid overdose prevention.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its fourth public hearing, opening with remarks about the importance of protecting and expanding access to higher education amid federal disinvestment. The chairs also announced future informational hearings on the impact of federal cuts and on ASAP models. The hearing then focused on several bills, beginning with S. 951/H. 1462, An Act to Support College Students in Recovery, which would require recovery-focused housing on public campuses and expand naloxone access and overdose training. Senator Rausch, medical professionals, students, and advocates testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of overdose risk among college students, the value of recovery housing, and the need for campus naloxone; committee members asked about implementation details and the existing state pilot program. Deb Schmill and Rep. Tarski gave especially personal testimony in favor of the bill, and the committee discussed broadening the naloxone language to opioid reversal agents. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1461, which would expand MassReconnect scholarships to practical nursing students at vocational and technical schools to help address the long-term care workforce shortage. Rep. Stanley argued that vocational schools graduate more practical nursing students than community colleges and serve many low-income students in areas without nearby community college programs. The committee then took up H. 1433, which would require public higher education institutions to accept IEPs and 504 plans as sufficient documentation for disability accommodations. Advocates from the National Center for Learning Disabilities described the high cost and burden of repeat testing, the lifelong nature of disabilities, and the need for more uniform access across campuses; committee members raised questions about documentation freshness, campus autonomy, and how to preserve the integrity of accommodations. Later, the committee heard S. 919/H. 1454 on modernizing the Community College Endowment Match Program so community colleges could receive state matching funds for current-use donations as well as endowments and capital gifts. Community college foundation leaders said the change would help fund immediate student needs such as food pantries, child care, emergency aid, and equipment. The hearing then moved to faculty-related bills: S. 933 on UMass faculty rights and tenure transparency, S. 930/H. 3948 on contingent faculty rights and career advancement, and S. 940/H. 1429 on an Adjunct Bill of Rights. Testimony from faculty and union representatives focused on low pay, lack of benefits, job insecurity, and the need for clearer pathways to full-time positions and fairer treatment for adjuncts who teach large shares of courses. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked clarifying questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that we found in our study so far is that we go out to the community and we try to
• And here in California, really only about one, to some studies say up to 10% or so, actually undergo
• One of the things that we found in our study so far is that we go out to the community and we try to
• The county studied the issue, built consensus, and put forward a thoughtful solution.
• And studies show that people don't get preventative care because of cost barriers.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you who are participating in today's public hearing on the topics of behavioral health workforce, studies
• The topics of behavioral health workforce studies and commissions.
• It also established several studies and commissions, folks. Recovery coaches.
• It took me hours, days of research to identify practitioners with specialized training.
• It took me hours, days of research to identify practitioners with specialized training.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on 17 bills focused on behavioral health workforce shortages, studies, and commissions. Chairs Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by emphasizing the severity of the Commonwealth’s mental and behavioral health workforce crisis, the resulting gaps in access to care, and the legislature’s ongoing use of loan repayment programs, studies, and commissions to address these issues. They outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be limited to three minutes, with written testimony also accepted. A major portion of the hearing focused on bills to expand the primary care workforce, including H. 2205/S. 1385, which would broaden eligibility for the Mass RePay loan repayment program. Testimony from the Massachusetts Medical Society, Senator Jo Comerford, and Dr. Kate Atkinson described severe primary care shortages, long wait times, physician burnout, high debt burdens, and the need to recruit and retain physicians in more practice settings and regions. Committee members asked about the likely impact of loan repayment, the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and how to prioritize limited funding. Witnesses argued that primary care investment improves access and outcomes and that the bill would help sustain community-based practices. Another large block of testimony supported H. 2208/S. 1411, the proposed perinatal behavioral health care workforce trust fund, often referred to as the Moms Matter Act. March of Dimes, perinatal mental health advocates, doulas, clinicians, parents, and organizations such as the Boston Public Health Commission and Empty Arms Bereavement Support testified that postpartum depression, anxiety, substance use, and grief are widespread, often untreated, and worsened by long waitlists and a shortage of trained, culturally competent providers. Speakers repeatedly stressed that screening alone is not enough without a workforce to provide timely treatment, and several shared personal stories of postpartum illness, loss, and difficulty accessing care. The bill was also framed as a needed complement to the Commonwealth’s recent maternal health law, which increased screening and therefore increased demand for treatment. The committee also heard support for the Bridge Act, H. 2207/S. 1388, which would create mental health capacity grants for organizations serving communities at high risk of hate crimes or hate incidents. Testimony from the Jewish Community Relations Council and the bill’s sponsor described the mental health harms of hate, including anxiety, trauma, isolation, and loss of trust, and argued that community organizations need resources to build resilience and provide support. In addition, the committee heard from the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association on H. 2218/S. 1380, which would update job classifications to explicitly include licensed mental health counselors and licensed supervised mental health counselors in state behavioral health roles. Witnesses said the change would modernize hiring, expand access, and better reflect current licensure and scope of practice. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the session ended with a motion to adjourn after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's something that I would have appreciated more in my studies.
• Rule with national research. Previously, there were four pillars.
• Now, national research talks about six key practices or principles.
• I will say that in terms of national research on this, the best practice is having a person.
• I urge the study to keep in mind that our greatest asset is our teachers, not computers.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 2021 study on transgender Texans found that updated IDs reduced the likelihood of job discrimination
• Numerous studies have shown discriminatory and unequal access to health care, housing, and employment
• And tries to do trend analysis and treatments and statistical research and stuff.
• And what we've learned really since 20 15 is that when trans people are able to be a part of studies
• Through my decades and experience of advising companies. serving on boards, and conducting research,

Bills: SB29, SB406, SB447, SB875, SB893, SB1033, SB1346, SB1362, SB1539, SCR22, SB 29

Keywords: business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, the research shows, the experience of large Texas counties shows that it doesn't hurt them
• And a presentation of our latest research report on this.
• We have been researching and examining this program specifically for the past seven years.
• The intent of this legislation is to use what we know from research and lived experiences to prevent
• This bill addresses public safety with a study on unreported gunshots, according to the Brookings research

Bills: HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Transcript Highlights:

• There are other studies that have also shown the prevalence of AML in firefighters.
• One study found that caused by AML.
• The study found that the population.
• <00:03:48.480> on International Agency for Research on International Agency for Research on
• Uh, very your house research summary.

Bills: HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Yarborough said he did not know the answer about commission rates, but would research it and
• Saw one study that showed they only $16 out of every hundred was spent for health care.
• I would need to research who can qualify, Senator, to answer the first part of your question.
• I would need to research who can qualify, Senator, to answer the first part of your question.
• I need to research that, Senator.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part; supporters said it would expand provider options amid a shortage of certified programs, while opponents raised concerns about government speech and mixing religion with court-ordered programming. After debate, the bill was reported favorably 7-2. The committee also considered CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction preventing licensed insurance agents from marketing or selling health care sharing ministries; supporters framed it as restoring choice and free speech, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, commissions, and lack of insurance protections. It was reported favorably 8-2. The committee next approved CS/SB 502, via a strike-all amendment, to give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in state juvenile court rather than federal court; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously. CS/SB 52 also passed unanimously after testimony from church leaders and security personnel supporting an exemption from Class D/G licensing for unpaid armed security volunteers at places of worship. Supporters said the bill would clarify legal gray areas and help churches afford security, while members noted the broader concern that houses of worship need armed protection at all. Finally, the committee reported favorably SB 840, which revises last year’s emergency/local planning law by narrowing its application after storms from 100 miles to 50 miles of the storm track and exempting certain water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; local government representatives supported the clarification, and the bill passed 9-0. CS/SB 758, as amended, updated the membership of the Justice Administration Commission to better reflect the entities it oversees, and it also passed 9-0. The meeting ended with a recorded affirmative vote from Senator DeSigley on SB 624.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is not supported by any facts, data, evidence, or research.
• The fact of low sexual recidivism is not based on a few cherry-picked studies, but the consensus of the
• A Minnesota study, for example, looked at all sexual offenses committed by someone with a prior sexual
• In summary, I spent my career studying laws such as this.
• There are numerous studies out there highlighting this link. It is absolutely unequivocal.

Bills: S0212, S0656, S0682, S0810, S0812, S0890, S0892, S0900, S0928, S1084, S1284

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously. The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support. Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Academics, health care, and research, right?
• The university expands meaningful, life-changing research that can be commercialized, shared with the
• The university expands meaningful, life-changing research that can be commercialized, shared with the
• Just to give a little bit of Florida Poly: a recent A recent independent economic impact study by Dr.
• The study found that The study found that Florida Poly's activity supports 6,168 jobs and generates about

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes. One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate. The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We sent it to interim study, and Representative Manion chaired that interim study.
• 256 establishing a committee to study 256 establishing a committee to study the<01:09:53.880>
• uh from the interim study recommendation uh from the interim study committee<01:10:24.159> which<
• <01:18:26.320> to them and and do uh do the research to them and and do uh do the research
• won't even study it we we have a study won't even study it we we have a study committee<01:28:25.199

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is based on a comprehensive study that we commissioned through the Bureau of Business and Economic
• Research.
• It's only 30 states that have this method that's proposed in the study from UNM did not.
• Thirty states have this method that's proposed in the study from UNM.
• universities, and then $75 million in funding for research and development initiatives.

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• I titled that study a feasibility study based off of the requirements by not only the legislation, but
• I titled that study a feasibility study.
• Well, the study the study Sure. Well, the study the study chairman,<02:51:18.320> sorry.
• . study.
• from the study, I'm hopeful that<03:04:51.960> the<03:04:52.080> study<03:04:52.520>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The ethnic studies bill, the updated ELA, and social study standards ensure that our students access
• The ethnic studies bill, the updated ELA, and social study standards ensure that our students access
• The ethnic studies bill, the updated ELA, and social study standards ensure that our students access
• The ethnic studies bill, the updated ELA, and social study standards ensure that our students access
• The ethnic studies bill, the updated ELA, and social study standards ensure that our students access

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A mountain of research shows that physical activity energizes and literally enlarges brains.
• I've conducted numerous research studies on youth physical fitness and authored several fitness education
• Research from the CDC and numerous longitudinal studies confirm a powerful mind-body synergy.
• Research from the CDC and numerous longitudinal studies confirm a powerful mind-body synergy.
• Librarians play a crucial role in literacy, research, and civic education, all of which are central to

Bills: HB2008, HB2075, HB2203, HB2395, HB2409

Keywords: school libraries, public school libraries, library funding, professional associations, library associations, librarians, information services, dues, membership fees, public monies, school governing body, county free library district, municipal library, library contracts, library services, books and programs, Arizona education, Title 15, Library Freedom Act, school district transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• The research does not support the idea that single parenting alone causes these outcomes.
• The research does not support the idea that single parenting alone causes these outcomes.
• We heard some testimony on it, but this committee hasn't done any research on this.
• this committee hasn't done any research this committee hasn't done any research on<00:43:56.960>
• should be an interim study. should be an interim study. >> All<00:58:32.240> right.

Bills: SF0099, SF0116, SJ0006

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all webcast, it's all online, so I encourage folks to really study this.
• Interns at the lab can be converted to full-time employees when their studying is over.
• The board can conduct investigations or special studies.
• Again, a good thing where we were able to work that out at the study level.
• And did historically change frequently when they were more focused on research and development.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• after study shows it doesn't help.
• Now, I can go find some studies, and we were just talking about this.
• So my concern is, is that these are studies that are public. Yes ma'am.
• So now I was just citing general of research that's, that has been done.
• So I'm just saying again, I appreciate that, but again, the studies, uh, you can study something to death

Bills: HB 265, HB25

Keywords: youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code