Transcript Highlights:

• policies that strengthen those communities is at the core of who we are: relentless fighters for fairness
• And then the department chased the money to find... ...made their school choices.
• Quit paying and chasing and separately account for every dollar.
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing... Thank you, Mr. President.
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing, now we're not going to pay until we know exactly where

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• policies that strengthen those communities is at the core of who we are: relentless fighters for fairness
• And then the department chased the money to find... ...made their school choices.
• Quit paying and chasing and separately account for every dollar.
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing, now we're not going to pay until we know exactly where
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing, now we're not going to pay until we know exactly where

Transcript Highlights:

• In April of 2024, a high-speed chase, two officers were led in the chase.
• The person that led on the chase went back to the house, barricaded themselves, and more than 100 law
• IN APRIL OF 2024, A HIGH-SPEED CHASE, TWO OFFICERS WERE LED IN THE CHASE, THE PERSON THAT LED ON THE
• CHASE WENT BACK TO THE HOUSE, BARRICADE THEMSELVES AND MORE THAN 100 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS RESPONDED
• Democracy’s foundation is free and fair elections, and people having confidence that when they cast a

Summary: The Senate opened with routine business, including approval of the prior journal and several messages from the Assembly to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills. The chamber then took up a budget extender, Senate Print 10262/Assembly Bill 11295, which would appropriate $2.9 billion to keep state government operating through May 14 while budget negotiations continued. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in reaching a full budget and criticized the lack of clarity on major policy issues, conference committees, school aid timing, and a proposed $1 billion utility ratepayer relief plan, arguing the state’s spending and affordability problems were worsening. Senator Serrano responded that negotiations were in the final stretch and that the extender was necessary to maintain government operations. The extender passed 59-1 after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. The Senate also considered a major election-law bill, Senate Print 88A, providing for automatic voter registration and pre-registration through DMV, Medicaid, and NYCHA-related transactions. Senator Walczyk’s proposed amendment to require voter ID was ruled nongermane, and his appeal was rejected. The bill prompted extended debate over whether the process would protect against non-citizen registration or instead remove barriers for eligible voters. Supporters, including Senator Gianaris, said it would streamline registration and help eligible but unregistered New Yorkers participate; Senator Zellner said it would strengthen the process. Opponents, including Senators Walczyk, Borrello, Helming, Rhoads, and Martins, warned it would shift responsibility away from bipartisan boards of elections, create administrative errors, and risk improper registration. The bill ultimately passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar, with senators explaining votes along party lines. The chamber also adopted or advanced several resolutions and recognized guests. Senator Gallivan’s Police Week resolution drew remarks honoring fallen officers and law enforcement families, with Senators Chan, Rolison, Weik, Ryan, and Myrie speaking in support. Senator Sepúlveda’s resolution commemorating Dominicans in Albany was also discussed, with praise for the Dominican community’s contributions to New York and supportive remarks from Senator Chan. In addition, the Senate heard introductions for guests from Allen A.M.E. Church and the creators of the documentary “Teenage Wasteland.”

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any questions for Chase?
• Chase, please explain the bill. Mr.
• Chase, please explain the bill. Mr.
• Are there any questions for Chase?
• Chase, please. Mr.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• Now fair a big. 75. And now. 475. Now I'm gonna be. 75. Now. 50. And now to bi back a bit.
• Those wishing to vote or chase your vote, Senator Hamilton, you care to vote.
• Those who should vote or chase a vote.
• Those who wish to vote or chase a vote, the chair is preparing to close.
• Wishing to vote, chase your vote.

Bills: HB3327 , HB3711 , HB4104 , HJR1077 , HB3329 , HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989 , HB3016 , HB2979 , HB2988 , HB2288 , HB3062 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3530 , HB3622 , HB3755 , HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, Representative Chase.
• The language access bill is about fairness. It's really about that. Access, right?
• Chase votes nay, without recommendation. Representative Chase votes nay, without recommendation.
• Representative Chase. Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Representative Chase. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HB2352 , HB2237 , HB2249 , HB2475 , HB2408 , HB2435 , HB2309 , HB2244 , HB2281

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: conflict of interest, transparency, state employees, municipal officers, ethics, fire safety, state fire marshals, regulation, public safety, emergency services, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's fair that you have it.
• That’s fair enough, but what are some of those state-mandated things that are making those impacts?
• But if costs are increasing, we're just always going to be chasing that.
• And so, in complete fairness, it's entirely possible that it isn't a contributor in our state.
• So we end up chasing our tail. So we end up chasing our tail.

Committee: Joint Health Insurance Affordability Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this would also include any food trucks coming in for events or fairs, this sort of thing.

Bills: HB2979 , HB3790 , HB3142 , HB3463 , HB4143 , HJR1086 , SB392 , HB3087 , HB3037 , HB3581 , HB4058 , HB2959 , HB4227 , HB2997 , HB4125 , HB1453 , HB3521 , HB3691 , HB2015 , HB2940 , HB1016 , HB3267 , HB3695 , HB3697 , HB3045 , HB3662 , HB3453 , HB3053 , HB3301 , HB3495 , HB3584 , HB3586 , HB3587 , HB3845 , HB4198 , HB4425 , HB2970 , HB3338 , HB3443 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB3818 , HB1242 , HB1752 , HB2961 , HB2967 , HB2973 , HB2988 , HB3031 , HB3240 , HB3047 , HB3052 , HB3066 , HB3086 , HB3175 , HB3177 , HB3178 , HB3429 , HB3548 , HB3638 , HB3404 , HB3704 , HB1590 , HB3759 , HB3831 , HB3904 , HB4092 , HB1979 , HB1983 , HB1250 , HB2952 , HB3671 , HB3920 , HB4118 , HB3944 , HB3969 , HB3973 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3978 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3942 , HB4203 , HB2588 , HB3024 , HB3383 , HB3279 , HB3919 , HB3883 , HB4193 , HB3431 , HB3435 , HB4352 , HB4484 , HB1245 , HB3172 , HB3306 , HB4294 , HB3880 , HB2929 , HB3128 , HB2956 , HB3015 , HB3114 , HB3567 , HB3749 , HB4229 , HB4237 , HB4253 , HJR1046 , HJR1084 , HB3411

Keywords: HB2979, Talyn Bain Act, school zone, school safety, speed limit, 45 mph, state highway, Department of Transportation, ODOT, flashing beacons, traffic enforcement, speeding violation, public school, private school, K-12, drop-off, pick-up, highway safety, municipal maintenance, county commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, fair enough. Thank you. Okay, members? Oh yeah, Chair Kai?
• I’m trying to understand the problem and this solution that we’re chasing here.
• perhaps put a sense that is a good one perhaps put a sense that is a good one okay<00:10:20.040><c> fair
• enough okay thank Youk you okay fair enough okay thank Youk you okay<00:10:22.480><c> members</c><00
• here so if we were we're chasing here so if we were to<00:10:33.880><c> not</c><00:10:34.600><c> extend

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fair enough. Fair enough. Okay. Okay.
• And I think that’s a fair question.
• >> I don't have a complete list, but I can tell you Cheshire Fair and I can tell you Deerfield Fair,
• </c> &gt;&gt; At the Cheshire Fair, absolutely. &gt;&gt; At the Cheshire Fair, absolutely.
• </c><05:48:31.920><c> So</c> fairs in those areas? No, I have not. So fairs in those areas?

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation promotes fairness and equal opportunity in education.
• This legislation promotes fairness and equal opportunity in education.
• challenges, deserves a fair opportunity to succeed.
• Thank you for your commitment to fairness and higher education. Thank you.
• How much time are they actually spending on chasing down families around Learn Fair and resources?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, of course, Chase... Wonderful, love that. And then, of course, Chase Hauser.
• My name's Chase Hauser. I am the senior research analyst for the Committee on Education.
• Okay, Chase would get on to me if I do. Do you want to do a roll call vote?
• Chase, would you please explain the bill? Mr.
• All right, are there any questions for Chase?

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• On-site building security was chased by a resident with an 8-inch knife.
• On-site building security<00:05:32.000><c> was</c><00:05:32.240><c> chased</c><00:05:32.479><c> by</c
• ><00:05:32.639><c> a</c><00:05:32.800><c> resident</c><00:05:33.120><c> with</c> security was chased
• by a resident with security was chased by a resident with an<00:05:33.440><c> 8</c><00:05:33.759><c>
• , accurate and timely service uh for fair, accurate and timely service uh for residents<00:14:50.000>

Bills: HF4141 , HF3951

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing authority, criminal penalty, assault, public safety, redevelopment, submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy

Transcript Highlights:

• While that limited value is what's used to set the property tax, the limited value is going to chase
• To that point, Representative Cruz, the limited property value is not chasing the full cash value.
• So that's why it is chasing that full cash value by a limit of 5% each year until it catches it.
• So that's why it is chasing that full cash value by a limit of 5% each year until it catches it.
• and equitably. ...to make sure that our land is valued and that everyone is taxed fair and equitably

Bills: HB2120 , HB2173 , HB2261 , HB2786 , HB2792

Committees: House Ways & Means , House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Keywords: property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing

Transcript Highlights:

• policies that strengthen those communities is at the core of who we are: relentless fighters for fairness
• And then the department chased the money to find... ...made their school choices.
• Quit paying and chasing and separately account for every dollar.
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing, now we're not going to pay until we know exactly where
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing, now we're not going to pay until we know exactly where

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 executive appointments. After explanation by Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gates, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties losing population, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care measures. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health provisions in light of a new federal rural health grant and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, while also asking about eligibility and access to grant funds. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision for later conforming legislation and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators from both parties supported the bill while raising concerns about accountability, student oversight, and school quality. The bill passed 38-0. Afterward, the Senate waived rules so SB 250 and CS/SB 318 could be immediately certified to the House. The session ended with announcements, including Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and a reminder about the chamber group photograph, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• policies that strengthen those communities is at the core of who we are: relentless fighters for fairness
• And then the department chased the money to find... Made their school choices.
• Quit paying and chasing and separately account for every dollar.
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing..." Senator Gates: "Thank you, Mr. President.
• Yes, because instead of paying and then chasing, now we're not going to pay until we know exactly where

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day, a visiting debate student, and later Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol. The chamber then took up committee reports and confirmed a slate of 52 executive appointments by a 39-0 vote. On special order, senators considered SB 250 on rural communities. The bill, described as a “Rural Renaissance” package, would create an Office of Rural Prosperity, establish a Renaissance Grant Program, increase housing and transportation support, and direct new funding to rural education and health care. Two amendments were adopted to update rural health funding and hospital estimates. Members from both parties spoke in support, while raising questions about eligibility and access to grants for certain rural areas. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then debated CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. The bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, tightening payment and audit procedures, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarships. Three amendments were adopted to remove a district declining-enrollment provision from the bill, adjust private-school documentation timing, and clarify withdrawal form and parent-attestation procedures. Senators from both parties supported the measure while noting concerns about oversight, school quality, and future conforming legislation. The bill passed 38-0, and both SB 250 and CS/SB 318 were certified to the House before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's something that really affects our district due to a high-speed chase and two young girls being killed
• There was a high-speed chase, and her and her daughter were both killed in the pursuit.
• There was a high-speed chase, and her and her daughter were both killed in the pursuit.
• Do you think it's fair that that private landowner then can subsequently become a guide and just make
• But you think it's fair that these projects you fund on private land...

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Wednesday, March 11, with a quorum present and heard several specialty license plate bills. HB 801 by Rep. Martinez would create a classic black specialty plate, with revenue directed to State Police high-speed pursuit training for local law enforcement. Members discussed the need for better pursuit training in light of fatal crashes, adopted a set of amendments and a technical change, and reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee also advanced HB 891 by Rep. Landry, which creates wildlife conservation specialty plates and adjusts revenue distribution to support conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited and Quail Forever, while also helping the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conservation fund. Testimony from LDWF and the conservation groups emphasized habitat work, fundraising leverage, and conservation benefits. The bill drew extended questioning from Vice Chair Fontenot about Ducks Unlimited’s work, including its projects in Louisiana and other states and whether certain habitat practices affect duck migration; the committee then reported the bill with amendments. HB 587 by Rep. Dickerson would create a PANS/PANDAS specialty plate to raise awareness and return revenue to the general fund to help cover treatment costs. The bill was supported by a parent and child who described the disorder and the impact of insurance coverage for IVIG treatment; it was reported with amendments. HB 331 by Rep. Mack created a Louisiana GOP specialty plate and was reported with amendments after brief discussion. HB 629 by Rep. Lyons created a plate for the Crew of Athena and was also reported with amendments. HB 428 by Rep. Baham created an LSU baseball championship plate recognizing the 2023 and 2025 national title teams and was reported with amendments. Rep. Walters voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, and HB 854, and the committee adjourned afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Me important not to run a bill on this twice as I was walking through the jungles chasing that chasing
• No state can strip your property without a fair hearing in court.
• When I moved there, my mother was an absolute avid Pompano Fischer, Fishman Chase.
• And then the 3rd point I want to make was just the fairness of the issues.
• I heard a fair amount of testimony about chair vendors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, that's a fair point, I think.
• Is that fair? Mr. Chairman, I think that's likely, yeah, that's fair. Okay, that's good to know.
• Chase, you are recognized to explain the bill. Mr.
• Chase, you are recognized to explain the bill. Mr.
• Chase, you are recognized to explain the bill. Mr.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Fair Fortune, staff. Thank you, Madam Chair and members. Alex Fair Fortune, staff.
• I see that the second person here was Representative Chase. We have not had you in our committee.
• I see that the second person here was Representative Chase. We have not had you in our committee.
• Alex Fair Fortune, staff to the committee.
• And Representative Chase, welcome to our committee.

Bills: HB1796

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding