Transcript Highlights:

• year and during that process uh learned year and during that process uh learned uh<00:04:29.280>
• So glad that we're able to hear a bill early on this session to help here.
• on this session to hear a a bill early on this session to help<00:09:48.160> here.
• <00:24:14.400> storms, new farmers to weather early storms, new farmers to weather early storms
• <01:09:46.159> rules, learning about all the rules, learning about all the rules, regulations

Bills: HF3474, HF3475, HF3508

Keywords: agriculture, funding, research, agricultural institute, state appropriations, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment, relief initiative, farm support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• school and early care programs as well. school and early care programs as well.
• You got to get up early. You got to milk those cows twice a day.
• You got to get up early. You got to milk those cows twice a day.
• You got to get up early. You got to milk those cows twice a day.
• <00:59:05.520> it I'm new at this game and I'm learning it I'm new at this game and I'm learning

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, being you learning very much about intersegmental efforts and also understand.
• As was mentioned, there's credit for prior learning that could advance this.
• These resources allow students to engage fully in learning and campus life.
• And so that also impacts students' opportunities to learn.
• I think we learned a lot today and heard a lot of great ideas.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lots of learning. OK. Thank you.
• So, that is the set of questions I think that you all need to learn.
• I think even for someone like myself I learned something new today so I appreciate that.
• We hope to have. have that out probably in early April for a service quality.
• No need to learn a new device, but connects over wireless or broadband.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• want to get this right, here's what you're probably going to want to know: what other jurisdictions learned
• [clears throat] Now that we know some of the lessons learned on the mainland, here's where I think the
• Because setting clear priorities early on shapes everything that follows.
• need protections around responsible gambling access, opt-out versus opt-in defaults, self-exclusion, early
• intervention, kiki Self-exclusion, early intervention, kiki and kupuna protections, and limits around

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vaping is disrupting our schools; students are using devices in bathrooms and classrooms, affecting learning
• How can we help bring fresh produce into Arkansasans' lives and help them learn how to cook it?
• How can we help bring fresh produce into Arkansasans' lives and help them learn how to cook it?
• That will start hopefully, you know, in early May.
• Hopefully, you know, in early May.

Summary: The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June. Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround. The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to learning the outcome of these discussions. Thank you.
• It's also for early care and early childhood; it's allowing it in there as well.
• I'm happy to share my support for the Farm to School and early care program as a farmer who sells to
• had for our farm, I'm honored to share the strength and support for Minnesota's Farm to School and Early
• But, you know, I was able to learn about maple trees.

Transcript Highlights:

• You learn about the differences of ruling the entities. It's very interesting.
• You learn about the differences of ruling the entities.
• You learn about cooperation and collaboration.
• We learned that that is a derogatory term in African and have changed it to AFR.
• Early Childhood Education Department. Okay. Now, the ECDC will have, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• supervisor of our literacy and early supervisor of our literacy and early childhood<00:29:14.880
• And so and in learning how to read.
• What happens to the brain when it doesn't learn reading? We know how the brain learns reading.
• It's you the brain learns reading.
• Yeah, because we're all learning, right? Yeah, because we're all learning, right?

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:16.720> style certain learning style certain learning style and<00:54:19.359> the
• Um, instruction in that learning style.
• And they're all four early bills. >> Those are all four early bills.
• And they're all four early bills. >> Those are all four early bills. Yes. >> That's Tuesday.
• with as far as execing all early bills. with as far as execing all early bills.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But when young people have access to care early, it can change the trajectory of their lives.
• that we had all learned to accept and live with.
• Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early.
• I don't know, and like you, I am learning.
• I don't know, and like you, I am learning.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, with several measures held for later action until quorum was established. Early in the hearing, the committee approved a consent calendar of multiple bills to Appropriations and noted that AB 2029 was pulled from the agenda. The committee also took up AB 1973, which would expand the ability of trained advanced practice clinicians, including nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants, to provide procedural abortion care under consultation and transfer protocols. Supporters argued the bill would improve access and reflect existing training and safety evidence, while opponents raised safety concerns about later-term procedures. The author and committee members discussed training standards and collaboration requirements, and the bill was held pending quorum. The committee then heard AB 1558, which would adopt the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act to speed the use of out-of-state volunteer health professionals during declared emergencies. Supporters from the Uniform Law Commission and the Red Cross said the bill would reduce delays and fill gaps in disaster response; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2282 followed, proposing a temporary rural emergency stabilization center in Patterson to address the lack of nearby emergency care while a permanent hospital is built. Local EMS and health district witnesses described long transport times and ambulance shortages, while the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians opposed the measure. The chair expressed support and joined as a co-author, and the bill was moved with a motion and second, to be considered when quorum was available. The committee also heard AB 1843 on hepatitis C treatment, AB 2247 on mental health services for youth impacted by gun violence, AB 2138 on peer support specialists in behavioral health, AB 1682 on insurance coverage for scalp cooling during chemotherapy, AB 1879 on standardized data reporting for substance use disorder treatment programs, AB 1906 on coverage for at-home cervical cancer screening kits, and AB 1556 on drug-free recovery housing. Most of these bills drew strong support from patient advocates, health providers, and community organizations, while insurers or industry groups opposed several of the coverage mandates on premium-cost grounds. AB 1906 was voted out on a roll call after quorum was established. AB 1556 drew support from recovery advocates and local officials but also opposition-unless-amended concerns from housing groups worried about relapse-related evictions and conflicts with Housing First principles; the bill was still under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• That toxicity of therapy that we had all learned to accept and live with.
• Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early.
• The care that they receive, the early diagnosis that will keep them healthy.
• I don't know, and like you, I am learning.
• To take a look at is, I don't know, and like you, I am learning.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, with most items presented for later vote once quorum was reached. Early in the hearing, the committee adopted a consent calendar of multiple bills with motions for due pass to Appropriations, and it noted that AB 2029 had been pulled from the agenda. The committee also took up AB 1973, a bill by Aguiar-Curry to expand who may provide procedural abortion care. Supporters, including physicians and certified nurse midwives, argued the bill would align law with current training and improve access, while opponents said later-term abortion procedures require physician-level surgical training and raised safety concerns. The author emphasized hands-on training, consultation, and transfer protocols, and the bill was held pending quorum with a motion and second recorded. The committee then heard AB 1558 by Arambula, which would adopt the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act to speed the use of out-of-state licensed volunteers during declared disasters. Supporters from the Uniform Law Commission and the Red Cross said the bill would reduce delays and clarify legal authority for volunteer health workers; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2282 by Alanis, a temporary rural emergency stabilization center for Patterson while a permanent hospital is built, drew support from local emergency responders and a late opposition from the California chapter of ACEP. The chair praised the bill as a creative local solution and agreed to coauthor it; a motion and second were recorded, with the vote to occur later. Several public health access bills followed. AB 1843 by El-Hawari would limit prior authorization and align hepatitis C treatment coverage with medical guidelines; supporters said it would remove barriers to a curable disease, while health plans opposed it as a mandate, citing premium impacts and the recent SB 306 prior-authorization process. AB 2247 by El-Hawari would create the THRIVE program for mental health services for youth affected by gun violence; Youth Alive and other supporters described trauma-informed, community-based care, and the chair and another member asked to be added as coauthors. AB 2138 by Krell would expand access to certified peer support specialists in enhanced care management and remove automatic disqualifications based solely on criminal history; supporters said peers are essential to engagement and recovery, and the bill was held with a motion and second. Later, AB 1682 by Hart would require coverage of scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, with emotional testimony from cancer survivors and clinicians; insurers opposed it as another mandate, but the author stressed the modest per-member cost and the bill was moved with a motion and second. AB 1879 by Dixon would standardize data reporting for alcohol and drug treatment facilities, including private providers, to improve statewide information on outcomes and access; the bill drew broad support from recovery organizations and the prior opposition was withdrawn after amendments. AB 1906 by Aguiar-Curry would require coverage of at-home cervical cancer screening kits without cost sharing; supporters cited improved access for rural and working Californians, insurers opposed it on affordability grounds, and the bill passed on a recorded roll call after quorum was established. Finally, AB 1556 by Haney would clarify and support drug-free recovery housing and return-to-use policies; supporters said it would expand sober housing options, while opponents warned it could allow evictions after relapse and conflict with Housing First principles. The hearing ended with the bill still under discussion and opposition-unless-amended concerns noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• until actually just uh early last year. until actually just uh early last year.
• So, I've learned a lot.
• mean, we're really learning. Thank you. mean, we're really learning. Thank you.
• Um I to to Christie um early next week.
• learn learn about a we're going to uh, learn learn about a program<01:30:26.640> that's<01:30:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductions, approval of the March 6 minutes as amended to add an attendee list, and a brief overview of the day’s agenda. The committee heard two presentations from carbon project developers, with the first from Dylan Jenkins of Finite Carbon. He described Finite Carbon’s work in improved forest management projects, its role in developing carbon methodologies and protocols, and its experience with projects in New England, Appalachia, Alaska, and Canada. He also outlined the difference between compliance and voluntary carbon markets, the role of registries and intermediaries, and the types of buyers in the market, including large corporate buyers and long-term off-take partners. A major focus of the presentation was how forest carbon projects are structured and how credits are monetized. Jenkins distinguished between removals and reductions, explaining that removals come from new forest growth while reductions are tied more closely to baseline assumptions and standing stock. He said improved forest management projects can generate both types of credits, and that removals generally command higher prices because they are easier for buyers to understand and verify. He also emphasized that carbon project commercialization can occur before, during, or after credit issuance, and that landowners may be paid through a variety of structures, including leases, advance fees, per-unit payments, or off-take agreements. Jenkins then addressed the committee’s tax-related questions, saying House Bill 123 appeared intended to treat carbon credit sales similarly to timber sales for local tax purposes. He argued that carbon credits are a forest product and that taxing them can be reasonable in principle, but he stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between commoditization and commercialization when deciding what event to tax. He noted that credits may be created but never sold, and that in some programs landowners retain timber and carbon rights while in others the developer has deeper control over those rights. In response to questions, he said the industry uses protocols, verification, and third-party oversight to address baseline and quality concerns, but acknowledged that baseline setting remains a major point of debate in the market.

Transcript Highlights:

• The newest allocation received by our office is for the 2023-24 storms, and that was announced in early
• In early January of this year, the state received the announcement from HUD of this allocation, which
• So in early January, in early January, happen or that directly impacted us here in Tallahassee.
• So in early January in early January of this year, the state received the announcement from HUD of this
• So to answer your question about qualifications again, a lot of lessons learned there.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators. representatives, capital employees to be blessed with wisdom, humility, and love as they learn
• Foundation is early detection.
• If you're in a battle against cancer, early detection is your best shot. beating it.
• has helped do back in 2015, there was one blood test known to. to the cancer community that could early
• Museum in Arlington. 1935 and Linda now, the son of a sharecropper, orphaned at an early age.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative plan leaves that decision to the next governor early next year.
• Highlighting protecting funding for our public institutions of higher learning.
• That's why... ...I'm asking that all early educators receive the full 4.31% COLA.
• Again, for all early educators, 4.31% COLA. Thank you.
• It's a safe place and a trusted space where children learn and feel safe.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a two-hour briefing via Zoom yesterday, late afternoon, early evening.
• So I look forward to learning more.
• AB 150 is the early learning and child care education omnibus. I think it's 150. Thank you.
• Bill implements the following significant early childhood education related proposals.
• No, they're having to do it annually, and I learned that this morning at 8 o'clock.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Freedom for students to learn.
• <00:24:21.120> a we don't necessarily want to learn a we don't necessarily want to learn a
• extraordinary opportunities for learning extraordinary opportunities for learning and<00:29:45.280
• their parents once again in early 2026. their parents once again in early 2026.
• . learning. learning.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can learn a lot from history and learning a lot from our shared past.
• We can learn a lot from history and learning a lot from our shared past.
• c> history<00:10:30.680> and<00:10:30.840> learning<00:10:31.040> a learn a
• lot from history and learning a learn a lot from history and learning a lot<00:10:31.320> from
• Learning Learning and<00:29:58.680> they<00:29:58.840> had<00:29:59.040> three<

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:12 America 250KY: Impact and Legacy: 00:03:15 America 250 Events in Lexington: 01:02:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains. The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state. The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026. The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• environment, and allows for early environment, and allows for early coordination<00:05:19.280>
• c> are<00:08:57.600> on structured learning environments are on structured learning environments
• that uh that notification early. that uh that notification early.
• <00:37:20.640> safe<00:37:20.960> in learn better when they're safe in learn better
• helping students learn and succeed. helping students learn and succeed.

Bills: HF3753, HF4299, HF4700, HF4282, HF4139, HF3530, HF4031

Keywords: school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement