Video & Transcript : 'Paul P. Mendes' :
Page 13 of 385
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 01/30/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator P.
- Thank you, Senator P.
- Thank you, Senator P.
- Paul.
- /c><01:22:12.320><c> Senator</c> units thank you Senator P Senator units thank you Senator P Senator
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're so grateful you're on the mend, Carl, and even more grateful to have you back.
- I’m on page 3398, I’m on p. page, and I apologize for making sure I’m looking at the right copy.
Bills:
HB3257 , HB3176 , HB3544 , HB3619 , HB3546 , HB1782 , HB2293 , HB4358 , HB3081 , HB3983 , HB3790 , HJR1023 , HB4139 , HB3297 , HB3041 , HB3673 , HB4105 , HB3338 , HB3048 , SR33 , SCR21 , SCR20 , HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4034 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4044 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4071 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4072 , HB2992 , HB4338 , HB4170
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, social AI companions, minors, emotional attachment, safety protocols, civil penalties, parental controls, geographic information
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 9th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout his life, Arthur belongs to various veterans organizations, including the Cerro P.
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Thank you. Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Julian Cyr.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Dylan Fernandes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Adam Gomez.
- Paul W. Mark? Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Yes.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Yes. Mark C.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator P. Thank you, Mr. President.
- </c> >> Senator P, to your A3 amendment. >> Senator P, to your A3 amendment.
- Senator P. prevails. The A3 is adopted. Senator P.
- /c> the people out there and uh uh Senator P the people out there and uh uh Senator P just<00:27:10.480
- Paul, Stillwater, and Apple Valley.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- Next to him is Representative Paul Mark, then Representative Rodney Elliott.
- got Representative Kristin Kassner, we've got Representative Patricia Duffy, Representative Rita Mendes
- than when I recognize them: my Vice Chair, Senator Joanne Comerford; my Assistant Vice Chair, Senator Paul
- Assistant Vice Chair, Senator Paul Feeney, joining us also is Senator Nick Collins, Senator Jacob Oliveira
- Crighton, Senator Michael Rush, Senator Liz Miranda, Senator Michael Brady, Senator John Cronin, Senator Paul
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 55, the governor’s FY25 supplemental budget proposal to spend about $1.3 billion in surplus Fair Share revenue. House and Senate chairs framed the bill as a one-time opportunity to invest fairly in education and transportation, while also noting the need to protect the state’s long-term fiscal balance. Administration officials said the proposal should be considered alongside the FY26 budget and related bills, since the governor’s broader Fair Share plan aims for roughly an even split between education and transportation over time.
Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler outlined the administration’s priorities. Transportation funding would go mainly to the MBTA and related reserves, including money for the Federal Transit Administration reserve, MBTA stabilization reserve, low-income fares, winter resilience, RTA workforce support, MassDOT workforce and project delivery, and micro-transit grants. Education funding would support universal preschool expansion, early education and care capacity, early literacy tutoring, adult basic education and ESOL, early college and career technical education, MyCAP expansion, and special education circuit breaker funding. The administration emphasized that many of these investments are one-time or multi-year measures designed to address current needs without creating unsustainable recurring costs.
Committee members raised concerns about regional equity, especially the large share of transportation money going to the MBTA versus regional transit authorities and rural areas. Several members asked for more detail on how the proposal would benefit Western Massachusetts and other non-MBTA regions, and whether micro-transit and Chapter 90-related investments would be sufficient. Education questions focused on special education reimbursement shortfalls, federal funding cuts to school districts, and how CTE and vocational investments would align students with workforce needs. The administration said it would provide additional data on MBTA versus RTA investment and explained that the special education circuit breaker and transportation reimbursement changes were intended to improve predictability and relief for districts.
After the administration panel, Jessica Tang of AFT Massachusetts testified in support of using Fair Share funds to protect public education amid federal uncertainty and cuts. She argued that schools are facing a fiscal cliff, that vulnerable students would be hit hardest by funding losses, and that the Fair Share revenue should be used to preserve services and support students’ needs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:56.160><c> J</c> kupek Fifth District Paul J kupek Fifth District Paul J adki<00:04:58.600
- God bless Senator P. Thank you, President P. Thank you, President Champion.
- Paul and for her in Minneapolis.
- Paul and for her in Minneapolis.
- Paul and for her in Minneapolis.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The 9 HBCUs in Texas include Paul Quinn College, Wiley University, Houston Tillerson University.
- I stand here as a proud graduate of Paul Quinn College, which is the oldest historically black college
- HB 4538 by Paul relating the transfer of the Parks and Wildlife Development to the General Land Office
- HB 4706 by Paul and applicability of certain pedestrian laws of certain state sidewalk users are for
- The Department of Criminal Justice for the Committee on Corrections HB 4765 by P FELA relating to the
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, members, Paul Yoder, Chaiter Antwery, on behalf of the eight counties in the Central Valley of
- Chair and other members, Paul Yoder, this time on behalf of the Kern County Board of Supervisors, in
- In addition, redesigns of the P Corps are done by the State Board of Equalization in consultation, In
- This alternative process would carry out the author's intent with SB 9-11 and would remove the P-CORs
- Quirk-Silva, yes, I would just ask the author to respond to the P-COR.
Summary:
The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee held a final hearing on a series of Senate bills, with the chair explaining the committee’s suspense-file process and then taking up measures in regular order and later from suspense. SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment drew the most extensive testimony: the author and industry supporters said it would create statewide assessment standards, exclude intangibles, and provide certainty for solar development, while county assessors and county representatives opposed it as a statutory formula that would undercut fair market value and reduce local revenue. The bill was sent to suspense during the first portion of the hearing and later passed suspense 5-2 after amendments. SB 661, dealing with airport funding and aviation fuel tax revenues, also generated support from airport and local government representatives but opposition from airlines over the proposed distribution formula; it was referred to suspense and later passed 7-0 with amendments. SB 1172, which places guardrails on tax-sharing agreements, was supported by local governments and retailers; after the author accepted committee amendments, opposition was withdrawn and the bill passed 4-2 to the floor. SB 9-1-1, a wildfire safety measure using the Preliminary Change of Ownership Report to notify fire agencies about defensible-space compliance, was supported by fire chiefs and wildfire-safety advocates but opposed by assessors; it passed 5-2 to Appropriations. SB 1408, authorizing Contra Costa County to place a transportation sales tax on the ballot, passed 4-2 to the floor. SB 1072, the housing omnibus bill, passed 7-0, and SB 1424, expanding a sales tax exemption for zero-emission vehicle fueling equipment, was held in committee after support from hydrogen and electric transportation advocates and no opposition. In suspense-file action, the committee also passed SB 1435, SB 288, SB 296, SB 420, SB 881, SB 888, SB 1053, SB 1406, and SB 1407, while SB 353 and SB 1249 were held. The chair closed by thanking members, staff, stakeholders, and a retiring consultant, and adjourned the committee.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 22nd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- 14 or P through 20.
- 14 or P through 20.
- It was a pretty big vision, and it did look at P through higher ed.
- While P is named, we believe that without intentional design, early learning, that P risks being underrepresented
- Okay, so we'll have Paul Kelly. Is remote, I think. Yeah, hi.
Committee:
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
Keywords:
SB 6078, child care, childcare, daycare, licensed child care provider, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, prelicensing, licensing support, resource guide, child care center, family home child care, family home provider, outdoor nature-based child care, school-age child care, early learning, provider application, local permit notice, city permit, county permit
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 9th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout his life, Arthur belongs to various veterans organizations, including the Cerro P.
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Thank you. Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Julian Cyr.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. D. Fernandes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Adam Gómez.
- Paul W. Mark? Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Michael F. Rush.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, and tax administration. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce errors, citing food insecurity and staffing shortages, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment providing $500,000 for Free Period to supply menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins withdrew an amendment to extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Other adopted amendments included funding for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Randolph High School restroom improvements, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s student pharmacy technician program.
Several amendments were debated and rejected after standing votes. Senator Tarr proposed oversight and reporting requirements for the Group Insurance Commission and the MBTA deficiency fund, as well as a 90-day notice requirement for tax-code decoupling with major fiscal impacts; all were opposed and not adopted. Senator Rodrigues and Senator Crighton argued that the GIC and MBTA already have oversight mechanisms and need flexibility, while Tarr argued the measures would improve transparency and fiscal discipline. Senator DiDomenico withdrew a Chapter 70 education funding amendment after speaking about declining enrollment, school funding losses, and the need to protect gateway city districts; he also used the opportunity to reaffirm support for gender-affirming care funding. Senators Collins and others echoed concerns about school funding inequities and the need for future action.
The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state representative, state senator, and longtime clerk magistrate of Quincy District Court, with a detailed tribute to his public service and military record. After all amendments were resolved, the Senate substituted the new draft, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed House No. 5280 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The chamber then agreed to adjourn until the following Monday at 11 a.m., with the clerk directed not to print a calendar.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Mar 19th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Yes. Julian Cyr. Sal N. DiDomenico. William J. Driscoll Jr.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Michael O. Moore. Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. Yes. Yes. Brendan P. Crighton? Yes. Julian Cyr. William J. Driscoll Jr.
- Paul. Joan B. Lovely. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Yes. Yes.
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Peter J. Durant. James B. Eldridge, yes. Paul R. Feeney, yes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/CPN Joint Info Briefing - Wed Dec 17, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and Pon who is from AON P served was and Pon who is from AON P served was retained<00:15:47.920><c> as
- That's Paul Eaton and Dan Chun. We touched on reinsurance.
- Yeah, Paul >> Thanks Ed for the kind words.
- So, Paul, do you know?
- Paul, do you want to of credit limit.
Summary:
The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates.
HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease.
Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks.
HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Julian Cyr. Sal N. DiDomenico. Julian Cyr. Sal N. DiDomenico.
- Paul Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Paul Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Michael O. Moore. Yes. Jacob R.
- Paul Feeney, yes. Dylan A. Fernandes, yes. John F. Keenan, yes. John F. Keenan. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph, a five-year-old Hyde Park child whose death was described as a tragic loss to his family, school, and community. Senators offered condolences and a moment of silence was observed. The chamber also recognized several guests, including students and scholarship recipients from the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program and visitors from River Valley Charter School and Fall River’s Green School.
The main legislative business was Senate 2521, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing about $189 million for early education and care providers so they could receive June child care financial assistance payments. The minority leader questioned why the deficiency had arisen so late in the fiscal year and asked about preventing similar shortfalls. The Ways and Means chair responded that the bill was time-sensitive, that such supplemental appropriations are common for caseload-driven accounts, and that the House had already passed the measure. He also reported that FY25 revenues were about $1.1 billion above benchmark, though most of that was restricted Fair Share revenue or excess capital gains.
The Senate took a roll-call vote on engrossment, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then agreed to a conference committee on the FY26 budget bill, House 4001, after insisting on its amendment. It also adopted resolutions recognizing the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship and the Concord-Nani sister-city anniversary. The chamber suspended rules to advance a petition to ban DEHP in IV bags and tubing, and it agreed to a House referral change for Senate 2522, a health care petitions bill, sending it to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble and passed Senate 2521 to be enacted before adjourning to meet again the following Monday in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor May 30th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Commerce and Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle Paul from UNLV was present there as well.
- My name is Madison Proctor, M-A-D-D-I-S-O-N, P-R-O-C-T-O-R.
- My name is Jenny Stepp, J-E-N-N-Y, S-T-E-P-P, and I'm a licensed clinical professional counselor in private
- Paul Muratka, with the Vegas Chamber.
- My name is Harrison Porter, H-A-R-R-I-S-O-N P-O-R-T-E-R.
Committee:
Assembly Commerce and Labor
Keywords:
health insurance, claims process, insurance regulation, admin penalties, healthcare access, cannabis, cannabis establishment, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, advertising regulations, packaging requirements, unlicensed cannabis activities, state prosecution, confidentiality, Cannabis Compliance Board, disciplinary proceedings, mental health, counseling, interstate practice, telehealth
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul, Minnesota, Monday, May 4th, 2026. >> If there's no objection, further reading of the journal will
- So today we are wearing red to honor that, and I want to say pidamaya p to all of the colleagues here
- So pidamaya p, thank you. investigations of unsolved cases and a investigations of unsolved cases and
- /c><00:13:28.839><c> to</c><00:13:28.920><c> say</c><00:13:29.080><c> pidamaya</c><00:13:29.839><c> p<
- So pidamaya p,<00:13:42.360><c> thank</c><00:13:42.680><c> you.</c> p, thank you. p, thank you.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and approved the previous day’s journal. It then moved through routine business including second reading of Senate File 4612, first reading of House Files 5112 through 5118, and a Senate message stating the Senate would not concur in House amendments to Senate File 4760, a public safety bill, and requested a conference committee.
Representative Novotny moved that the House accede to the Senate’s request, and the motion prevailed. The Speaker appointed Representatives Novotny, Witty, Moller, and Feist to the conference committee on Senate File 4760. The House also approved non-controversial motions on the desk.
During member announcements, Representative Buck marked National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day, citing state data on missing Indigenous persons and homicides and noting Minnesota’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and related license plate funding. Members were encouraged to wear red in recognition of the day. Representative Long announced Democratic caucus plans after session, and Representative Niska announced the Rules Committee would meet after adjournment and moved to adjourn until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026; both adjournment motions prevailed.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Petersburg, Paul Haru of Orlando. Okay, while you come on up, J.
- And then after him, Kendra P. of St.
- And then after him, Kendra P. of St.
- Hello, my name is Paul and Gary. I oppose Bill 1710.
- Kendra P. Kendra P. Is that your... Kendra Pedersen. Can you update that for us? Kendra P.
Summary:
The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service without debate. It then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded liability, and preserves the 3% employee contribution rate. Senator Fine said the bill would increase FRS Trust Fund revenue by about $310 million annually and also gives certain elected officers an option related to DROP accumulations. An amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 1710, a bill by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley to prohibit state agencies, vendors, and grant recipients from using state funds for DEI-related policies, trainings, and programs, and to impose related restrictions on medical institutions of higher education. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s broad and vague language, its effect on health-related work, public-facing agency positions, private contractors, and medical school admissions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stop DEI from influencing state agencies and that the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and minority communities; a few supporters said DEI is ideological and should be removed from government and public institutions. After debate, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with Senator Errington voting no.
The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, with a delete-all amendment. Senator Leak said the bill would expand Florida’s anti-BDS framework to cover nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, foreign government funds, academic boycotts, political subdivisions, and certain grants, while the amendment aligned the bill with existing law and clarified procurement and divestment provisions. Testimony included support from proponents who said Florida should not do business with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, and opposition from speakers who argued the bill would restrict academic freedom and conscience. Debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight May 22nd, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so, uh, Paul, do you wanna go ahead and do roll call? Representative Duncan.
- You have corn Thank you, Paul.
- Next fund is P.
- , our And by the way, this is Paul sitting right here to my right.
- Um, as Chair told you, uh, my name is Paul Estock. Cristina Vasquez is back here.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome and recognized Representative Mendes has joined us as well. Welcome.
- Good afternoon, Chairwoman Edwards and Chair Mendes, and through you to the members of this committee
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with much of the discussion focused on housing stability and maternal mental health. On H. 1924/S. 1171, supporters including Sen. Joan Lovely, Rep. Jim O’Day, physicians, advocates, and people with lived experience urged the committee to create legal protections and treatment pathways for defendants who experienced postpartum psychosis or other perinatal mood disorders within 12 months of giving birth. Testimony emphasized that these conditions are rare but severe, often treatable, and can lead to tragic outcomes if criminalized rather than addressed through screening, expert evaluation, treatment, and, in some cases, resentencing or mitigation. Committee members asked about diagnosis years after the fact and how the Illinois law has worked; witnesses said retrospective diagnosis is possible and that the Illinois model has led to some successful resentencing petitions and broader awareness.
Housing-related bills drew substantial testimony. On H. 1983/S. 1071, witnesses described “zombie” subordinate mortgages that were sold years after borrowers believed they had been resolved, then resurfaced with large balances and foreclosure threats. Supporters said the bill would require disclosures and court review to prevent unlawful servicing and foreclosure practices. On H. 1952, advocates from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, tenants, and legal services providers backed a permanent statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, citing data showing strong tenant outcomes and the importance of quality control, multilingual outreach, and full representation. On H. 1895/S. 1184, testimony supported codifying a two-tier summary process in eviction court and prohibiting defaults at the initial case-management stage. On H. 1883, a small property owner supported rent escrow as a way to protect landlords from bad-faith nonpayment while preserving tenant rights.
The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing discriminatory housing covenants, tenant oversight, and homelessness. On H. 1762/S. 1080, a housing advocate supported removing void restrictive covenants from deeds, describing the Dirty Deeds Project and the lingering harm of racist language in property records. On H. 1814, tenants and advocates described harassment, retaliation, security problems, and lack of accountability in subsidized housing, arguing for an Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Attorney General’s Office. On S. 1120, multiple witnesses supported a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, saying it would affirm the right to rest and seek shelter, reduce criminalization, and extend anti-discrimination protections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions on the bills.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Education Committee and Assembly Education Committee Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- mandate guidelines which are simple enough to be understood by students while being meaningful enough to mend
- The more time... ...students while being meaningful enough to mend the miscommunication.
Summary:
The Senate and Assembly Education Committees held their annual joint hearing with the California Association of Student Councils and SABLE, where student delegates presented policy ideas developed over two days. Committee members repeatedly praised student voice and noted that several past student proposals had become law. The hearing began with opening remarks from legislators and student organizers, who emphasized the importance of civic participation and the value of hearing directly from students. The chair also reviewed hearing rules and explained that the panels would be treated as peers in a formal policy discussion.
The first panel proposed an annual civic engagement day for grades 7-12, with flexible activities such as mock elections, civic fairs, Socratic seminars, and public comment practice. Members asked about costs, grade-level flexibility, voter registration, and how the proposal would fit within existing curriculum time. The second panel proposed amending Education Code Section 35012 to require at least one student board member in every unified and high school district, with expanded training and motion rights. Legislators supported the concept but raised technical concerns about fiscal impact, the need for odd-numbered boards, the scope of motioning authority, and whether districts would need reimbursement if the mandate became statewide.
A third panel proposed adding middle school financial literacy instruction by embedding it into existing classes, with curriculum and teacher training developed over time by state agencies. Members questioned how it would fit into adopted materials and whether the state should wait until the new high school financial literacy course is fully implemented before designing middle school instruction. The fourth panel proposed expanding restorative justice by creating a CDE task force and authorizing PPS-certified staff to use restorative justice training materials in discipline processes. Senators discussed prior legislation, confidentiality concerns in closed-session hearings, and the fiscal cost of a state task force, while expressing support for stronger restorative practices.
The final panel proposed more active mental health education through short, twice-semester classroom sessions for grades 7-12 focused on coping skills, time management, and awareness of resources. Assemblymember Castillo and Senator Cortese questioned whether teachers and counselors could effectively deliver the program, whether it would duplicate or overburden existing efforts, and whether wellness centers or student-led awareness efforts might be more effective. Committee members generally agreed the topic was important but were skeptical that another curriculum mandate was the best solution, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
CA