Video & Transcript : 'Endangered Missing Child Advisory' :
Page 116 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Otherwise, you missed the mark here. Thank you. Because we've got to match that.
- Otherwise, you missed the mark. Welcome to Jason with Sunny Unified. Welcome. Thank you, sir.
- She has advisory. They're focused on restorative practices.
- I should say, we always run the risk of missing some steps, and we don't want to do that.
- Darby Kernan, representing Child Poverty California.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 9:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill misses an opportunity to explore safe and sustainable ways to recycle these materials, which
- Next we have Jeff Mikina, Hōʻi Climate Advisory Team, in support, in person, not present.
- Then we have Jeff Molina, Hawaiʻi Climate Advisory Team, in support, in person.
- Jeff McEnon, on behalf of the Climate Advisory Team. What's the intent of this measure?
- Seeing none, Vice Chair, did you... wait, did I miss you? No? No, okay, go ahead. Thank you.
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing.
The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> terms of the PAS advisory commission. terms of the PAS advisory commission.
- </c><00:34:44.159><c> Miss</c><00:34:44.560><c> Miss</c> Chair. Thank you, Mr. Newad.
- Miss Miss Chair. Thank you, Mr. Newad.
- Um, Miss Stewart. Um, next Thank you. Um, Miss Stewart.
- Um, thank you, Miss Holiday.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Families and Children. (2-12-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got All Stars modernization, the Certified Child Care Community Program, the Kentucky Advisory
- care funding and transparency and child care funding and spending,<00:05:01.120><c> child</c><00:05:
- You have your traditional child care centers, and then we have family child care homes.
- Um, I remember my Miss Pierman.
- If you're a family child care home provider but your child is maybe a school-age child getting care somewhere
Committee:
House Families & Children
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I may be missing something.
- Sadly, only two firms dominate 95% of the proxy advisory market.
- I want to make sure that I'm not missing, and no one back home is missing, what the dire consequences
- I'm not missing, and no one back home is missing, what the dire consequences we face if we don't take
- This is a very pro-woman, pro-healthy, pro-child bill.
Summary:
The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting.
The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote.
Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs.
The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> section that was previously missed. section that was previously missed. 25.10,<01:41:06.520><c>
- </c> requirements for the Indian Child requirements for the Indian Child Welfare<02:08:52.079><c> Act
- And on line 605 is a change to clarify that the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force is an advisory
- force</c><02:13:35.199><c> is</c><02:13:35.599><c> an</c> child health advisory task force is an child
- health advisory task force is an advisory advisory advisory committee.<02:13:38.159><c> Line</c><02:
Committee:
Senate Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- It adds protections like requiring newer vehicles with backup cameras and child reminder systems, daily
- I loved every minute on this committee, and I miss you all.
- a leg, missing an arm, missing whatever that particular part of VA compensation has to do with a special
- It's a thorough medical exam, and then if there's missing information, we don't certify them.
- These invisible wounds are currently missing from the definition in Chapter 90.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses.
The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications.
Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It can even be a situation where the child is under psychological help for gender dysphoria, and the
- Then the school would be endangering the psychological welfare and safety of a child.
- It was a teacher bullying and being very disrespectful towards a transgendered child. So why?
- So if the child doesn't, if they say, no, you have to have written permission, the child just does nothing
- Are you asking if a child is under a guardianship at that time?
Committee:
House House Education Committee of Reference
Summary:
The Committee on Education first heard a presentation from Dr. Victoria Dyson Homer on the Arizona Teacher Residency Program. She argued that Arizona faces a teacher retention and certification crisis, with high attrition and many uncertified or underprepared teachers, and said research shows practice-based residencies improve retention, teacher confidence, and student outcomes. She described the Arizona Teacher Residency as a year-long, cohort-based, district-partnered program with mentoring, coursework, and induction support, and said its early data show very high retention and positive student and teacher feedback. Committee members asked about how the program differs from traditional student teaching, salary schedules, and whether residency graduates outperform traditional preparation pathways; the presentation was generally well received.
The committee then took up SCR 1006, a ballot referral dealing with school restroom and locker room accommodations and pronoun/name use for students. The sponsor framed it as a parental rights and student safety measure, while opponents from education, legal, and advocacy backgrounds argued it was discriminatory, unnecessary, and harmful to transgender and non-binary students. After public testimony and member debate, the committee approved SCR 1006 on a 7-5 vote. Members then considered SB 1126, which would require schools to provide certain student records and information to Department of Child Safety caseworkers and prohibit schools from blocking staff from speaking with DCS during abuse or neglect investigations. DCS testified neutral, saying the bill would help clarify information sharing and support child safety; the committee passed the bill 10-0 with two members present.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1210, which would require certain out-of-state private postsecondary institutions offering fully online programs to Arizona residents to register with the state board unless they participate in a reciprocity agreement, and to comply with student tuition recovery fund requirements if they collect prepaid tuition. Supporters said the bill closes a regulatory loophole and protects students and the state’s oversight of online providers. The committee approved SB 1210 on an 11-1 vote. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-TCA-EIG, TCA-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-05-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- But I see nothing where trap-release does anything to help the environment and endangered species.
- and endangered species so thank<00:13:22.120><c> you</c><00:13:22.360><c> chair</c><00:13:23.360><c>
- </c><00:18:47.520><c> species</c><00:18:48.159><c> areas</c> are from the endangered species areas are
- So it's really hit or miss in terms of how it's imported there.
- in terms of How It's really hit or miss in terms of How It's imported<01:12:09.840><c> there</c><01:
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations.
The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (05/07/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Of the amendment, uh, dealing with the rare disease advisory council.
- Senator um Rosenwald advisory council.
- Um, so the line since we're on the amendment line 20, the Housing Champion Program Advisory Committee
- That was a typo that we missed. And I thank you to Matt for catching that.
- And I thank you to Matt for missed. And I thank you to Matt for catching<00:55:32.000><c> that.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Feb 16th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The mother observed The child eating a THC gummy.
- A seven-year-old was sent to the emergency room in serious condition as the child had seizures due to
Bills:
SB1421 , SB1427 , SB1484 , SB1503 , SB1553 , SB1557 , SB1564 , SB1566 , SB1567 , SB1591 , SB1642 , SB1794 , SB1837 , SB2044
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
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
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services 2ND REVISED Feb 16th, 2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The mother observed the child eating a THC gummy.
- A 7-year-old was sent to the emergency room in serious condition as the child had seizures due to THC
Bills:
SB1421 , SB1427 , SB1484 , SB1503 , SB1553 , SB1557 , SB1564 , SB1566 , SB1567 , SB1591 , SB1642 , SB1794 , SB1837 , SB2044
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
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
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced a series of health-related bills. Senate Bill 1503 would allow a digital abortion-related service provider to participate in the Choosing Childbirth grant program without requiring a brick-and-mortar Oklahoma presence; it passed 10-2. Senate Bill 1553, dealing with appeals reviewed by psychologists, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1427, as amended, would add antibody screening for type 1 diabetes with parental consent and Medicaid reimbursement for the Medicaid population; it passed 9-3. Senate Bill 1642, allowing physicians to prescribe opioids in divided quantities during the initial seven-day period, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1421, requiring non-physical intervention training for direct-care staff and volunteers in certain mental health facilities, also passed unanimously.
The committee also approved several behavioral health and rural care measures. Senate Bill 1837 would ask the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to seek a federal exemption so rural providers of home- and community-based services can also provide case management and person-centered planning; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1566, aimed at expanding access to autism diagnosis and ABA therapy by broadening who may diagnose ASD and allowing telemedical supervision of behavioral techs, passed 9-3 with title off due to fiscal concerns. Senate Bill 1567, a cleanup bill for APRN prescriptive authority and medical board fee language, passed 9-3. Senate Bill 1794 would create a statewide behavioral health vacancy registry to help place people in crisis more quickly; it passed 11-1 with title off after fiscal concerns were raised.
Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1484, requiring medical examiner investigations of SIDS and sudden unexpected infant deaths to include review of immunization and medical records and adding parental notification/consent provisions unless a crime is suspected; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1557, transferring ABA therapist licensing duties from DHS to a licensing board, passed after an amendment shifting the board involved. Senate Bill 1564, requiring a standardized billing code and reimbursement rate for certain dental surgeries under general anesthesia, passed 11-1 with title off because of a $1.9 million fiscal note. Finally, Senate Bill 1591, as amended, would cap THC in medical marijuana edibles at 10 mg per edible and 100 mg per package to reduce child poisonings; it passed 10-2. Several bills were amended during discussion, and multiple members noted fiscal concerns, parental consent, and access-to-care issues throughout the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit Commission 1/29/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> >> Miss Badger. >> Miss Badger.
- Child and Well-being Advisory<00:36:29.839><c> Council.
- >> Miss<00:52:23.520><c> Badger.</c> >> Miss Badger. >> Miss Badger.
- >> Miss<01:23:45.360><c> Hill.</c> >> Miss Hill. >> Miss Hill.
- </c><01:32:09.760><c> services</c> child care or child protective services child care or child protective
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe a subgrantee submitted it and they don't realize they're missing something.
- Similar to the Endangered Species Act, so this is knowledge we've gained from previous federal grant
- NEPA also works in concert with other federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act and the National
- For example, I think some of those efficiencies that I mentioned, NTIA is developing for Endangered Species
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Otherwise, you missed the mark here. Thank you. Because we've got to match that.
- councils, and integrating whole-child, family, and community supports.
- She has advisory. They're focused on restorative practices.
- I should say, always, we run the risk of missing some steps, and we don't want to do that.
- Darby Kernan, representing Child Poverty in California.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing on the Governor’s proposal to convert the California Community Schools Partnership Program from a one-time grant model into an ongoing $1 billion Proposition 98 program. Finance and CDE described the expansion as a way to sustain existing community schools and add thousands more, with county offices, regional/state technical assistance centers, annual self-certification, and a future accreditation process intended to support fidelity to the state framework. The LAO opposed shifting to an ongoing categorical program and recommended continuing one-time grants, while suggesting longer-term funding for technical assistance and, if ongoing funding is adopted, stronger planning, reporting, phased expansion, and clearer accreditation timelines. Committee members pressed the administration on how the new proposal could fund far more schools with less money than the original $4.1 billion program, how much of the funding would go to existing cohorts versus new schools, and whether the proposal sufficiently requires planning and implementation before funds are received.
Testimony from practitioners and advocates largely supported ongoing funding but emphasized that money alone is not enough. Speakers from LPI, CTA, San Diego Unified, Fresno County, the Partnership for the Future of Learning, and Sacramento County urged stronger requirements for shared governance, explicit commitment to the community schools framework, annual reporting beginning in year one, and continued or expanded support for coordinators and technical assistance. Several witnesses said the proposal should better protect county office coordination roles, maintain preferences for partnerships in the technical assistance structure, and ensure the system can support more than 6,000 schools. Others highlighted the need for specialized supports for middle and high schools, better integration with other state programs such as ELOP, universal meals, TK, and the LCFF equity multiplier, and more detailed accountability and accreditation processes.
No formal vote was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript. The chair indicated that the committee wanted additional information on the funding breakdown, the use of reverted funds, and the proposed support structure before taking action, and administration witnesses said a more detailed proposal would be brought forward in the May Revise.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 9th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- is my bill we heard previously relating to the establishment and powers and duties of the Texas Advisory
- I mean, it's not like they're trying to put them in a facility where they're going to endanger them.
- He had returned from vacation and noticed things were disorganized and missing in his house, and later
- I would expect the police, if I'm there and I'm protecting my house, my child, to help me and not to
- I missed the first part of your, your testimony. What, what are your qualifications?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And to ensure that there is accountability from a single advisory body. Senator Lopez. Mr.
- He's going to be missed.
- But when you have 30 child rape cases that weren't prosecuted—child rape—that were just dismissed.
- Tell my wife I miss her.
- And we're still trying to work with the missing and murdered and just the reporting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- The consequences are serious: missed work, missed school, disrupted sleep, poor nutrition, and higher
- As a parent of a child... ...2496 and Senate Bill 1531.
- My name is Candace Edwards, and I'm a mother of a special needs child.
- When my child consumes red dye, his autistic behaviors worsen.
- Sorry, we missed you. It's okay.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief.
A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities.
Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And ranching and their status as an endangered species.
- "Okay, I'm sorry if I missed it." "No, that's okay. Came in late." "Absolutely.
- , obviously, the major difference in management of, like, a bear and a wolf is the wolf is this endangered
- And this is concerning when we're talking about endangered species, because retaliatory killing can drive
- And worldwide, the evidence is inconsistent and comparable, and sometimes missing.
Summary:
The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre.
CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement.
Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- What's missing? You're talking about mental health, but what's missing?
- What's missing? You're talking about mental health, but what's missing? “Kind of break that down.
- What’s missing? You’re talking about mental health, but what’s missing?
- But what’s missing? Is it training that’s missing for the adults that are around you?
- Is it counselors that are missing to help you with that mental health piece? What’s missing?”
Summary:
The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football.
The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety.
At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.