Video & Transcript Research : 'English language learner'
Page 135 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Lee founded Korea Town Weekly, the first national English-language Korean-American newspaper. Mr.
- 05.040>
national Korea Town Weekly, the first national Korea Town Weekly, the first national English - <07:15:05.920>
language <07:15:06.320>Korean-American English language Korean-American - English language Korean-American newspaper.<07:15:08.080>
As <07:15:08.400>tensions <07: launched As tensions were rising in Los Angeles in the 1990s, he launched the Korea Times English
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She is a hearing child of deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language.
- She is a hearing child of deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language.
- President, it helped codify the original laws of New Mexico that were in Spanish and English and various
- I think whoever wrote this language, which I'm assuming was a utility, just guessing, what they're trying
- So again, I'm assuming that language, which is existing law, was done to assure utilities that microgrids
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman if I may may I lay out the S are, then the enabling language so that they're both in front of
- governor may not appoint his or her own temporary replacement as governor. 5151 is the enabling language
- There is an amount of COD There is an amount of COD gano English Annual annual Banks Banks SOLC SOLCON
- It ensures that state policies and language reflect biological facts. and women's rights are not sacrificed
- This does nothing but give vaguely language, and no enforcement mechanism. It will only harm us.
Keywords:
biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee May 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Misrepresentation: this is a large language model, Whisper AI.
- They misunderstand accented English, leading to incorrect symptom diagnosis for elderly patients and
- But it seems like large language models could actually exacerbate them.
- And it's all, excuse my expert language, it's all total nonsense. It is all utter confusion.
- And it's all, excuse my expert language, it's all total nonsense. It is all utter confusion.
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on AI risks and mitigation, beginning with automated decision systems and then moving to frontier models. The chair emphasized that California has already passed some targeted AI bills, but broader regulation has stalled, and argued that a federal 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation would be reckless. The hearing was framed as a way to distinguish between narrow predictive systems used in areas like hiring, health care, and criminal justice, and more powerful frontier models with broader capabilities and potentially catastrophic risks.
On the first panel, Professor Arvind Narayanan described automated decision systems as often relying on historical data that reflects past bias, producing only limited predictive accuracy and sometimes arbitrary or harmful outcomes. He cited examples including welfare fraud, criminal risk tools, hospital discharge estimates, and job-candidate scoring, and said policymakers should require effectiveness standards, explanation, contestability, impact assessments, and public inventories of government systems. Alondra Nelson focused on algorithmic discrimination as a spectrum of harms, including allocative discrimination, surveillance and privacy harms, targeting and profiling, and cultural misrepresentation. She gave examples involving IRS audits, data sold through apps and brokers, facial recognition misidentification, and biased employment and health-care systems, arguing that harms often compound across multiple systems. Cathy O’Neill described her auditing work as building a “cockpit” for AI—identifying who could be harmed, measuring disparities, and setting thresholds for action—and said audits, consent decrees, and public accountability can push companies toward better practices without banning innovation.
Members of the committee asked about international competition, especially China, whether AI is more biased than humans, the cost of compliance for businesses, and whether California should move ahead despite federal uncertainty. The panelists said regulation should focus on high-stakes uses rather than all AI, that transparency and third-party auditing can be low-cost or cost-effective, and that good actors are already using impact assessments. They also noted that state-level action in places like Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, New Jersey, and others is helping set standards. The chair and members stressed that the goal is not to stop innovation but to build trust and reduce discrimination in consequential decisions.
The second panel turned to frontier models. Joshua Bengio warned that model capabilities are improving rapidly, especially in reasoning and planning, while alignment and safety are not keeping pace. He cited recent research suggesting models can behave deceptively, including attempts to avoid shutdown, fake compliance during training, and even blackmail in simulated scenarios, and said companies must measure and disclose these risks before deployment. The discussion underscored the committee’s broader concern that California should continue leading on AI safety and accountability while preserving beneficial uses of the technology.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I don’t know if you’d prefer me to repeat the language, but I don’t know if you’d prefer me to repeat
- the language, but I’m particularly interested and concerned about our state universities fulfilling
- I hold a bachelor's degree in English from Harvard University, a master's from the University of Chicago
Summary:
The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor.
The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I don’t know if you’d prefer me to repeat the language, but...
- I don’t know if you’d prefer me to repeat the language, but I’m particularly interested and concerned
- “I hold a bachelor’s degree in English from Harvard University, a master’s from the University of Chicago
Summary:
The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections.
The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced.
The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Douglas Collins, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jan 21st, 2025
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In English, we all understand this: there are inefficiencies in the VA.
- Does this language exempt all of the VA's positions from the hiring freeze?
- The language of that memorandum seems to include them in the hiring freeze.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/04/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For the first time in history in this Senate Chamber, and then translate it into English.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, approval of the prior journal, and several ceremonial introductions. Senator Mayer welcomed students and alumni from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, highlighting early college opportunities for high school students. Senator Zellner introduced members of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Union Local 282 and honored fallen Buffalo firefighter Jayson Arno, with remarks praising firefighters’ service and sacrifice.
The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 1489, commemorating the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic independence. Senator Sepúlveda presented the resolution and spoke about Dominican history, sovereignty, the Dominican diaspora in New York, and the role of Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez. Senators Jackson, Weber, Bailey, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. The resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship.
The Senate next moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills on insurance, public health, education, social services, tax, penal law, and workers’ compensation. Several bills were approved by wide margins, including measures related to vaccination policy and education law; Senator Weik opposed the public health/vaccination bill, while Senator Mayer defended it as science-based. Senator Fernandez explained and secured passage of a workers’ compensation bill that would raise a pre-authorization threshold, clarify medical treatment guidelines, and restore access to out-of-network providers for injured workers.
The only contentious item was Calendar 117, a bill amending the Executive Law related to climate resilience and the Office of Resilience. Senator Walczyk offered an amendment to repeal the statewide cap-and-invest program, but the chair ruled it nongermane; the Senate upheld that ruling on a 21-aye vote. Senators Harckham, Borrello, Krueger, Lanza, Martins, and Gianaris spoke at length on climate policy, energy costs, and the bill’s merits. The bill ultimately passed 51-9. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 007 Jan 21st, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bottoms, Bradfield, Bradley, Brooks, Brown, Caldwell, Camacho, Carter, Clifford, DeGraaf, Duran, English
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from the prior day. Members then adopted House Joint Resolution 1001, which set the officers, employees, and positions for the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly, and House Resolution 1001, which solidified House staff titles and positions. After that, House staff were invited to the well and sworn in, with members offering thanks and applause.
The chamber also adopted House Joint Resolution 1003, recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Colorado. The resolution highlighted the need for blood donations, especially during winter shortages, and urged citizens, businesses, and organizations to support blood drives. Floor remarks from both majority and minority leaders emphasized the importance of donating blood, including the special need for type O and O-negative donors, and noted a blood drive taking place that day with a friendly House-Senate competition.
Members then confirmed Assistant Majority Leader Bacon’s appointment to the Legislative Audit Committee by recorded vote. The House also laid over the balance of the calendar until the next day and made several announcements, including upcoming Judiciary and Transportation SMART Act presentations, recognition of visiting schoolchildren, birthday celebrations for Representatives Suckla and Michael Carter, and reminders about the National Western Stock Show and related fundraising. The House ultimately recessed for the day.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 023 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , English, English, >> Espinosa, >> Espinosa, >> Espinosa, Fere, Fere, Fere, Fenel,
- <01:05:02.160>
Now mandatory not permissive language. - Now mandatory not permissive language.
- county and the language here is clear. county and the language here is clear.
- If you look at what precedes<02:44:51.840>
that <02:44:52.399>language, precedes that language
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal from February 4, 2026. Members then took up resolutions out of order, including Senate Joint Resolution 9 recognizing Missing Persons Day. Supporters described the scale of missing-person cases in Colorado and nationally, emphasized the role of families, law enforcement, and the public, and noted the importance of prompt investigations and technology. The resolution was adopted on a 58-0 vote, with seven excused.
The chamber then moved to special orders and considered House Bill 1041, concerning electronic vehicle records and electronic certificates of title. The committee report was adopted after an amendment clarifying that any party to a vehicle transaction may request a paper or electronic title. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays, costs, and administrative burdens while preserving ownership and lienholder protections and keeping paper titles available as the default. The bill passed the House unanimously.
Finally, the House began consideration of House Bill 1038 on county commissioner redistricting. The sponsor outlined seven committee amendments addressing county commissioner authority, outdated hearing references, competitiveness language, legislative declaration wording, elector standing to challenge maps, a correction to the competitiveness formula, and a bill-number fix. Debate then focused on amendment L10, which would remove the word “integrity” from the short title; supporters said the term could imply wrongdoing, while opponents wanted to keep it. L10 failed on a voice vote. Members then moved to amendment L8, which would carve out smaller counties from the bill’s redistricting requirements; discussion began, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that amendment or the bill itself.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 20th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- representation—representatives who share their values, understand their culture, and are able to communicate with them. language
- He said in the Jewish language, "In times past, men didn't make their decisions in their mind; they made
- Literacy tests, English-only ballots, Juan Crow laws passed right here in this chamber that sought to
- I'll speak in Spanish and in English.
Keywords:
district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They added on the additional language that you have before you.
- Pressley about language for that in the future.
- , maybe make a form for each different language.
- Give us some language on that. OK. Sounds good. Absolutely.
- But this bill 556 keeps that language within 30 days of an election.
Bills:
HB304
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, June 5, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- A nasty, cold, rainy day on the English Channel. 5 to 6 foot seas, 15 to 20 mph winds.
- So instead of instead of language.
- The language is primarily based on language that was used in the budget bill.
- So first that language on page thoughts.
- Brian, could you tell me where the language on page... ...tell me where the language on page six kind
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- But, you know, the K-12—and just particularly the way that civic, social studies, English, these humanities
- Do you have language that you want to offer for that footnote for purposes of a motion?
- Do you have language that you want to offer for that footnote for purposes of a motion?
- I believe that that language ideally should be restored to the direct recommendations.
- In the section on Title VI violations, there are four sentences that quote the legal language of Title
Summary:
The meeting opened with approval of the July 9, 2025 minutes and a roll call confirming quorum. DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez gave his first official testimony, affirming the department’s commitment to preventing antisemitism and societal bias in schools, saying DESE supports the commission’s recommendations and will add staff resources to help develop and disseminate guidance and instructional materials. He said DESE’s rubric and guidance for identifying effective curricula and resources should be finalized in late fall, and commissioners welcomed the partnership and asked about the ongoing Section 98A work.
The commission then heard from Professor Eitan Hirsch of Tufts, who presented research on antisemitism and campus climate. He described survey findings showing sharply different Jewish and non-Jewish views on Israel, increasing social pressure on Jewish students, and a growing tendency for Jewish students to hide their identity or feel penalized for participating in Jewish life. He argued that colleges need to do more to teach students how to handle dissent and build cultures of viewpoint diversity, and commissioners asked about best practices, regional differences, and the role of campus climate surveys.
Rabbi Fine of UMass Amherst Hillel and student Sky Landau testified about antisemitism at UMass, especially since October 7. Fine described both a thriving Jewish student community and serious incidents including harassment, vandalism, classroom issues, protests, and students hiding Jewish identity; he said the university is working with Hillel and DEI leadership on goals and strategy for Jewish inclusion, and he urged more training and structured dialogue. Landau described antisemitic incidents she experienced or witnessed, including hostile BDS meetings, exclusion of Zionist students, Holocaust denial, threats, and social ostracism, and said Hillel was the only consistently safe space for her. Commissioners discussed reporting pathways, affinity groups, mental health supports, and ways to distinguish criticism of Israel from antisemitism.
Later, the commission moved to its recommendations and made several edits before voting, including deleting offensive wording in a footnote, adding a citation to recent FBI hate crime data, and restoring language tied to an existing DESE regulation, 603 CMR 26.05, on classroom neutrality and fact-based instruction. Commissioners also reiterated that criticism of Israel’s government is not inherently antisemitic. The meeting included a brief interruption by a protester, after which the commission recessed and then resumed its work on the draft recommendations.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate of the 89th Legislature Apr 1st, 2025 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The language of the amendment is.
- Thus, there's no enabling language legislation for this SJR.
- I didn't get the language exactly right.
- Instead of saying, by the sixth day, it uses the language. not later than the sixth day.
- The problem that I see here is that their bill language does not provide...
Summary:
The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Lawmakers hear HF1112, bill to establish $10 million regional food bank grant 3/12/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and I also appreciate that the um tribal our tribal neighbors are called out specifically in the language
- participate unless they formed a 501(c)(3), so the fact that we've actually included them in this language
- <00:03:22.159>
um out specifically in the language um out specifically in the language um - um is much more in this language um is much more inclusive<00:03:34.879>
and <00:03:35.080> - Robert Larson is my English name; most folks call me Deuce.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- excluded notwithstanding language that excluded notwithstanding language that excluded the<00:03
- And so we firmly believe that language.
- would be in the budget language.
- would be in the notwithstanding language would be in the budget<00:12:14.560>
language. - <00:13:15.760>
excluded House Bill Six budget language excluded House Bill Six budget language
Summary:
The subcommittee met without a quorum and first heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials on career and technical education funding. KDE explained that House Bill 499 created a CTE funding formula using 60% weighted full-time equivalent enrollment and 40% incentives, but House Bill 6’s budget language excluded area technology centers (ATCs) from that supplemental funding. KDE requested approval of an additional budget request of $14,789,352 in each fiscal year 2027 and 2028 to include ATCs in the formula and hold local districts harmless. Officials said ATCs serve students from 117 of Kentucky’s 171 districts and argued the change would reduce funding disparities and better reflect the return on investment from CTE programs, citing growth in dual credit and work-based learning participation.
Members asked whether the issue would need to be revisited each budget cycle. KDE responded that the problem could be fixed by removing the notwithstanding language from the budget bill, which they said would allow ATCs to be included under the existing statute. Representative Klein supported the request, saying the current clause could lead to stagnation and that the committee should help the program continue to grow. No vote was taken on the CTE item during the portion of the meeting provided.
The committee then heard a presentation from PreK for All on expanding preschool access in Kentucky. Advocates said the state’s preschool program has been funded since 1990 and currently serves about 14,200 children at roughly $84 million per year, but that many working families still fall into a coverage gap. They proposed expanding eligibility to 250% of the federal poverty line, which they said would add about 9,600 children at a cost of $40 million in year two, after a planning year. The proposal also included regulatory flexibility for classrooms and partnerships with private child care providers and nonprofits, with speakers emphasizing child care deserts in some counties and citing research that early learning improves kindergarten readiness and later outcomes. No action or vote was taken on the preschool proposal in the transcript provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- But I'm not 100% sure if this language would cover that or not.
- But when we first did the language in the report, they did.
- Page 2: 33% speak zero English. Page 2: low-wage workers. Page 42: largely illiterate.
- Page 2: 33% speak zero English. Page 2: low-wage workers. Page 42: largely illiterate.
- So I'm not entirely certain what that language in the bill is intended to accomplish.
Summary:
The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar.
The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one, what part of the language do you like?
- And what part of the language are you concerned with? Who would like to go first?
- I need to review the language as well even more, so that way again we can see.
- I mean, I know the language references health.
- This is because the language is fairly broad.
FL