Transcript Highlights:

• Right before Paxton decided, as the Attorney General, to intervene, he received a $275,000 contribution
• He received a $275,000 contribution from the chairman of your board. Do you find that unusual?
• A state district court judge's ruling, I don't think that contributions were needed to elevate his focus
• So the best way for us to kick off industry programs is I hire retired plant managers.
• I've hired retired admirals from the maritime industry, retired people who ran maritime programs for

Summary: The Senate Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum, adopted its interim rules on a 6-0 vote, and heard opening remarks from members and staff introductions. The chair emphasized higher education’s role in workforce development and noted a Legislative Budget Board survey issue that was resolved after a community college initially did not respond because the survey was marked optional. The committee then focused on monitoring implementation of Senate Bill 37, which governs public higher education boards, curriculum review, faculty senates/councils, training for regents, and the ombudsman office. Testimony from Chancellor Brandon Creighton of Texas Tech, Commissioner Wynn Rosser, UNT Chancellor Michael Williams, and Ombudsman Brandon Simmons described how SB 37 is being implemented. They said boards now have stronger authority, faculty senates are advisory, and institutions are reviewing general education curricula and other programs for rigor, relevance, and workforce value. Rosser said the statewide advisory committee is reviewing the core curriculum and board training requirements are being administered, while Simmons reported the ombudsman office has received 73 complaints, opened two investigations, and expects a third, with many complaints outside its jurisdiction or harassing in nature. Members questioned witnesses about transfer credits, board training content, auditing, conflicts of interest, curriculum decisions, and whether any institutions were missing deadlines. Rosser said non-transferable credits have declined since reporting began under earlier law, and that the most common reason is courses outside degree requirements. Witnesses said they were not aware of institutions missing the SB 37 review deadlines. Senators also raised concerns about an appearance of impropriety in a Texas Tech-related matter and about whether a Dred Scott case should be taught in law school, with Creighton saying the curriculum review process did not prohibit teaching Supreme Court cases and that he would follow up. Later testimony from University of Houston, Texas State, UT, and Texas A&M system officials said their systems had updated policies, abolished prior faculty senates, created compliant advisory councils, and completed or were completing core curriculum reviews and related governance changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, increasing overbilled claims can be denied and or litigated by insurers, contributing to
• California's public pension funds hold the retirement security of millions of workers who spent their
• The motion is due pass to the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. Umberg?
• And assume that the fossil fuel industry has in some ways contributed to climate change.
• And I assume that that contributes to our challenges in California.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, Sections 11 through 19 deal with employee contributions to different retirement systems.
• Well, Sections 11 through contributions.
• </c><00:09:21.640><c> to</c> 19 deal with employee contributions to 19 deal with employee contributions
• to different<00:09:22.360><c> retirement</c><00:09:22.960><c> systems.
• </c> different retirement systems. different retirement systems.

Bills: HF2783 , HF2603 , HF2846 , HF2354 , HF1836 , HF2713 , HF1198 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• more and because would that contributing more and because would that additional<00:17:24.000><c> contribution
• with a respectful retirement.
• with a respectful retirement.
• want to retire with a respectful<00:32:43.000><c> retirement.
• So, it's also a respectful retirement.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• I've contributed, as many of the workers and immigrants to the economy of our state from 1999.
• I am a proud immigrant mother and grandmother, and like thousands of immigrant workers, I have contributed
• So there's usually going to be some group of people who are ready to retire for whatever reason and don't
• There are usually going to be some group of people who are ready to retire for whatever reason and don't
• immigration detention and that collectively those states' actions, as a matter of public policy, contribute

Bills: SB100

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Jay Block, Senate District 12, Northwest Albuquerque, Southern Rio Rancho, retired Air Force Lieutenant
• Jay Block, Senate District 12, Northwest Albuquerque, Southern Rio Rancho, retired Air Force Lieutenant
• I was in Cayenta, and he just retired a couple years ago.
• And he did smart person retire a couple of years ago. He's the same age as me. I envy him.
• So a $60 million contribution represents a very significant portion of their ongoing reserves, and I

Bills: SB5 , SB6 , SB8

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• way we set up the program, rural hospitals receive a 50% discount in what they pay, and so they contribute
• for 20 or more years that baby boomers are going to be a big population, that we're going to be retiring
• And I will just say that we've got a large population of retired government employees that, like myself
• And I will just say that we've got a large population of retired government employees that, like myself
• They want to build their careers and continue to contribute in meaningful ways to support their families

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'd like to explore our contribution.
• And our declining contribution in the global state of things. And maybe, Mr.
• Szabo, would you agree that human activities contribute to climate change?
• Fatoumi, that human activity contributes to changes in the climate? Yes, Senator.
• climate. oil and gas contributes to climate change?

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• adopted: Resolutions filed by Representative Peisch of Wellesley, honoring Abby Goodman upon her retirement
• come together in reflection, renewal, and joy while celebrating Cambodian heritage, history, and contributions
• come together in reflection, renewal, and joy while celebrating Cambodian heritage, history, and contributions

Transcript Highlights:

• The following members, please retire to the rear of the chamber: Assembly Members Calra, Papin, Schultz
• hundreds of thousands of cases, shaping lives, strengthening our state and our communities, and contributing
• marked increase in negative rhetoric surrounding judges, including from elected officials, has contributed

Transcript Highlights:

• The following members, please retire to the rear of the chamber: Assembly Members Calra, Papin, Schultz
• hundreds of thousands of cases, shaping lives, strengthening our state and our communities, and contributing
• marked increase in negative rhetoric surrounding judges, including from elected officials, has contributed

Summary: The Legislature recessed into a joint convention for the 2026 State of the Judiciary, escorted the California Supreme Court justices to the rostrum, and heard remarks from legislative leaders and Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The speakers emphasized judicial independence, the rule of law, and the importance of the courts as a co-equal branch of government. The Chief Justice framed her address as a calm report on the judiciary’s work and major challenges, while thanking legislative and executive partners for collaboration. Chief Justice Guerrero highlighted several policy and operational issues facing the courts. She urged continued support for remote proceedings, noting more than 6 million remote hearings since 2022 and strong user satisfaction, and discussed the CARE Act’s statewide implementation, including petition and agreement numbers and the recent expansion to cover certain bipolar disorders. She also raised concerns about judicial security and privacy, threats and negative rhetoric toward judges, courthouse access issues tied to federal immigration enforcement, and the need for more judgeships and funding in high-need counties such as Riverside and San Bernardino. She also discussed the judiciary’s response to artificial intelligence, including guidance on generative AI, deepfakes, and evidence admissibility, and reported corrective actions after the troubled February 2025 bar exam, including scoring adjustments, expanded provisional licensing, and a return to in-person testing. Additional points included proposed ongoing funding for trial courts, long-standing judicial salary disparities, and the Judicial Council’s 100th anniversary. No votes were taken; the joint convention concluded with the address ordered printed in the Journal and an invitation to a reception for members and guests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Rogers, are you aware that about a million immigrants live in Arizona and that they contribute
• This means that refugees and asylum seekers contribute more revenue than the cost...
• This means that refugees and asylum seekers contribute more revenue than the cost of any expenditures
• Chair and members, I am a retired public school teacher.
• Chair and members, I am a retired public school teacher of 21 years.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met for its second meeting, opened with a lengthy reminder about Senate decorum rules and the consequences for disruption, then approved the January 26, 2026 minutes. The committee first heard SB 1268, an emergency measure clarifying that a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability receives a full property tax exemption on a primary residence, including when the home is jointly owned with a spouse. County assessors said the bill was a needed cleanup to prior legislation and urged quick passage so applications could be processed before tax deadlines. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation; one senator supported it in committee but objected to the emergency clause on the floor because it limits referendum rights. The committee then considered SB 1152, which would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until an immigration judge grants asylum. Supporters argued it would prevent state funds from going to people whose status is not yet verified and emphasized taxpayer responsibility; opponents said existing law already covers the issue, warned it could encourage racial profiling, and cited the economic contributions of refugees and asylum seekers. After debate, the bill passed 4-3. Next, SB 1156 appropriated $20 million to DPS to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs for unauthorized persons. Supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden and needed backfill funding; opponents argued the money was unnecessary, not requested by DPS, and should not be spent on detention. The bill passed 4-3. SB 1157, which would appropriate $20 million for reimbursement of local border fencing or walls in high-crossing areas, drew the most extended and contentious testimony. Supporters framed it as a response to border gaps, cartel activity, and local security needs, while opponents said it would worsen fear, harm wildlife and communities, and divert funds from education and other priorities. The meeting briefly became disorderly during public testimony, prompting a rules clarification from the committee attorney about audience decorum and the chair’s authority. After debate, SB 1157 also passed 4-3. Finally, the committee heard SB 1213, as amended, which makes unlawfully present persons convicted of state or local offenses ineligible for probation and requires ICE notification; the amendment removed CBP from the notification provisions. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said it would ensure convicted noncitizens are not placed on probation at taxpayer expense. Opponents raised due process and equal protection concerns and said the bill would profile noncitizens. The amended bill passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a member of the department for a long time back in the 80s through the early 2000s, retiring as
• a ...time back in the 80s through the early 2000s, retiring as a district engineer.
• And we are who are right now using our roads for free, contributing nothing.
• And they added the state and federal tax because they're not contributing at the federal level either
• That I was thinking about was the loss that we've had with EVs, with regard to our EV owners contributing

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:

• Retired Chief Justice Hetch said during his keynote speech this week that the rule of capture has outlived
• But the bottom line is that about 45,000 acre-feet of water is being contributed during normal rainy
• We represent approximately 28,000 individuals and businesses as members who contribute to the production
• very diligent, intelligent, smart men and women serving on this committee as chairpersons who have contributed
• A point, bringing that up, retired Judge Hetch's comments, excuse me, is that was 1999.

Bills: HB24 , HB27 , HB24 , HB27

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• chair of the gratitude to the retiring chair of the committee<00:42:30.560><c> for</c><00:42:30.800>
• for those who need funding contributions for those who need to<01:52:17.600><c> be</c><01:52:17.760>
• she brings to this the contributions she brings to this body,<02:11:58.560><c> but</c><02:11:58.800>
• When you're retiring from the legislature, interim plans and feasibility reports just don't carry the
• When you're retiring from the legislature, interim plans and feasibility reports just don't carry the

Transcript Highlights:

• Montgomery County who have traveled to their state capitol. capital in celebration of the many contributions
• Thank you. economic, cultural, and historical contributions, the Golden Triangle has played an essential
• Today as we honor his life and contributions here in our state capital, we recognize that his legacy
• Dan's actually... retiring this year. We're gonna miss you.
• Davis garnered many local, state, and national accolades. for his contributions to his community and

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066

Transcript Highlights:

• And as they retire, we are not seeing young people step up to take their place and fill the duties that
• But we really need to replace them as they retire.
• I am a 40-year retired DCFS employee. I'm a licensed clinical social worker.
• There had been four different secretaries since I retired in 2017. That causes change and chaos.
• We appreciate the years of service and what you contribute and still contributing.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 135, which would redirect a portion of wagering dedications from the sports fund to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and remove a cap affecting that funding stream. The author and staff explained the amendment was designed to avoid any impact on the State General Fund while increasing support for early childhood education. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. Senate Bill 202, from the Secretary of State’s office, would increase the number of compensated days for parish board of election supervisors to cover additional election-related duties. Secretary Landry and election officials testified that the change was needed because supervisors now perform more work, including ballot tabulation, machine sealing, and verification tasks. The committee adopted technical and appropriation-related amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up several health and human services bills. Senate Bill 155 would require insurance coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed before cancer treatment; testimony from medical and dental professionals emphasized that untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and worsen outcomes. After adopting amendments to narrow the fiscal impact, the bill was reported favorably as amended, with discussion of a possible subject-to-appropriation amendment to be worked out later. Senate Bill 237, a major DCFS reform bill, drew extensive testimony and debate over child welfare oversight, mandatory reporter training, law enforcement coordination, and the bill’s large fiscal note. The committee adopted amendments, including a subject-to-appropriation provision, and reported the bill favorably as amended after emotional testimony from supporters and former DCFS employees. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465 on prompt-pay insurance reform after an amendment reduced the fiscal note to zero; Senate Bill 261 on unclaimed property after a substitute bill was adopted; Senate Bill 295 on expanded coverage for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation after amendments narrowed the mandate and added subject-to-appropriation language; Senate Bill 157 providing six weeks of paid parental leave for K-12 educators and staff, also subject to appropriation; Senate Bill 276 requiring bail bond producers to certify outstanding obligations before new appointments; Senate Bill 83 on human trafficking services after removing the age-expansion cost; Senate Bill 143 on bulletproof vests after shifting funding away from a direct state appropriation; and Senate Bill 450 on school safety assessments after an amendment limited implementation to available funds and resources. In each case, the committee’s actions focused on reducing or eliminating fiscal notes while keeping the bills moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• As they retire, we are not seeing young people step up to take their place and fill the duties that those
• But we really need to replace them as they retire. Senator Barrow and I are leaving in 17 months.
• I am a 40-year retired DCFS employee. I'm a licensed clinical social worker.
• There had been four different secretaries since I retired in 2017. That causes change in chaos.
• We appreciate the years of service and what you contribute and still contributing.

Bills: SB83 , SB135 , SB143 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB261 , SB276 , SB295 , SB450 , SB465 , SB506 , HB1070

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: human trafficking, trafficking prevention, school safety, public schools, elementary and secondary education, charter schools, mandatory reporting, victim identification, victim services, child trafficking, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, commercial sexual activity, DCFS, Department of Children and Family Services, Louisiana State Police, governor's office of human trafficking prevention, counselor training, mental health professional, administrator training

Transcript Highlights:

• I retire in seven years. I'm in retirement right now, and then I'm gone.
• I retire in seven years. I'm in retirement right now, and then I'm gone.
• I'm a retired special education teacher here at the Sea Alliance.
• I plan to do that in my district, and I plan to start with making my own financial contribution to do
• That's not to say that there isn't incredible contributions to American history before and after them

Bills: S0124 , S0206 , S0420

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I retire in seven years. I'm in retirement right now, and then I'm gone.
• I retire in seven years. I'm in retirement right now, and then I'm gone.
• I'm a retired special education teacher here at the Sea Alliance. We support...
• I plan to do that in my district, and I plan to start with making my own financial contribution to do
• That's not to say that there isn't incredible contributions to American history before and after them

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education