Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is, I think it's Shane Seleski, speaking for the bill. I hope I got that right.
• high schoolers and 8:00 for middle schoolers.
• I hope I said that correctly, speaking for the bill. Good morning. Thank you.
• High school students may have part-time jobs or provide care for younger siblings.
• I want to thank you for voting yes on it at the last committee. I hope that continues.

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

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• moved the Center for Arts to Lafayette High School.
• Their only hope is for Gator to come through for them.
• Their only hope is for Gator to come through for them.
• These families are not asking for luxury; they're asking for access, and they're asking for hope.
• These families are not asking for luxury; they're asking for access, and they're asking for hope.

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests. The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students. A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Janelle Dansky, and supporting staff of Arcadia High School for winning the 2026 AIA 4A state championship
• And I hope that we will continue to push for inclusive, equitable policies that guarantee an equitable
• Arizona for all.
• And I hope that we will continue to push for inclusive, equitable policies that guarantee an equitable
• Arizona for all.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't go to college for 10 years after graduating from high school.
• Obviously, I hope that they'll, you know, I got one more year of growth funding for Rio Rancho, so hopefully
• We can't wait until high school, or until they go off to CNM for the first time to fund these programs
• Thank you, and Senator, I want to thank you for being on finance and for standing up for schools and
• Now, I hope that I would like for you to have the 50 million dollars too.

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking what the bill says for a school to qualify for that, for a School of Hope to be able to locate
• What happens to the School of Hope for not performing? Representative: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• On what they have to do, what they must do for these Schools of Hope, without asking the Schools of Hope
• And I think it goes against what your original intent was for the Schools of Hope.
• detailing options for students who cannot earn a standard high school diploma, and for IEP teams to reconvene

Summary: The House took up a series of Senate messages and concurred in several amendments before passing multiple bills. Early actions included unanimous passage of CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after removing a Senate-added trust-account provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties in business ownership after trimming registration requirements. The chamber also insisted on its housing amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 after the Senate refused to concur. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation. The House adopted an amendment restoring two teacher-prep courses, preserving the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College in partnership with USF, and modifying the teacher candidate testing framework and mentor qualifications. Supporters said it reduced barriers while keeping standards; opponents raised concerns about the remaining “identity politics” language and other provisions. The bill then passed 91-22. The House also passed HB 1101 on out-of-network providers after adopting a House amendment that kept the original bill’s notice and referral provisions with a good-cause exemption, despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. Later, the chamber approved CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, with members highlighting debris management, emergency planning, crane safety, and hurricane recovery provisions; it passed unanimously. The House then rejected concurrence in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration, and later spent substantial time debating CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, especially Schools of Hope, expanded co-location authority, funding, transportation, and school-district agreement terms. Critics argued the language was added late and could disadvantage traditional public schools, while supporters said it would expand options for students; the debate continued with the bill still under consideration at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bettencourt has carried bills for adult high schools for years, including one that y'all passed
• I hope this bill passes, and I thank you for your support. Thank you, Terry.
• For the first time, college seemed within reach. In high school, however, the hurdles emerged.
• Protect in-state tuition for all qualifying Texas high school graduates.
• So I applaud the Texas legislature for their leadership, and through today I hope to continue in this

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I started teaching 27 years ago, PSEO was reserved for high-achieving, highly motivated students
• </c> 27 years ago, PSEO was reserved for 27 years ago, PSEO was reserved for high-achieving,<00:19:58.240
• First, we specialize in preparing students for high-demand health careers.
• </c> students for high-demand health careers. students for high-demand health careers.
• Thank you for your time. I do hope that we can consider this as you move forward.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, a lot has happened for better or for worse.
• </c> the powers that be for very very reason. the powers that be for very very reason.
• if there was a high risk or high<00:03:19.760><c> flooding</c><00:03:20.080><c> events</c><00:03:20.800
• I think for the session? Sure, yeah.
• </c> important for us to get ahead of. important for us to get ahead of.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's what I was hoping for all the odds, yeah, and I spent it, yeah, having a really pleasant
• For instance, the 5-A football champion Roswell High Coyotes and Multiple Skills USA and FFA state, um
• It is a school for those students who, um, don't fit at a traditional high school, um. Oopsie. Yes.
• With the students that I currently have, the best graduation rate I can hope for is 57%.
• Um, every single school in there is an alternative high school except for 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for Minnetonka High School.
• I hope we can make every school feel like this, loving and caring for every student.
• That was from Senator Rarasmussin's high school diploma for veterans.
• </c> And I hope that what I come up with for And I hope that what I come up with for Wednesday<00:47:
• </c> for equivalent credit in high school. for equivalent credit in high school.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So for that reason I stand in opposition, and I hope all of you understand that. Thank you.
• High-capacity magazines are used to kill multiple people; they’re not defensive, they are used for offensive
• So for that reason, I hope that all of you vote no on this bill, and thank you for listening to my testimony
• So for that reason, I hope that all of you vote no on this bill, and thank you for listening to my testimony
• for now for a think we'll skip that one for now for a time<01:00:52.079><c> um</c><01:00:52.680><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 547 on water conservation, a deferred agenda item that had already been considered by the other joint committees and received no public testimony. The chair recommended adopting Department of Taxation and Department of Health amendments, passing the bill, and adding a defective date of July 1, 2050. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation; the vice chair voted yes, two senators were excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The main hearing focused on SB 1030, which would define election fraud intimidation to include carrying any firearm or weapon at or near a voter service center, place of deposit, or polling place. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill duplicated existing sensitive-places law, raised Second Amendment concerns, and could create confusion for lawful concealed carry holders using ballot drop boxes. A smaller number of supporters, including gun violence prevention advocates and labor representatives, argued the measure would improve voter safety. The committee heard more than 1,560 total testimonies for the hearing overall, and for SB 1030 staff noted over 10 in support and over 80 in opposition; no vote on SB 1030 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard SB 38, which would extend Hawaii’s ban on high-capacity magazines from pistols to any firearm with a detachable magazine over 10 rounds. Supporters, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Brady, and other gun violence prevention advocates, said the bill would close a loophole, improve consistency in the law, and reduce the harm caused by mass shootings. Opponents, including gun owners, veterans, and Second Amendment advocates, argued the bill would criminalize lawful owners, be difficult to enforce, and would not reduce crime. The committee reported receiving over 40 testimonies in support and over 400 in opposition. Finally, the committee began SB 401, which would add rifles capable of firing .50 caliber or higher ammunition to the list of prohibited weapons, excluding antiques and muzzle loaders. HPD and Everytown testified in support, describing the weapons as military-grade and dangerous, while Jerry Yuan and others opposed the bill, saying it was overbroad and would sweep in firearms and ammunition types that are not used in crime. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 401, before any committee action or vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we also know that student demand for high-quality vocational education has exceeded the number of
• S. 326 would remove these barriers and make it easier for all high schools across the state...
• for high-need students.
• I think non-traditional for me, so I struggled in another local high school because no one knew me.
• It was pretty nuanced as I was reading it, so I was hoping you could illuminate that for me.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success. A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform. The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly has been championing reinvestment in high-quality articulated career education for over
• Develop career pathways for high school students and college students through earn-and-learn models,
• For the LAO, I mean, you know, why is the Community College Chancellor's Office administering the High
• It's important for you to be here for that.
• On top of that, given the state budget condition, we do recommend setting a high bar for new discretionary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been that way for communities that we love for a very long time.
• San Ysidro High School, which is our continuation high school... ...this is a high school where students
• have had some challenges or difficulties and have had to attend this high school with the hope to graduate
• What this resolution does is ask us to not only remember those that we have lost, but to hope for less
• for future generations.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled routine procedural business including re-referrals of several Senate bills, removal of AB 1156 from the inactive file, and withdrawal of ACR 210 to the second reading file. The chamber also heard multiple guest introductions, including family members of members and two CIF Scholar Athletes of the Year, Ryan Liu and Mona Sugawara, before moving to the daily file and consent calendar. The main floor item was ACR 191, which designated June 5 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in California. Assemblymember Stephanie and several colleagues spoke in strong support, sharing personal and district-level experiences with gun violence, highlighting the impact on children, schools, graduations, and communities, and urging continued state and federal action. Speakers emphasized prevention, safe storage, community violence intervention, and the need to resist complacency; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added. On the consent calendar, ACR 206 and several Senate concurrent resolutions were adopted, with ACR 206 passing 60-0. The Assembly also heard an adjournment in memory for Michael George Savan, a longtime Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department commander, Marine Corps Reservist, and former Lomita mayor and councilmember. The house then announced the next session schedule and adjourned until Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope to earn your support for the bill. Thank you for the time.
• I really encourage and hope that you support this. Good afternoon. Thank you for having me.
• for other children and families who have lost hope.
• I know for two families in particular in my community I did that, and I'm hoping they got help and got
• He ended up returning to Melrose High School for 10th grade.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery opened its first public hearing of the 2025–26 session with remarks from the Senate and House chairs outlining the committee’s priorities. They noted recent work on addiction and recovery legislation, the ongoing youth behavioral health crisis, and that members might need to leave periodically for floor votes. The chairs explained hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony deadlines, and reporting deadlines for Senate and House bills. The hearing then focused on several bills related to youth mental health, overdose prevention, and psychedelic treatment research. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills to improve youth crisis response and overdose prevention. Testimony strongly supported bills to print the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards, with speakers from mental health organizations, crisis centers, and individuals sharing personal stories of depression, suicide attempts, and the importance of making 988 as familiar as 911. Another set of bills would require schools to stock naloxone and provide overdose prevention education. Physicians, harm reduction advocates, students, and grieving family members testified that school-based Narcan access and education could save lives, reduce stigma, and help students recognize overdoses and understand Good Samaritan protections. Senator O’Connor and Tamika Perry also testified for a bill to strengthen substance use prevention education and reduce overdose abandonment, emphasizing the need to teach students about overdose risks and the legal protections for calling 911. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to authorize a pilot program for psychedelic treatment in licensed facilities. Senator Friedman and several medical and behavioral health professionals argued the proposal was a narrow, research-based approach distinct from the broader ballot question rejected in 2024. They said the bill would allow only a small number of supervised clinics to use psychedelics for conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders, with data reporting and Department of Public Health oversight. Supporters described it as a cautious way to study promising treatments while avoiding unsupervised or commercialized use. Finally, the committee heard support for a bill to create a special commission and five-year strategic plan for children’s behavioral health services, with testimony that the current system is fragmented, difficult for families to navigate, and strained by workforce and funding challenges. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have continuously been in the high 90s and 100% for several semesters.
• It's about creating hope, stability, and growth for the families and employers to help them remain strong
• And so I do hope for the opportunity to continue giving back because this has been one of the most impactful
• And so I'd really like to see how we can grow dual enrollment, how we can increase the access for high
• Grow dual enrollment, how we can increase the access for high school students and for students recently

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, please remember to turn on your microphones for the roll call.
• maybe has not met one of the requirements for a standardized high school diploma.
• And I'll remind the committee that the graduation requirements for high school are to be on a 10th grade
• And at that point, he was told, you can't register for college because you don't have a standard high
• So I hope that you support this bill, and I thank you all. Thank you guys for the bill.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For those who wish to comment on the topic on today's agenda, which is high-speed rail...
• This area will serve as the logistics hub for high-speed rail materials.
• I just wanted you to know we were hoping for some comments from you as Vice Chair.
• The administration needs to put its full muscle behind permitting reform for high-speed rail and for
• Benjamin Belknap, High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Thank you for being here. Mr.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would hope it would be LCCMR funds that would be used to pay for the fence rather than money from
• Thank you, members, for the discussion today. I hope you can support the bill.
• Thank you, members, for the discussion today. I hope you can support the bill.
• Thank you, members, for the discussion today. I hope you can support the bill.
• Thank you, members, for the discussion today. I hope you can support the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My hope is that when I introduced Leno's Law, it was to provide a full exemption for vehicles 35 years
• It's a vehicle for conversation, a tool for identifying high-risk locations, and ultimately ... ...for
• The one in particular was, it says kickbacks for lenders in exchange for assigning loans, and I'm hoping
• This isn't unique to high-speed rail. It's actually systemic for multi-jurisdictional projects.
• we can get there, and I'm hoping by the time it gets to the floor I'm an aye vote for you.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.