Transcript Highlights:

• throw 50 state budgets into they'll throw 50 state budgets into chaos<00:08:58.279><c> and</c><00:08:
• </c> authorized about a thousand new state authorized about a thousand new state positions<00:16:08.399
• State State history<00:18:57.679><c> Senator</c><00:18:58.240><c> when</c><00:18:58.440><c> we</c><00
• Senators were greeted with a traditional tribal song as part of this year's Sovereignty Day at the State
• sovereignty day at the state year's sovereignty day at the state capital<00:26:22.799><c> leaders</c

Transcript Highlights:

• I forgot to ask you to state your name for the record, although we know your name, but do state your
• </c><00:10:01.519><c> FFA</c> could include such things as state FFA could include such things as state
• </c><00:16:10.639><c> your</c> Association um Mr Brown do state your Association um Mr Brown do state
• </c> outdoor goinging history of our state outdoor goinging history of our state and<00:40:42.119><c>
• <01:03:09.480><c> of</c> state of state of Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota um<01:03:13.960><c> art</c><

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the state. the state.
• </c> for the state. for the state.
• </c> state capital. state capital.
• </c> state facilities. state facilities.
• state &gt;&gt; And that's for all state buildings state wide. wide. wide.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses. Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately. A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Controller for the state of California, Malia Cohen.
• The Secretary of State for the great state of California, Shirley Weber.
• The Secretary of State for the great state of California, Shirley Weber.
• Mommy won't stop working for the future of our state, your state, and the state that every single person
• Mommy won't stop working for the future of our state, your state, and the state that every single person

Summary: The California State Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore, described throughout the event as the first Latina to hold the post and only the second woman to lead the chamber. The session opened with acknowledgments of statewide officials, tribal leaders, members of Congress, former legislative leaders, and other guests, followed by a quorum call, suspension of Senate Rule 55 to allow guests and media on the floor, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement honoring the Miwok, Nisenan, Patwin, and Southern Maidu peoples. The ceremony included musical performances by Mariachi Bonitas and the Sacramento Women’s Choir/Genesis Church, after which several senators delivered remarks praising Limón’s leadership, coalition-building, work on education, labor, child care, wildfire response, and her role as a trailblazer for women and Latinas in California politics. Speakers also referenced the state’s fiscal challenges, federal policy concerns, and the importance of inclusive leadership. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, and Limón was formally introduced as President Pro Tempore. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor Mike McGuire, Governor Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and her colleagues, family, and supporters. She emphasized her immigrant family background, the importance of education, child care, consumer protection, labor rights, and support for working families, and said California must continue to protect immigrants and expand opportunity. The Senate then announced a reception in the Capitol Rotunda and adjourned/recessed until January 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• state of California, Mr.
• The State Controller for the state of California, Malia Cohen.
• The Secretary of State for the great state of California, Shirley Weber.
• Mommy won't stop working for the future of our state, your state, and the state that every single person
• Stop working for the future of our state, your state, and the state that every single person in this

Summary: The Senate held a special ceremonial session to swear in Monique Limón as the 50th President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate and the first Latina to hold the position. The proceedings included a roll call establishing quorum, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a land acknowledgement, musical performances, and remarks from numerous senators and invited leaders. Speakers repeatedly highlighted the historic nature of the moment, Limón’s background as the daughter of immigrants and a former school board member and higher-education advocate, and her leadership on issues such as education, child care, labor, wildfire response, environmental protection, and immigrant rights. Several senators, including Mike McGuire, Caroline Menjivar, Sasha Renée Pérez, Steve Cabaldon, Catherine Blakespear, and Scott Wiener, praised Limón as a unifier, coalition-builder, and effective legislator. They emphasized her preparation, calm demeanor, and ability to work across differences, while also noting the broader significance of women’s leadership and gender parity in the Senate. Some remarks referenced current political and fiscal challenges facing California, including attacks on immigrants, reproductive freedom, health care, and the state budget. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero administered the oath of office, after which Limón was formally introduced as the new pro tem. In her acceptance remarks, Limón thanked her predecessor, Governor Newsom, legislative leaders, her family, and the many guests in attendance. She spoke about her immigrant family, her Central Coast district, her work in education and higher education, and her commitment to protecting Californians, especially immigrants, children, working families, and communities facing economic and environmental hardship. The session concluded with an announcement that the Senate would recess and reconvene on January 8, 2026, after a reception in the Capitol Rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a song a long time ago. That was a song a long time ago.
• states.
• Like many states, we try to position as something for everyone.
• Of course, Missouri is in state. We have what we call our good neighbors, so those border states.
• I, too, thank you for driving use sports in the state.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• If you recall, one of the main songs was, 'Immigrants, we get the job done.'
• And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
• That is the beauty of the United States of America.
• His career in state service started in 2001 at the Department of Finance.
• and to every other state in this nation.

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial Independence Day observance featuring a prayer, color guard, Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by Philo Abit, followed by acknowledgments of the event organizers and the California Military Department’s flyover. The body then moved to business, beginning with Assembly Bill 126, the education budget trailer bill. Senator Laird described major education investments, including a 4.31% LCFF COLA, increased special education funding, teacher pipeline support, universal school meal funding, kitchen infrastructure grants, homelessness support, and pregnancy disability leave for K-12 teachers. Senators Nilo and Choi opposed the bill, criticizing Proposition 98 funding maneuvers and transparency concerns, while Senator Perez supported it as a historic investment. The bill passed on a 28-8 vote. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 67, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Senators from both parties spoke at length about patriotism, the nation’s founding ideals, immigration, civil rights, and the need to acknowledge America’s historical injustices while celebrating its democratic promise. The resolution passed unanimously, 36-0. The chamber also confirmed Jesse Melgar, Tom Epstein, Joseph Williams, and Mark Beckley to or for reappointment to state boards and departments, each by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Later, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 830, a Bay Area regional ballot-measure administration bill, after supportive remarks from Senators Arreguín and Cortese; the concurrence passed on a 29-4 vote. The consent calendar was then approved, with one item later reconsidered and removed. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of former Madera County Supervisor Max Rodriguez, whose public service and community leadership were praised, and with remarks from the President Pro Tem reflecting on the Independence Day observance before the Senate recessed and announced its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• From its immense heart, creation sings myriad songs at once, mourning and even song, praise and dirge
• He’s doing it in other states as well. So I oppose SJR...
• California is part of the United States.
• California is part of the United States.
• It's also known as the largest ag state.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1567 prohibits the state of Arizona, a state agency, a municipality, county, or political subdivision
• If it's the state of Arizona, a state agency, a municipality, county, or a political subdivision of the
• It would move that classification to the state statute.
• adjuster license in another state.
• for veterans of the United States Armed Forces who were military police officers in this state for veterans

Summary: The committee heard a long series of Senate bills, mostly on third-read consent, covering education, public safety, health, courts, labor, and water. Several bills were briefly explained and then pulled from consent for further discussion, including measures on public records review standards (SB 1078), sexually explicit materials in schools/libraries (SB 1435 and SB 1567), burial costs in death cases (SB 1135), military flags in HOAs/COAs (SB 1184), court-ordered treatment guardianship (SB 1243), standardized state hiring (SB 1665), released-time religious instruction (SB 1741), firearm safety instruction in schools (SB 1424), student participation in extracurriculars after certain convictions (SB 1475), Celebrate Freedom Week (SB 1572), federal scholarship-granting organizations/vouchers (SB 1142), immigration-related arrest notifications (SB 1055), defamation standards (SB 1099), peace officer certification for military police veterans (SB 1107), mandatory reporting of child abuse/neglect directly to DCS (SB 1127), attorney licensing and discipline issues (SB 1148 and SB 1039), concealed weapons on college campuses (SB 1068), and firearm muffling devices/silencers (SB 1069). Members also raised constitutional, policy, and school-safety concerns on several of these bills, while supporters emphasized alternative pathways for students, veterans, and workers, and tighter reporting or licensing rules. Other bills were described without extended debate, including claims against the state for unpaid contracted services (SB 1097), workers’ compensation death benefits for surviving spouses who remarry (SB 1136), burial expense increases (SB 1135), state agency web pages for internal guidance (SB 1586), court-ordered treatment procedures and service of process in mental health cases (SB 1113), medical examiner authorization (SB 1123), tribal MOUs with DCS (SB 1125), controlled-substance scheduling conformity with federal classifications (SB 1188), EMT personal information protections (SB 1193), mammography notice updates (SB 1318), assisted-living referral disclosures (SB 1477), accommodation school GED instruction for 11th graders and students over 16 (SB 1166), credit enhancement board continuation (SB 1422), school district and charter school obligations related to religious release time (SB 1741), school firearm safety instruction (SB 1424), and school civics/freedom-week instruction (SB 1572). The committee also heard bills on CPA certification pathways (SB 1181), insurance adjuster licensing (SB 1415), county voter-registration rules online (SB 1040), campaign address privacy (SB 1259), federal land acquisition notification (SB 1281), water supply/demand assessments (SB 1202), environmental compatibility for power plants and small modular reactors (SB 1418), and groundwater recovery rules (SB 1785). The meeting ended with announcements and a brief recognition of Rep. Stephanie Hamilton with an “Affordability Award.” No final votes are shown in the transcript excerpt; instead, many bills were either left on consent, pulled for later discussion, or flagged for closed caucus. The chair then asked guests to leave so members could hold a closed caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• From its immense heart, creation sings myriad songs at once, mourning and even song, praise and dirge
• He's doing it in other states as well. So I oppose SJR 12.
• California is part of the United States.
• We know that California is an ag powerhouse in the United States.
• Welcome, and thank you for joining us in the State Senate.

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices. The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• From its immense heart, creation sings myriad songs at once, mourning and even song, praise and dirge
• He's doing it in other states as well. So I oppose SJR 12.
• California is part of the United States.
• We know that California is an ag powerhouse in the United States.
• Welcome, and thank you for joining us in the State Senate.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection. On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Idaho State Treasurer, and I'm representing...
• We got all the supplies out to the state.
• This is the Forever Idaho song.
• One of the backdrops we wanted to be was the State Capitol.
• They had the June 27th Twin Peaks Ranch State Park opening.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 24 minutes, and received a financial update showing about $75,171.57 currently unobligated in the commemoration fund, with additional money expected back after celebration invoices are finalized. Members also heard a detailed update on the America 250 ambassador program and related statewide events, including the Liberty Bell tour, the service challenge, to-go activity packs, community celebrations, and the planned Liberty Heritage Fountain. Testimony emphasized broad volunteer participation, donated in-kind support, and strong public turnout across Idaho communities. The committee then considered and adopted a motion directing all currently unallocated funds to be used for implementation of council-approved ambassador projects, coordinated through the ambassador co-chairs, the pro tem, and the speaker, with approval by the council co-chairs. The motion also requested that any leftover funds be considered for transfer to a savings account for America 300, subject to legislative action. Members discussed clarifying the motion’s language and the role of the co-chairs, but ultimately supported the spending framework. A subcommittee update highlighted the Boise Fourth of July/America 250 celebration, the Liberty Bell display and parade, the many volunteers and agencies involved, and the use of leftover water for wildland firefighters. The governor’s task force update reviewed other America 250-related events, including Spirit of America, the Twin Peaks Ranch State Park opening, the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, and the Great American State Fair Showcase in Washington, D.C. The committee ended by scheduling its next meeting for August 18 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I agree wholeheartedly with the governor's statement to the extent that it already states existing state
• The President of the United States, Donald J.
• General of the United States.
• State your point of order.
• You are here to make things right for our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• We appreciate all that you do in the service of our great state.
• Staff, please raise your right hand and repeat after me: I state your name...
• </c> in the service of our great state. in the service of our great state.
• </c> National Blood Donor Month in the state National Blood Donor Month in the state of<00:27:27.600>

Transcript Highlights:

• Bridgewater State.
• State University, just to let you guys know, as a legislator, Bridgewater State now is the place where
• Sadly, our state institutions over time... Amherst.
• Rochelle, I did not see in the top section actually stating...
• I did not see in the top section actually stating Cape Cod.

Summary: The meeting focused on the Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission’s work to build a feasibility study and expand its membership. Members reviewed and approved the prior meeting minutes, then discussed draft nomination criteria meant to ensure geographic, generational, gender, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise such as arts and cultural programming, history, museum work, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, government/policy, legal expertise, and communications. The commission also discussed designating seats for organizations such as the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Culture at Bridgewater State, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. A long list of potential nominees was reviewed, including people with backgrounds in education, community advocacy, museums, maritime history, arts, law, and economic development. Commissioners raised concerns about gaps, especially legal expertise and representation from Taunton and Cape Cod, and noted that some nominees might need to serve as organizational designees rather than individual members. Several commissioners supported the overall slate but asked for more time to vet the candidates against the criteria. The commission then voted to create a three-member nominating committee consisting of the chair, Senator Miranda, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes, with Vega and Lopes accepting the assignment. The committee was tasked with narrowing the 16 additional nominees down to 12 open seats and reporting back at a special meeting later in the month, with the goal of finalizing appointments before the February meeting. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we still have states like my home state of California.
• like immigrants now we still have States like my<00:15:07.279><c> home</c><00:15:07.440><c> state</c
• </c><00:21:33.520><c> of</c> prices today in the United States of prices today in the United States of
• </c><00:21:44.600><c> of</c> country this is the United States of country this is the United States of
• </c> two seconds someone in United States two seconds someone in United States requires<02:12:36.000>

Bills: HR919 , HR579 , HR177

Keywords: HIV, AIDS, public health, World AIDS Day, bipartisan support, uterine fibroids, fibroids, leiomyoma, women's health, reproductive health, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, miscarriage, hysterectomy, Black women, Hispanic women, health disparities, awareness month, screening

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 14 other states in the United States that currently have high-capacity magazine bans.
• There are 14 other states in magazine.
• There are 14 other states in the<00:04:25.360><c> United</c><00:04:25.640><c> States</c><00:04:25.920
• </c> could have been passed in this state. could have been passed in this state.
• </c> And<01:35:37.200><c> the</c><01:35:37.280><c> state</c> And the state And the state hopes hopes

Transcript Highlights:

• across the state as well.
• But it's important to note that the state the state does remain number one, obviously, economy a new
• And that's also how we benefit the state.
• You wouldn't see it in state.
• the state?

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 575,000 Korean Americans reside in our state... 575,000 Korean Americans reside in our state,
• the Honorable Alfred Ho-Yun Song, who was...
• Alfred Ho-Yun Song was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1962 and later elected to the
• United States.
• United States.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, and took up motions to remove several measures from the inactive file, including S.J.R. 9, SB 626, and SCR 89. The main item on the floor was SCR 106 by Senator Choi, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day and highlighted the history and contributions of Korean Americans in California and nationwide. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, citing Korean American business, civic, cultural, military, and community contributions, as well as local Korean American communities and landmarks across their districts. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. After passage, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests in the chamber and invited members to a reception. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including upcoming meetings of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Senate Human Services Committee. Members also requested that SB 626 be returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials. Senators Umberg, Allen, Pérez, and Menjivar honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, respectively. The memorials recounted the lives and community service of the deceased and emphasized ongoing grief, recovery, and support for affected families and communities. The Senate announced it would recess until the next scheduled floor session on Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• State of Arizona legislative proclamation: Kosovo's Independence Day in the State of Arizona.
• Whereas the State of Arizona is honored to stand with Albanian Americans throughout the state in commemorating
• And whereas the United States, including the State of Arizona, has supported Kosovo's journey toward
• to the cultural and economic growth of our state.
• I think it's a tribute to their service to our state and what they've done for our state, and I appreciate

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day and several guests and community groups, including correctional officer Jacob Polanco, Pima Community Land Trust representatives, student interns, and Arizona PTA members. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole on a calendar of bills and resolutions. HB 2307 and HB 2758 were considered first; HB 2307 received committee amendments and was recommended do pass, while HB 2758 drew extensive debate over groundwater transport in La Paz County. Supporters argued the measure preserved a transportation-basin framework and added protections, while opponents warned it would facilitate water export for private investors and harm rural residents. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due-pass recommendation. The House also considered HCR 2003, a referral related to transgender athletes in sports, where supporters framed it as a fairness and women’s sports issue and opponents argued it targeted a small population and should be left to athletic associations; it received a due-pass recommendation. HCR 2047 and HCR 2002, both relating to Judea and Samaria, also received due-pass recommendations after remarks citing biblical and historical references. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House referred the approved measures to engrossing and noted HB 2758 failed. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several bills, passing HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations on some votes, including support for a Buffalo Soldiers monument, AHCCCS-related changes, water infrastructure authority, and mobile home park utility billing protections. The House also heard personal privilege remarks and announcements, including comments on antisemitism after vandalism at a University of Arizona campus center, a request to wear pink or green in support of a murder victim’s mother testifying on a bill, tributes to Jesse Jackson and Bishop Peter Bowie, and committee meeting notices before adjourning until February 18, 2026.