Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Kathleen Stewart-Ritchie, the state child ombudsman with the Legislative Auditor.
• I have House Bill 1126, which is a legislative bill, is how the Legislative Auditor's agency is funded
• But as it relates to this piece of legislation, there's a $525,000 additional cost if this legislation
• I'm Patrice's office with the legislative fiscal office. Yes, sir.
• We have the lowest attrition rate as compared to the last legislative audit report.”

Bills: SB25, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB250, SB433

Keywords: registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts

Transcript Highlights:

• and help to draft this legislation, along with the House staff.
• So with the state lands, we know that was the first legislation that was done.
• And then came WMAs, and that legislation done both having a local share.
• So I don't think that that is something that can be addressed by this legislation.
• So I don't think that that is something that can be addressed by this legislation.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Lila Walls of the Bureau of Legislative Research.
• The Children's Trust Fund—that one, yeah, that was legislatively created.
• And then this is just legislatively created and directed.
• Katie Walden, Bureau of Legislative Research, Fiscal Division. As Mr.
• It would require a legislative change for us to do that.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will be brief, as this group has heard me speak on this legislation in the past, but just want to make
• And this legislation is an opportunity to do that, to support, as you mentioned, Representative Castile
• We have an opportunity to do even more, and this legislation will help us do that.
• They are all present there, and we've got a tremendous industry that can exist here if we get some cooperation

Summary: The committee first established a quorum and heard Senate Bill 1553, sponsored by Senator Curtis Gregory, which would provide incentives related to reshoring critical supply chains for pharmaceuticals and critical minerals/materials. Gregory said the bill is aimed at national defense and clarified that the relevant materials would be tied to federal critical-material and FDA lists. Witnesses in support argued that Missouri has an opportunity to expand production of pharmaceuticals and critical minerals, but that foreign competition, especially from China and India, makes domestic production difficult without incentives. Several witnesses emphasized national security concerns, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and the need for state support to help existing Missouri companies expand into these markets. Support testimony came from Jost Chemical, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the API Innovation Center, Doe Run Company, and Associated Industries of Missouri. Testimony highlighted the difficulty of competing with subsidized foreign producers, the long lead times and capital needs for mines and production lines, and the importance of transferable tax credits and possible future federal support. One witness noted that the bill’s grant component may be more limited and would likely be useful for startup, testing, or initial development rather than fully funding a mine. Another witness suggested that tariffs or price floors could also help create a market for domestic production. There was no opposition or informational testimony. After closing the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and voted Senate Bill 1553 do pass by a unanimous 9-0 roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cooper of Pownal: yes. Corcoran of Bennington: yes. Critchlow of Colchester: yes.
• Madam Speaker, I move that we delay action on House Bill 237 for one legislative day.
• The member from Essex moves that we postpone action on House Bill 237 for one legislative day.
• And you have postponed action on House Bill 237 for one legislative day.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House returned to action after a caucus on Senate Bill 218 and first rejected a proposed amendment. On third reading, members debated the bill’s impact on municipalities and salt-reduction efforts. Supporters said the bill was voluntary and would give municipalities increased liability protections if they chose to participate, while opponents argued it did not provide enough protection and could leave municipalities exposed if they failed to meet requirements. A roll call vote was taken after a member from Poultney requested it, and the House passed SB 218 in concurrence by a vote of 85-54. The House then took up Senate Bill 163, relating to the role of advanced practice registered nurses in hospital care, and passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment. For House Bill 237, relating to prescribing by doctoral-level psychologists, the member from Essex moved to delay action for one legislative day, and the motion carried, postponing the bill. The session concluded with the completion of the orders of the day and a motion to adjourn until Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Ed Van Eno, CFO of the Center for Economic Cooperation and Development.
• The legislation would allow existing cable providers to reposition their cable services.
• One way that I got involved with the broadband legislation that we've considered over the last couple
• We're working with the author as well to make sure that the bill itself addresses the legislative intent

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray for those who are torn with legislation. We pray for those who are torn with legislation.
• This legislation would set some rules on how people that do that are required to remove it.
• Deter what that is, yes, in cooperation with TVA and other people in the area. I'm not sure that...

Bills: HB55, HB212

Keywords: fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, HB212, aquatic plants, public waters, state waters, waterways, water management, aquatic vegetation, weed removal, vegetation control, lake management, river management, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR

Transcript Highlights:

• It enhances legislative security staff's ability...
• It will not change the duties, operations, or authority of the current legislative staff.
• Conducting legislative business. An example would be off-site hearings or meetings.
• Now, this is a great piece of legislation. We need this.
• But however, as I'm sure all of us know, all good legislation goes to die in the Senate.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• understanding of our legislative understanding of our legislative priorities<00:04:57.600> and
• What is as a result of this legislation.
• She's goes to Talson, Mercedes Cooper.
• They will be blanketing legislative day.
• > and<01:27:06.800> to our legislative process and to our legislative process and to experience

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal by consent, and then moved through introductory matters and a ceremonial resolution recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for its 113 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action in Maryland. Members welcomed visiting sorors and applauded the recognition. The chamber later confirmed 131 members present and proceeded to third reading bills. Several bills were passed without opposition, including House Bill 7, authorizing limited music therapy licenses; House Bill 42, revising the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners; House Bill 164, on yard waste collection and disposal; and House Bill 177, on bicycles, play vehicles, and unicycles at crosswalks. House Bill 55, which would expand speed camera authority to local jurisdictions statewide for certain roads and areas, drew the most debate. Supporters argued it would give counties and municipalities local control to address speeding and safety concerns, while opponents raised concerns about local autonomy, revenue use, and whether camera fines supplement or supplant public safety funding. The floor leader clarified that the bill would extend authority now limited to three counties, that existing notice and public hearing requirements would remain, and that revenues must still be used for administrative costs and public safety. During debate on House Bill 55, members asked about the speed threshold, fine structure, whether citations go to vehicle owners, and whether the bill would change how local governments use camera revenues. The floor leader said the bill itself does not alter the existing rule that revenues after administrative costs must go to public safety, and that local jurisdictions could still further restrict use of funds. After debate, House Bill 55 passed 98-35. House Bill 164 passed 96-38, while House Bill 7 passed 133-0 and House Bill 42 passed 132-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Legislative Budget Board.
• Again, I'm Chloe Powers with the Legislative Budget Board.
• I appreciate your cooperation on that. OK, Mr. Dr.
• Legislative session.
• During the 87th and 88th legislative sessions...

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being the author of this very important piece of legislation. Appreciate you.
• We don't want to impose a one-size-fits-all in this legislation. That is not the intent.
• I want to also mention that we want to keep an eye toward legislative whiplash.
• Again, with an eye toward that legislative whiplash, as we now call it. Conversations.
• You know, this is a priority piece of legislation for us.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a long slate of education bills, beginning with SB 685 on nonpublic schools for students with disabilities. Senator Cortese and the California Department of Education described the bill as a response to the Ninth Circuit’s Laughman decision, removing the obsolete “non-sectarian” requirement while preserving secular use of public funds, nondiscrimination protections, background checks, credentialing, and incident reporting. There was no opposition, and the bill later passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1181, a pilot grant program for violence prevention, student wellness, and school safety in Central Valley and other schools. Supporters framed it as a prevention measure, while opponents from EFF, ACLU Cal Action, and community advocates warned it could increase law enforcement involvement, surveillance, and use of fusion centers; despite those concerns, it ultimately passed 5-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1067, which would create a statewide framework for annual K-2 math assessments starting in 2028-29 to identify students needing early intervention. The author and supporters argued California faces a serious math achievement crisis and that early assessment would help close gaps, while CTA and several educators and administrators sought additional clarity and amendments to ensure alignment with existing diagnostic practices and limits on high-stakes use. The bill drew broad support from educators, parents, and advocacy groups and passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1107, a school shade-structure bill, would expand eligible shade projects and allow bundling through design-build to reduce costs; it received support from LAUSD, school boards, and climate-focused groups and passed 7-0. SB 1128, on take-home devices and screen time for kindergarteners, was presented as a modest first step to give families more flexibility and reduce early screen exposure, with support from early childhood advocates and no opposition, and it passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1048, creating a voluntary State Seal of Climate Literacy for students who complete climate coursework and hands-on projects. Supporters, including Ten Strands, students, teachers, and county offices, said it would recognize real-world climate learning and green career readiness; it passed 7-0. SB 1140, sponsored by CFT, would require LEA construction contractors to follow campus security provisions during school projects to reduce unauthorized access; it drew support from labor and gun violence prevention groups and passed 7-0. SB 930, requiring end-to-end encryption for proctoring companies handling K-12 exam data, was presented as a student privacy measure in response to cybersecurity risks and passed 6-0. Finally, SB 1083 was introduced by Senator Perez as a follow-up to last year’s Safe Learning Environments Act, with extensive committee amendments to refine the statewide misconduct data system, disclosure rules, contractor fingerprinting, and access requirements; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full hearing and vote are shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• part of the legislative process.
• And so... ...that the legislative process, that don't trust that part of the legislative process.
• As legislators, we have a responsibility to spend the state's money wisely.
• Again, I appreciate the committee's cooperation with all of that.
• I will say that, in my humble opinion, because of our legislation...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With this being said, I pray that while debating legislation, these legislators would not lean to their
• We will listen, legislate, and lead with empathy and resolve.
• Great legislation. We'll be supporting it today.
• I haven't worked with any victims on this legislation who were victimized by what this legislation covers
• . ...on this legislation who were victimized by what this legislation covers.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman outlining Democratic priorities such as education, health care, environmental protection, and opposition to rollbacks on child labor, book access, and gun safety. The chamber also recognized military guests and an intern before moving to the special order calendar. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight at one point in the flow, and mammogram coverage, though the Medicaid oversight bill was later taken up and passed. The Senate passed a series of bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the major measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), which tightened penalties and procedures after fatal attacks; a local government land regulation bill that streamlined comp plan review and defined impact-fee circumstances, though members raised concerns about quasi-judicial hearing limits and local costs; a vessel-related bill combining boating safety and voter-freedom provisions; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act; fleeing and eluding penalties; concealed carry and firearm possession rules for certain officers and service members; timeshare management reforms; and public education on background screening requirements. The chamber also approved bills on disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and a related fee bill, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds. The disability instruction bill drew extended debate about the use of the term “disability,” inclusion, and whether the measure was consistent with broader DEI debates; it passed unanimously after emotional testimony from the sponsor and families. The manufacturing and utility bills focused on statewide economic policy and preemption of local restrictions, while the military children bill was presented as a student-driven proposal. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to 33-3 on the firearm bill and 26-8 on the land regulation bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• program last year has vastly shifted, we need to revisit the GGRF funding framework and ensure legislative
• Thank you to everyone for your patience and your cooperation.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy met for a vote-only hearing on budget items that had been discussed in prior hearings. Public comment focused on support for funding the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, rejecting special fund position cuts at CDFW and the State Water Board, preserving Proposition 1 and Prop. 68 funding for conservation and local corps, supporting offshore wind and the Safer Consumer Products Program, and rejecting the Governor’s proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credit and light-duty incentive changes. Several speakers argued the SAF credit would be costly, unnecessary, and could raise fuel prices or divert funds from transportation and environmental programs. The chair also addressed concerns about the California Air Resources Board’s cap-and-invest amendments and said the Senate budget plan would withhold Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund appropriations, including continuous appropriations, until specified conditions are met. She said the Legislature should preserve prior agreements and protect transit, affordable housing, air quality, and safe drinking water programs from being reduced or zeroed out. The committee then took a series of roll-call votes on grouped budget items. Most staff recommendations were approved, with some items passing unanimously and others on 3-1 votes, with Senator Choi occasionally not voting or voting no. The hearing concluded after the committee approved the remaining vote-only items and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'd like to register and you need any assistance, please let our committee clerk, Madison Cooper-Knauf
• I also understand that we, as legislators, expect a lot from our teachers and administrators, but in

Bills: HB 1209, HB4746

Keywords: school funding, instructional days, education, public schools, school performance, four-day school week, performance rating, school governance, school calendar, education funding, emergency closures, school district, school operations, Texas education, public school accountability, academic distinction designation, postsecondary readiness, career and technical education, CTE, P-TECH

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislative Assistant will note there is a quorum present. Welcome, members.
• My two oldest go to public school right now, and when I'm not legislating, I'm a small business owner
• My two oldest go to public school right now, and when I'm not legislating, I'm a small business owner
• Commissioner Willie Jett: So 2023 and 2024 were monumental legislative sessions.
• Commissioner Willie Jett: So 2023 and 2024 were monumental legislative sessions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being the author of this very important piece of legislation. Appreciate you.
• We don't want to impose a one-size-fits-all in this legislation. That is not the intent.
• I want to also mention that we want to keep an eye toward legislative whiplash.
• Again, with an eye toward that legislative whiplash, as we now call it.
• You know, this is a priority piece of legislation for us.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Frankie Men is with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• So, in the spirit of cooperation, I wanted to make that request out there.
• I'm Sonia Pettick again from the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Frank Jimenez, again, with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Sonia Pettick with the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and we'll also have Joel Johnson, the legislative director of IBEW State Council.
• as regu- you know, we are legislators as regu- you know, we are legislators who<01:14:51.640>
• And working with that group, I did sit on that legislative work group for a while.
• Several of the data center legislation.
• , the the legislation Unfortunately, the the legislation really<01:36:10.280> didn't<01:36:10.600

Bills: HF4308, HF4153, HF4703, HF4711

Keywords: HF4308, Monticello nuclear plant, Prairie Island, renewable development account, RDA, nuclear waste, spent fuel, dry cask storage, utility tax, commercial-industrial property tax, state general levy, property tax exemption, residential heating fuels, natural gas tax exemption, electricity sales tax exemption, year-round sales tax exemption, distributed solar energy standard, solar mandate, community solar, grid modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• But our legislative lay on Jarrett Joby sent it to us and wants to know what the commission's approach
• micro-credentials we're making, and other things are Tied to it is we believe we're doing something cooperatively
• because one of the things in career tech I learned over in Seminole, we have a branch campus off Gordon Cooper

Keywords: 914, all