Transcript Highlights:

• education and libraries, natural parks or natural resources.
• That would be under education in public schools.
• And you may say, well, libraries are education?
• So we're constantly looking at certainly ways to improve our education.
• We've eliminated education, but we still have cities and counties.

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the answer to most questions like that is education and outreach.
• If we lose our caregivers, we lose our stability.
• How have the conversations between your colleagues in education, special education?
• Shervinka mentioned education and outreach.
• These resources are essential for continuing to educate...

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard testimony on Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and related budget and trailer bill proposals, with a major focus on the impacts of H.R. 1 on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). DDS and the Department of Social Services (DSS) said H.R. 1 could affect Medi-Cal and CalFresh access, but that people with disabilities and caregivers are exempt from the work requirements; the administration is working on data matching and automation through the statewide eligibility system to identify exemptions, with June 1, 2026 as the implementation date for CalFresh changes. Witnesses and advocates warned that any loss of Medi-Cal could create fiscal pressure on regional centers and households, while public commenters described the real-life consequences of losing services. Committee members repeatedly expressed concern about cost shifts to counties and asked for harm-mitigation strategies before the May Revision. The committee also reviewed the governor’s IHSS-related proposals. DSS said the budget would set a baseline for authorized hours, align IHSS disenrollment/reinstatement with Medi-Cal eligibility processes, and eliminate the IHSS backup provider system, while emphasizing that individual service hours would still be based on assessed need. DDS said if a person loses IHSS or Medi-Cal, regional centers may have to step in as payer of last resort for some services, potentially at higher state cost. Members and the Legislative Analyst’s Office questioned whether counties could absorb the proposed shifts without reducing services, and asked for more detail on implementation, data quality controls, and how regional centers could help families navigate disruptions. A separate trailer bill on DDS rate reform and the Quality Incentive Program drew mixed reactions. DDS proposed extending a contract exemption and delaying final rate reform regulations to 2030, saying the changes are budget-neutral and needed for implementation. DDS reported that about 81% of providers had completed the current Quality Incentive Program requirements, but providers and advocates argued the 90-10 structure can function like a penalty and may destabilize services if providers lose 10% of funding. Committee members asked for clearer assistance to providers, possible flexibility for good-faith efforts, and a redlined version of the language before the May Revision. The committee also heard DDS’s proposed trailer bill on regional center governance and provider capacity. DDS said the language would consolidate regional center contracts and performance measures, strengthen board training and oversight, require consumer advisory committees, expand independent legal support, raise the threshold for board approval of contracts, and remove barriers such as physical-office requirements and duplicate vendorization. DDS said the goal is to improve accountability and efficiency while preserving person-centered services, and members indicated they wanted further refinement and stakeholder input before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I really appreciate you coming here to educate folks about how important this is.
• And I really appreciate you coming here to educate folks about how important this is.
• Across EPC communities, early care and education is the number one issue that we work on.
• no numbers to describe it. education facilities, but also at K-12 education facilities, but also at K
• </c><00:25:37.840><c> centers</c> their early care and education centers their early care and education

Bills: HF2136, HF4195, HF4548, HF4432, HF4174, HF3024, HF4389, HF3773

Keywords: youth intervention, grants, community support, early intervention services, nonprofit, Minnesota human services, forecast adjustment, budget forecast, appropriations, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Health Care Access Fund, general fund, behavioral health, housing support, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, MFIP, DWP, child care assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• This program area supports unit owners, board members, and stakeholders through education, complaint
• Looking at the services that are provided under CTMH, I first want to tell you about education.
• So that’s part of the educational process, and there’s been a lot of education with regards to this.
• We have concerns over the continuing education exemption for CAMs.
• We have concerns over the continuing education exemption for CAMS.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information. Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time. Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For screw worm in terms of educational opportunities to get people up to speed.
• Yeah, within the department and the time To stabilize, if I'm out with that.
• Agriculture and education remain two of the three pillars within our mission.
• Additionally, we continue to support education in our universities and institutions of higher education
• We are committed to increasing our educational outreach.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think we've ever asked our school districts how much it would cost to educate our students well
• How much it would cost to educate our students well. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• a lot of work we can do, you know, as a body here today, to really help bring predictability and stability
• He's working hard to find some stability.
• But what we are asking for is some stability to plan as we grow our businesses.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am also a licensed insurance educator.
• </c> licensed insurance educator. licensed insurance educator.
• </c> stability through home ownership. stability through home ownership.
• And it could it means stability.
• </c><01:37:08.719><c> and</c> right now we're in the education and right now we're in the education and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education will now come to order.
• Driver’s education has been cut out of a lot of schools.
• Let's try to really think about how we can educate them while we're educating them on the standards we're
• It's something that we need to get some education on.
• Chair, and members of the Education Committee.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As an early childhood educator, I'm just going to tell the truth.
• In the education committee, I mean, we're fighting to keep cuts from CTE, to keep cuts from...
• With our education. But we have to think about what is the basic.
• throughout the NMDOT ...to fund something like this, but the need for stability throughout the NMDOT
• is required for a company like ourselves to be able to just stabilize our employee pool and make sure

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education spending is the second largest funded in the state budget.
• and higher education institutions.
• Education comes in at $23.7 billion, and that represents 44.6% of our general revenue spend, as proposed
• Educational dollars for duty is an extremely successful program.
• This program represents a direct investment in a more skilled and educated workforce.

Bills: S0048

Keywords: housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes, 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:21:58.799><c> Hawaiian</c> educator who's also a Hawaiian educator who's also a Hawaiian translator
• Um, our education department hosts 20,000 students every year.
• </c><00:38:33.280><c> so</c> employees with cultural education so employees with cultural education so
• Um from the measure of stability.
• When we offered it, it was education.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing with representatives from ʻIolani Palace and Bishop Museum to discuss how the Legislature can better support state-funded cultural institutions during the interim and into the next session. Chair Capella said the goal was to understand current needs, preserve Hawaiian culture and history, and expand educational access. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing. ʻIolani Palace’s representative described the Friends of ʻIolani Palace’s role as the nonprofit supporting repair, restoration, maintenance, and public education for the state monument. She said state operational funding and ARPA funds were critical to keeping the palace open, maintaining HVAC and other systems, and funding repairs that would otherwise fall to DLNR. She highlighted ongoing and planned projects including a fire suppression system, HVAC improvements, basement exhibit work, plumbing repairs, elevator replacement, etched glass restoration, and school-tour access. She also noted that a prior $150,000 CIP for windows and doors had not yet been released, and said the organization is exploring ways to bring more neighbor island students to the palace through transportation support, airline partnerships, and digital outreach. Bishop Museum’s representatives outlined the museum’s history, its role as the state museum of natural and cultural history, and its extensive collections in archives, archaeology, botany, entomology, zoology, and cryopreservation. They emphasized the museum’s work in preservation, research, environmental stewardship, and public education, including free access through Museums for All, daily programming, and cultural festivals and community events. They said state funding has been essential for staffing, IT security, fire suppression, and infrastructure needs, and that digitization of the museum’s 25 million objects is a major ongoing initiative to preserve and share Hawaiʻi’s history and knowledge.

Transcript Highlights:

• Justo is a dedicated and passionate educator.
• I was blessed to not only have educator.
• ><00:52:09.520><c> education.
• I urge my through higher education.
• </c><00:59:31.280><c> our</c> while maintaining the stability our while maintaining the stability our

Bills: HR203, SB2802, SB3081, SB2902, SB2005, SB3252, SB2096, SB2095, SB2046, SB2999, SB3103, SB83, SB2041, SB3234, SB3156, SB3154, SB2146, SB2053, SB2010, SB2009, SB2667, SB3215, SB2698, SB2363, SB2372, SB2673, SB2948, SB2277, SB2057, SB3085, SB3025, SB2761

Keywords: H.R. 203, House Resolution, Hawaii education, teacher of the year, educator recognition, Jessica Canyon, Natsumi Yamasato, Jodi Kadoyama, Mānana Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School, Teach For America Hawaiʻi, public education, K-12, elementary school, STEM education, literacy, teacher appreciation, school excellence, Hawaiʻi Legislature, keiki

Transcript Highlights:

• And you talk about stability.
• And you talk about stability.
• I think that this bill is about stability in communities.
• </c><00:28:17.720><c> in</c> This bill is about stability in This bill is about stability in communities
• </c><01:23:11.680><c> in</c> We really want to have the stability in We really want to have the stability

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that today's Latino Spirit awardees have not ignored the needs of your people, but have used their education
• Sorority, Incorporated has remained deeply committed to empowering communities through advocacy, education
• On advocacy and a diversity of areas ranging from education to economic development to health and social
• She has served as a national advisor of the Mexican government in higher education, past chair of the
• He was our beloved labor leader, educator, and a dear friend.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:55.280><c> and</c> institutions, providing educational and institutions, providing educational
• public appropriate education.
• ><c> healthier</c> They're better educated and healthier They're better educated and healthier and<02
• </c> role in my stability. role in my stability.
• </c> stabs at the heart of public education. stabs at the heart of public education.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The rest of the money is for one-time use for transportation and educational needs.
• On the education side, $150 million will go toward special education circuit breaker costs.
• Another $150 million will go toward funding early education child care costs, and $38 million will go
• His work helped shape the town's growth and stability, and his legacy of public service will be long
• And was sold to voters as a way to strengthen public education and improve roads, bridges, and transit

Summary: The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance, received and placed on file the resignation letter of Rep. Vanna Howard of Lowell, and adopted several routine committee reports. These included extensions of reporting deadlines for the Healthcare Financing and Public Health committees, concurrence with Senate petitions sent to Housing and Public Safety and Homeland Security, and suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition concerning children involved with DCF. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The main business was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. House leaders described the bill as using Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, addressing MBTA reserves, safety and infrastructure, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and childcare, and other deficiencies such as GIC costs, sheriff deficiencies, heating assistance, and World Cup-related expenses. Members also discussed the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce a projected revenue shortfall and preserve competitiveness while delaying some conformity changes. The House considered several amendments to the supplemental bill. Amendment 43, which would have redirected $100 million of Fair Share funds to a per-capita municipal distribution for roads and schools, drew debate over equity and rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-128. A consolidated amendment was then adopted on a roll call, 148-0, and the bill itself was passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 150-3. The House also adopted an amendment setting the next day’s meeting time and then adjourned to meet the following day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of my parents only had a primary school education. My father had a year of technical school.
• But again, education was out of the reach financially for their families.
• , BOTH OF MY PARENTS ONLY HAD A PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION.
• BUT AGAIN, EDUCATION WAS OUT OF THE REACH FINANCIALLY FOR THEIR FAMILIES.
• I'M SUPPORTING THIS BUT I WOULD Stabilize, prevent, or extinguish these fires.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 13, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, received a message discharging Assembly Bill 2330 from committee and substituting identical Senate Bill 5843, and welcomed visiting delegations from Connecticut. The chamber also adopted privileged resolution J.1753, honoring Saint Patrick and Irish Americans and memorializing the Governor to proclaim March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month. Senators Kavanagh and Fahy spoke in support, emphasizing Irish heritage, immigration, public service, and the St. Patrick’s Day tradition; the resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then acted on a series of bills on the calendar. Measures passed included bills by Senators Hinchey, Comrie, Skoufis, Stavisky, Sanders, Kavanagh, Gianaris, Cleare, and others, with several receiving unanimous support and a few drawing recorded negative votes. Senator Fernandez’s education bill related to placing opioid antagonists with AEDs and first aid kits in schools passed 60-1 after supportive remarks from Senators Oberacker and Fernandez. A bill authorizing a study on lithium-ion battery fires also passed unanimously, with Senators Borrello and Weik explaining affirmative votes while urging caution about electric bus mandates. The most debated item was Calendar 446, Senator May’s bill directing the Department of Economic Development to move the Central New York Welcome Center from Destiny USA to the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. Senator Walczyk questioned the move’s cost, location, visitor traffic, and local support, arguing Destiny USA was the better site; Senator May responded that the state had built the Auburn facility and should provide sustainable operating support. The bill passed 47-15. The Senate then completed the controversial calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Education Committee subcommittee on appropriations will come to order.
• I'm very impressed with the stability of the budget for the OEQ.
• I have heard that there is maybe some confusion with colleges of education and maybe applying for this
• I have met with most of the colleges of education, but I'm going to turn this over to Michelle.
• Secretary of Education Hamlin and I discussed an audit he's doing.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> exemption from the local T education exemption from the local T education tax<01:03:16.520><c> but
• </c><01:36:39.800><c> Arts</c> libraries promotion of Education Arts libraries promotion of Education
• for their families and attend stability for their families and attend educational<01:53:16.079><c> or
• </c> agency through our housing stability agency through our housing stability program<01:54:08.040><
• </c><02:02:30.440><c> and</c> relevant to religious educational and relevant to religious educational

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of accounts of content creators, video segments, and certain revenues, and the bill requires user education
• What begins as curiosity can quickly become dependency, shaping health, education, and economic outcomes
• As we work to stabilize the budget, we urge caution with policies that may reduce state revenue while
• Prevention funding is critical to counter this marketing and to educate young people about the real health
• I guess maybe if some more flyers get out to the schools and some more education in the schools.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2483, which would create an annual data broker registry at the Department of Licensing beginning in 2027. Staff explained that data brokers would have to register, pay a fee, and disclose information about the types of data collected, security measures, opt-out options, and whether precise geolocation or consumer health data is involved. Prime sponsor Rep. Kloba said the bill is intended to make data collection and resale more visible to consumers and to address harms such as scams, tracking, and surveillance pricing. Testimony was mixed: TechNet, the Association of Washington Business, and the Washington Retail Association opposed the bill as drafted, saying the definition of data broker is too broad and could sweep in businesses that are not true data brokers, while the sponsor and committee members discussed possible clarifying amendments and public-data carve-outs. The committee then heard House Bill 2400, which would regulate monetized social media content featuring children. Staff described provisions requiring vloggers above certain revenue thresholds to register with the Department of Revenue, creating trust accounts for minor children appearing in monetized videos, allowing young adults to request deletion of monetized childhood content, requiring reporting by social media services, and establishing civil penalties and statutory damages. Rep. Reeves said the bill is meant to draw a line between ordinary family posting and monetizing children online, citing concerns about child labor protections and exploitation. TechNet and AWB opposed the bill, arguing that social media platforms should not be made the middleman for trust accounts and that the private right of action and enforcement structure should be revisited; they urged further work during the interim. Finally, the committee took testimony on House Bill 2439, an omnibus tobacco and vapor product bill. Staff said it would create a responsible vendor program, raise license fees and penalties, require retailers to buy from licensed wholesalers or distributors, add certification requirements for vapor manufacturers, study extended producer responsibility for vapor waste, expand lab testing authority, tighten age-verification rules, prohibit certain imitation or entertainment vapor products, remove state preemption so local governments could adopt stricter rules, and redirect portions of tobacco tax revenue to public health accounts. Supporters, including public health groups, King County, the American Heart Association, and pediatricians, backed the youth-prevention, local-control, and funding provisions. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill, focusing on the loss of preemption, higher fees, compliance burdens, and the risk of pushing sales to the illicit market; some also argued the bill should rely more on state-level uniform regulation and stronger enforcement rather than new restrictions.