Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that works for you all.
• programs for middle and high school students?
• programs for middle and high school students?
• I'm a student leader with Inland Congregations for Change and a high school senior at Pacific High School
• I'm a student leader with Inland Congregations for Change and a high school senior at Pacific High School

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But for crime, please look at your height as your high intensity, drug trafficking area reports.
• Please look at your high. Does please look at the information that is out there for us.
• We need to support and give avenues for hope and healing and transformation and it's possible we just
• So again, I thank you for listening and I hope that you'll find this payroll.
• Whatever the for I would roll. I've been with high.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm grateful for the partnership, and I appreciate the help of the committee, and I have high hopes
• But I'm grateful for the partnership, and I appreciate the help of the committee, and I have high hopes
• High-Speed Rail Association. At the appropriate time, I'll respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• public support for world-class high-speed rail projects across the U.S.
• And for rural regions in particular, this matters because these are often high-speed corridors with limited

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• public support for world-class high-speed rail projects across the U.S.
• I've been involved with high-speed rail for almost two decades.
• I'm not too much to say other than I'm going to vote for the bill with trepidation as high-speed rail
• And we hope that in the coming days and in the coming months, there is some remedy for that.
• And we hope that in the coming days and in the coming months, there is some remedy for that.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard SB 1259, which would require refineries to provide advance closure and remediation planning information, and SB 1425, which would authorize the High-Speed Rail Authority to create a permit process for encroachments in its right of way. The committee also held an informational hearing on California electricity reliability and the future of the Strategic Reliability Reserve. The chair opened by noting the hearing room change, testimony limits, and that the committee would proceed without a quorum at first, then later established quorum for votes. On SB 1259, Senator Blake Spear argued the bill would give communities and state agencies needed information to plan for refinery closures, cleanup, and land reuse, comparing the requirement to estate planning. Supporters, including Benicia City Councilmember Carrie Birdseye and UC Santa Barbara professor Ranjit Schmook, said the bill would help communities facing refinery closures avoid being left without information and better prepare for redevelopment and remediation. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill could send negative market signals, create conflicts with federal reporting, and potentially accelerate refinery closures. The committee passed SB 1259 on a 7-3 vote, later reopening the roll and recording additional votes before moving it out as amended to Appropriations. On SB 1425, Senator Cortese and sponsor Robert Pearsall said the bill would help the High-Speed Rail Authority manage utility, broadband, drainage, and vegetation encroachments along the project corridor and reduce delays. Labor and construction groups supported the measure as a way to add certainty and speed project delivery. Utilities and local agencies, including LADWP, Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, PG&E, and others, opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer language on emergencies, existing agreements, and potential impacts on their own rights of way and service obligations. After discussion about emergency language and utility coordination, the committee passed SB 1425 as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote. In the oversight hearing, CEC, CPUC, CAISO, and DWR officials reported that California’s summer reliability outlook is better than in prior years, with substantial new procurement, storage, and demand-response resources added since 2020. They said the state is projected to meet its summer reliability standard and has not needed a flex alert for three straight years, but cautioned that extreme heat, fire, hydro conditions, and federal policy uncertainty still pose risks. Officials emphasized that the current Strategic Reliability Reserve remains important as a backstop, while longer-term planning must address rising demand from electrification and data centers and the eventual retirement of emergency resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are hopeful that this transmission authority can be a vehicle to help clear the road to get high-priority
• Shifting to Running Start, Running Start is an education program for high school students that Running
• Start is an education program for high school students who are rising juniors and above that allows
• Courses in the high school are funded based on state prototypical formulas, while funding for Running
• Start courses is allocated based on a statewide average rate for high school students, of which 93%

Summary: The Appropriations Committee held public hearings on several bills and took executive action on House Bill 2747. HB 2747 would change how Washington estimates future revenue in its four-year balanced budget outlooks by using the official revenue forecast instead of the current 4.5% growth assumption for the next two biennia. Staff described the bill as a technical change with indeterminate fiscal effects, and supporters said it would make budgeting more realistic and sustainable. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation by a vote of 26 ayes, 3 nays, and 2 excused. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, which would create an abortion savings program funded by a new annual assessment on health carriers offering exchange plans. Staff said the bill would generate about $10 million in fiscal year 2027 and about $2.1 million annually thereafter, with most funds going to grants for abortion care providers and some administrative costs for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Department of Health. Supporters said it would stabilize access to abortion care and help low-income patients, while opponents argued it would force taxpayers and insurers to subsidize abortion and raised concerns about oversight, morality, and premium impacts. Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would create a Washington Electric Transmission Authority to support new transmission projects and related tribal clean energy work, drew testimony from utilities, labor, clean energy advocates, counties, and landowners. Supporters said the state needs faster transmission buildout to improve reliability, support clean energy, and reduce congestion costs; opponents and county representatives raised concerns about eminent domain, loss of local tax revenue, board accountability, and the need for stronger landowner and county involvement. Staff estimated the bill would have a several-million-dollar general fund impact and noted possible indeterminate local revenue effects. The committee also received a briefing on engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, which would reduce funding or eligibility for several K-12 programs, including bus depreciation, Running Start, and transition to kindergarten; public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with school officials, educators, community college representatives, students, and rural districts warning of reduced opportunities and harm to small and low-income districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• potential for addiction, particularly... ...both whole-leaf kratom products and 7-OH have a high potential
• director for Seven Hope Alliance Foundation; and Michelle Ross, principal scientist for Infused Partners
• Didn't solve it for me one way or another. I was hoping I'd come out.
• Hi, thank you for this hearing today and for hearing from us all.
• It's more like a get-high versus getting something that's for chronic pain.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support in the chamber, and I hope that my colleague Senator Tedisco, you voted for it before, you voted
• And for many of you who have put forth buses for $450,000 for electricity. >> Senator Tedisco, how do
• I'm about planting seeds for the future and for today as well.
• Madam President, I hope the sponsor would yield for some questions. Will the sponsor yield?
• >> Madam President, I hope the sponsor would yield for some questions. >> Will the sponsor yield?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finding this at Boca Raton High School was just rather eye-opening for me because you don't think of
• decision for child care for their specific family.
• So our main goal of our SR and VPK program is to provide high-quality care and education for every child
• So I hope I’m here to help. Feel free to ask me any questions, and thank you so much for having me.
• what they do, a love for what they do, and a love for the children.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation. During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that TTK is in high demand, is effective, and closes opportunity gaps for students.
• TTK was designed to provide high-quality early learning for students, and there are currently no other
• Additionally, Brandon apologizes for not making it tonight, and he sent all of you a high-level overview
• I'm a ninth grade success coach with the Center for High School Success.
• These are high-need students training for high-demand careers, which are essential to Washington's innovation

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• This high cost creates an unnecessary financial barrier for SLP assistants, who already earn significantly
• This high cost creates an unnecessary financial barrier for SLP assistants, who already earn significantly
• This high cost creates an unnecessary financial barrier for SLP assistants, who already earn significantly
• to high-quality maternal care by creating a new pathway for a midwifery license here.
• </c><00:52:00.640><c> divorce</c> nephew but for lack but for the divorce nephew but for lack but for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the question around high cost: Yes, Senator, thanks for the question about the high-cost hospitals
• For those of us with job-based coverage, the affordability challenges are high and growing premiums,
• For those of us with job-based coverage, the affordability challenges are high and growing premiums,
• So the board did adopt a sector target with a lower target for the high-cost hospitals, but it does apply
• What we hope out of it, and the anomalous thing about this, is this is a member of industry asking for

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Ben Belknap, Inspector General for the California High-Speed Rail.
• I think the bill is clearly laudable, but just listening to the hope for amendments, we all know the
• We hope that you continue to be with that. We respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• We hope that you continue to be with that. We respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
• In these fights, while the communities did receive the local notice we were hoping for under SB 29, the

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, please note that the guidelines for bills in certain committees allow for testimony from two
• For those who don't know, AICCU is the organizational voice for over 85 private, nonprofit, accredited
• , high-opportunity jobs and expanding pathways to economic mobility for all Californians, while also
• Chairman, for the question.
• My hope is that... My hope is that my colleagues on the other side will push for this.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met in a special hearing and took up SB 638 by Senator Padilla, a workforce development bill aimed at creating a coordinating entity called the Middle Class Pipeline Project. The bill would streamline interagency education and workforce programs, improve career technical education and career pathways, and direct resources toward high-unemployment, low-income regions through changes to the CTE incentive grant program. Supporters, including the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California Edge Coalition, National University, Long Beach City College, and United Ways of California, argued that California needs a statewide coordinating body to reduce silos, improve access to high-quality jobs, and better align education with labor market needs. Committee members focused heavily on whether the proposed entity would duplicate existing bodies such as the California Workforce Development Board and other education/workforce agencies, and whether its broad duties could be carried out with the $1.5 million budget allocation. The author said the bill is intended to move an operational coordinating entity into broader tri-party negotiations with legislative leadership and the Governor, and that the final structure and staffing would depend on those talks. Some members supported the concept but raised concerns about scope, duplication, and whether the bill should be delayed or audited; one member opposed it as too broad and underfunded. The committee ultimately voted to pass SB 638 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on a courtesy vote. The roll call showed five ayes and three noes, with one member not voting, and the chair later allowed additional members to add on, including an additional aye from Assemblymember Haney. The hearing then adjourned with the chair noting that further conversations would continue on the coordinating entity and its responsibilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of Walcott and Bailey of High Park. of Walcott and Bailey of High Park.
• And for 18 years, she was a teacher in elementary, junior high, and high school classrooms in Iowa, Chicago
• So, Madam Speaker, it is indeed a joy for me to have her here, and I hope you will help me welcome her
• </c> for your support and I thank you. for your support and I thank you.
• </c> Um, not only for my mother, but for my Um, not only for my mother, but for my stepmother<00:47:10.079

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The college prepares graduates for high-demand fields such as health care, including one of the region's
• and I hope continues to live for generations.
• I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve, and I hope the committee and the Senate will confirm me.
• And then something that hasn't yet been mentioned that's a high priority for me: President Diaz and Vice
• I would hope that he would have the gumption to ensure that there's a safe and inclusive campus for all

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for other status. for other status.
• </c><00:24:00.480><c> my</c> um just for a little context uh for my um just for a little context uh for
• Do you have guardrails for high-earning folks, you know, lawyers, people who help with financial information
• ><c> high</c><00:36:06.640><c> earning</c><00:36:07.440><c> folks</c> have guard rails for high earning
• folks have guard rails for high earning folks um<00:36:09.200><c> you</c><00:36:09.440><c> know</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:22.200><c> that</c> And so I'm for allowing that And so I'm for allowing that intelligently
• But I just hope that we green on this.
• So, thank you for opportunities.
• c><00:15:42.000><c> Representative</c> have good news for Representative have good news for Representative
• I hope I can be part of that over the interim to try and put this together for your community.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But a credential beyond high school is a necessity for every learner.
• Foster, but currently for TOPS Tech, you simply have to be finished with high school, whether that's
• And again, I hope we never have to use it. but the And do better for their family in the long run.
• I was a former softball coach for a high school homeschool group, and every single year...
• I was a former softball coach for a high school homeschool group, and every single year I had to take

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 31, 2026, and heard several bills focused largely on workforce training, student aid, and school safety. HB 325 by Rep. Brass would add successful completion of nine dual-enrollment credit hours as a third eligibility pathway for the TOPS Tech Award; after a clarifying amendment limiting the change to students graduating in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill drew broad support and was reported favorably. HB 407 by Rep. Larvadane would return the M.J. Foster Promise Program’s initial eligibility age to 21 for two years, grandfathering in current younger participants while the state addresses funding shortfalls; despite concerns about access for 18- to 20-year-olds, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill as amended on a 12-2 vote. HB 482 by Rep. Turner would loosen TOPS Tech requirements, including lowering one academic threshold, raising the age window to 25, and increasing the award amount at community and technical colleges; after an amendment expanding the affected institutions beyond LCTCS, it was reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 283 by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and school responses for assault and battery on teachers and other school employees and expands sick-leave coverage for related medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatment. Testimony from educators and union representatives described serious incidents of violence and fear of retaliation, while a school district attorney warned about unintended consequences for rural districts, transportation, and students with disabilities; the bill was amended to include students as protected victims and then reported with amendments. HB 448 by Rep. Adams would allow scholarships for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, and their spouses, to be used for graduate study rather than only a bachelor’s degree; after an amendment clarifying the scholarship could be used for bachelor’s or advanced degrees, it was reported as amended. HB 319 by Rep. Beham, a cleanup measure for the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education to improve quorum and update organizational references, was reported favorably. HB 195 by Rep. Beham, which would bar public postsecondary institutions from prohibiting students from carrying self-defense chemical spray on campus, was amended to add exceptions and then reported with amendments. The committee also heard testimony on HCR 10 by Rep. Wilder, which asks the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to recognize dance and cheer as sanctioned sports; the sponsor said the resolution was prompted by a parent request and safety concerns, and an amendment was expected to broaden the measure. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized workforce development, dual enrollment, and the need to align education programs with labor-market demand, while also debating how to balance student access, funding limits, and school safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• So ostensibly, AB 2011 was passed in hopes of getting more homes built on land zoned for commercial retail
• Thank you for both the good and opportunities for change.
• It's relatively stable, and it's high and expensive. It's high. It's high. It's high. Right.
• It's relatively stable, and it's high, high and expensive. It's high across the board.
• What we want to call for, and I hope Assembly Member Caloza, this goes to the point of your question,

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will provide the space for Minnesota's most vulnerable children to have access to the high acuity
• care that they need and give our children a chance for healing and hope.
• High-intensity residential SUD care is an initial access point for care for patients struggling with
• As I have previously testified, without a rate increase for high-intensity residential SUD services,
• This contract gives me some hope for a retirement plan.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding