Transcript Highlights:

• a list of recommendations to the governor for a final selection.
• But again, Chair and committee, this Child Advocates Selection Committee has come together.
• This Child Advocates Selection Committee has come together.
• . selections, so we appreciate everybody's cooperation.
• Okay, so that's going to be a big criterion in your selecting the person.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Town of Falmouth Select Board has sent letters to the Steamship Authority requesting that the Steamship
• Half the select boards wrote letters of support for this.
• The Tisbury Select Board wrote a letter of support, and even the Dukes County Commission, which is our
• They're appointed variously by mayors, by select boards, by councils, by county.
• They're appointed variously by mayors, by select boards, by county boards.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't mean that the select committee doesn't have a role to play in that as well.
• We can still make recommendations on the select committee level.
• It doesn't, it mean that select committee doesn't have a role yet to play in that as well.
• We can still make recommendations on the select committee level.
• So, look, if I can restate it: it was a question of how many individuals selected a survivor option,

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• board, the town manager may be removed without cause by a majority of the select board at a meeting
• board chairman, and a town of Bennington select board member.
• board at a meeting called of the select board at a meeting called for<00:50:13.839> the<00:50
• > Bennington<00:50:39.200> select<00:50:39.599> board<00:50:39.760> member.
• town of Bennington select board member. town of Bennington select board member.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal swearing-in and seating of newly appointed Representative Jack Bighgam of St. Albans Town, who was also assigned to the Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. The chamber then introduced House bills 911 and 912 and referred them to the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and the Judiciary Committee, respectively. Several other bills were referred to money committees under House rules, including H.558 and H.775 to Ways and Means and H.632 and H.778 to Appropriations. Members also made announcements recognizing visiting groups, including fire and rescue personnel, community action agencies, 4-H participants, and other guests, along with caucus meeting notices. The House then took up H.907, a Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee bill to review and repeal outdated reporting requirements. The committee explained that the bill categorizes reports into those repealed, those to be reviewed again in four years, and those retained permanently, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House ordered the bill to third reading after agreeing to the committee recommendation. Next, the House considered H.205, dealing with agreements not to compete and stay-or-pay provisions. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee described the bill as generally prohibiting non-compete agreements, especially for lower-wage workers, while allowing narrow exceptions, and limiting stay-or-pay provisions to voluntary, reasonable, and clearly disclosed arrangements. During questioning, a member raised concern about a specific carveout for teacher contracts, arguing it could be used to restrict teacher mobility; the presenter said the language was intended to clarify that the bill did not conflict with existing teacher-contract law. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The House then began second reading of H.639 on genetic data privacy. The committee described the bill as creating strong protections for consumers’ genetic information, requiring express opt-in consent for collection, use, disclosure, transfer, retention, and marketing uses; allowing revocation of consent; requiring deletion of data and biological samples upon request; restricting storage and transfer outside the United States; and prohibiting disclosure to insurers, employers, and most government access without a warrant. The committee also said the bill would impose security requirements and anti-discrimination protections, and the detailed presentation continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Tasha Boerner Horvath, and I am proud to serve as the Chair of the Select Committee.
• The Select Committee was established by former Assemblymember Rich Gordon to consider the challenges
• I do want to say we had to pause the select committee hearings during COVID, but one of our last select
• And one of our select committee hearings, I want to say it was like the second one...
• And that's why I started the select committee, restarted the select committee in 2019 when I got into

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on infrastructure, pollution, climate resilience, public health, access, and economic impacts of sea level rise in California, with an emphasis on San Diego and the Bay Area. Chair Tasha Boerner Horvath opened by describing the committee’s purpose, the state’s sea level rise action planning, and the need for better monitoring and early warning systems. She also referenced her prior bills AB 66 and AB 72, which supported Scripps research on coastal bluff collapse warning capabilities. Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza later joined and emphasized that sea level rise affects not only coastal communities but inland areas as well, and that the issue should inform future legislative and budget decisions. In the first panel, Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps Institution of Oceanography described observed sea level rise of roughly 0.8 to 0.9 feet since the early 1900s, with acceleration expected by mid-century and potentially much greater rise by 2100 depending on emissions. He highlighted flooding, groundwater rise, beach and cliff erosion, salinization, and risks to transportation, sewage, ports, and national security. Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board discussed how sea level rise affects wastewater systems, stormwater, contaminated sites, wetlands, and coastal groundwater basins, and said the board is requiring climate adaptation planning, updating stormwater permits, and seeking more flexible state permitting and mitigation tools. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better mapping, more monitoring, and more state funding, especially if federal support from NOAA and other agencies declines. The second panel addressed public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described how sea level rise, pollution, and access barriers threaten the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, especially for underserved communities and youth programs that rely on safe, welcoming access to the ocean. He stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of coastal access and the need for water safety and environmental education. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission explained that the Bay Area faces major economic exposure from sea level rise, citing a regional estimate of $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses from inaction, and said BCDC is working with local governments under SB 272 on shoreline adaptation planning, funding, and regulatory innovation. Members discussed the tension between environmental permitting and the need to move projects faster, including the possibility of planned retreat in some areas and the use of simultaneous permitting and longer-term state authority to streamline adaptation work. In the final panel, Philip Gibbons of the Port of San Diego described the port’s climate adaptation efforts and its vulnerability assessments under AB 691. He said the port manages state tidelands, supports maritime commerce and recreation, and is already seeing flooding at king tides and during El Niño events, including storm-drain backflow and damage to bikeways and parks. He explained that future sea level rise could inundate major port areas and disrupt operations, underscoring the need for continued planning, mitigation, and infrastructure investment. The hearing did not take formal votes, but it concluded with a clear call for more science, funding, coordination, and regulatory streamlining to prepare California’s coast and nearby communities for worsening sea level rise impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the Massachusetts General Laws that an independent board has been created called the Designer Selection
• It ensures that the architect selection process is one that is based on qualifications and merit, not
• The Designer Selection Board process is fairly rigorous and does take a fair amount of time to go through
• We submit a request to the Designer Selection Board for them to select designers on our behalf to do
• board for that particular project. selection board for that particular project.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on October 17 with members attending in person and virtually. The commission approved the September 15 minutes and then heard a detailed presentation from DCAM Commissioner Adam Bakey on the correctional facilities portfolio, including the age and condition of DOC and sheriff facilities, deferred maintenance, ADA compliance, decarbonization mandates, and how capital funding is allocated. Bakey said the correctional portfolio includes 36 facilities, with average ages over 50 years, and described how older, rapidly built facilities from the tough-on-crime era now face significant maintenance and replacement needs. He also explained the distinction between catch-up deferred maintenance and ongoing keep-up needs, and noted that construction costs and code thresholds have made projects more expensive. Commissioners and sheriffs asked about ADA requirements, aging and overcrowded facilities, hazardous materials, parts availability for obsolete systems, plumbing and health risks, and whether a newer, more modern correctional facility should be considered. Bakey said many projects trigger broader code upgrades, that some dormant facilities remain in the portfolio, and that health-care and correctional construction are among the most expensive building types. He outlined current funding, including annual deferred maintenance allocations for DOC and formula-based five-year commitments for sheriffs, plus a new competitive capital program for larger sheriff projects. He also explained the Designer Selection Board and “house doctor” process used to procure architects and engineers. The commission then shifted to planning its next steps, focusing on public input. Members agreed the next meeting should likely be a public hearing or include public testimony, with possible input from people with lived experience and consideration of facility tours, especially of women’s facilities such as Framingham. Members emphasized the need to define the commission’s scope clearly so testimony stays focused on structural and consolidation issues rather than all correctional policy topics. The meeting ended with plans for the co-chairs to coordinate the public process and a motion to adjourn, which passed without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• faculty and staff to serve on selection faculty and staff to serve on selection committees<00:07
• for each category so we have selection for each category so we have selection committees<00:07:54.360
• impression of the application selection impression of the application selection committees<00:08
• <00:13:25.800> committee themselves from the selection committee themselves from the selection
• They're very selective about the disinformation they looked into.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard an overview from the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement on its community engagement awards program. Amber Cameron explained that the office supports partnerships across the university’s campuses and that nominations for the Outstanding Community Service Awards were evaluated by faculty and staff selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall application quality. She said the community partner award was based only on the nomination materials and described the award process, including that nominations could come from individuals, grassroots groups, or organizations and that the award carried a $5,000 prize. The main discussion focused on the 2024 community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality. Cameron said the nomination documented a long-standing relationship with the university through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning, including work in 130 course offerings over 24 years across 17 academic departments and participation by about 1,000 students. She cited examples from the nomination such as student research and policy work that contributed to Travis’s Law. Committee members questioned the organization’s age, its letterhead and public activism, the meaning of its relationship with the university, and whether the work was appropriate for an award. Cameron responded that the award did not require formal tax status and that her office facilitated the process rather than judging the organization’s broader views. Members also asked for additional information on the vetting process, the courses involved, the award funding source, the ceremony, and related materials. Cameron said the awards were funded through OMN funding, that the program was being sunset and replaced with a new internal engaged-scholar awards structure, and that she would follow up on requests for documents, speaking notes, and other details. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the committee moved on after the testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am pleased to present AB 1803, which is developed in partnership with a select committee on racism,
• This bill addresses selective certification.
• This bill addresses selective certification.
• Los Angeles Unified is sponsoring AB 2120 to extend the authorization for the district to use selective
• Without selective certification, if candidates in the first three ranks do not possess the necessary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee heard and advanced several bills covering workers’ compensation, public pensions, workplace training, public works wages, and disability/paid family leave benefits. AB 1048 would require greater transparency when medical provider payments in workers’ compensation are reduced through network or administrator arrangements; supporters said providers need the underlying contract to verify reductions, while opponents argued the problem is overstated and existing dispute remedies are available. AB 1601 would give Sonoma County flexibility to provide targeted cost-of-living adjustments to retirees; supporters emphasized retirees have gone without a COLA since 2008 and that the retirement system is well funded, with no opposition testimony heard. AB 1439 would request a UC Berkeley study on labor standards in real estate and infrastructure projects funded through CalPERS and CalSTRS portfolios; labor groups supported it, while local governments, housing, and industry groups opposed it as unnecessary and potentially burdensome. AB 1697 would delay implementation of last year’s AB 692 on stay-or-pay and related employment contract provisions to 2027, with some support from the NFL and a support-if-amended request from the financial services industry for a 2028 date. AB 1803 would add anti-hate speech content to existing workplace harassment training; supporters framed it as a response to rising antisemitism and workplace hate, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and argued current law already addresses harassment. AB 2120 would extend Los Angeles Unified’s selective certification hiring authority and allow retention of such employees in layoffs, and AB 2292 would bar providers from charging administrative fees for completing disability insurance and paid family leave certification forms; both drew support and no opposition testimony in the hearing. AB 1198, the Fair Pay for Construction Workers Act, would tie prevailing wage to the time work is performed rather than bid advertisement, with supporters calling it a fairness fix and opponents warning of uncertainty and higher costs on public projects. The committee later reconvened and voted all of the heard bills out, with most passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; AB 1439 was the only measure with recorded dissent, passing 4-1 on the final committee vote. Several items were also placed on call before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, select file. Mr. Clerk: Mr. President, select file, legislative bill 1032A.
• The select file amendment... The select file amendment AM 2955 makes the following changes.
• And typically the mayor will make selections.
• So select file, we have LB 1075.
• President, Select File Legislative Bill 1096A.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a 50% say in the selection committee and in any competitive selection that's undertaken, whether
• 50% say 50% say in<00:03:35.520> the<00:03:35.600> selection<00:03:36.040> committee
• > any<00:03:38.120> selection<00:03:38.680> that's competitive in any selection that's
• <00:03:47.280> members 50% of the members are selection members 50% of the members are selection
• I wasn't on the selection committee. This was before my time.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 10 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contract reviews, including a deferred Kentucky Transportation Cabinet item tied to Louisville bridge tolling and RiverLink. Transportation officials explained that the contract was part of a bi-state arrangement with Indiana: Indiana Finance Authority held the main contract with HNTB, while Kentucky needed a mirror contract to pay its 50% share under the bi-state management agreement. Members questioned why the work was treated as effectively no-bid, how much input Kentucky had in vendor selection, RiverLink’s collection performance, and when tolls might end. Transportation said Kentucky had equal representation in selection, HNTB served as a toll services advisor, collections and customer service had improved, and tolls are expected to remain until debt obligations are paid off in 2058. Several members criticized the company’s past performance and voted no as a statement of concern, but the contract still moved forward. The committee then deferred a Kentucky State University item because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State. It also approved the overall agenda and contract review lists. A Board of Optometric Examiners contract drew significant discussion: board representatives said they had previously relied on the Public Protection Cabinet for legal services, but that office lacked staff and advised them to seek outside counsel. Some members argued the committee could not approve a contract that appeared to conflict with statute, while others said the board should not be left without legal counsel and that the Attorney General should be brought in to resolve the issue. The committee ultimately voted to defer the optometric contract for one month and requested the Attorney General appear at the next meeting. Finally, the committee reviewed an Administrative Office of the Courts amendment for the Court of Appeals building project. Staff explained that the General Assembly had authorized the project, the design contract had already gone through multiple approved phases, and the current item was only an administrative correction to a prior modification amount. Members approved the amendment, with one member noting appreciation that the project costs had been reduced when an error was found.

Transcript Highlights:

• grant program administered by the Council for the Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding: Select
• In front of the Committee on Congressional Redistricting: Select HB5 by Vandever, relating to the regulation
• In front of the Committee on Public Health: Select HB11 by Shaheen, relating to the duty of the Attorney
• For the Committee on State Affairs: Select HB13 by Bell Montgomery, relating to the provision by a political
• In front of the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs: Select HB14 by Hefner, relating to certain files

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
• Welcome to the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
• This is the second hearing of the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
• Good afternoon, Chair Brian and esteemed select committee members.
• Good afternoon, members of the select committee. My name is George Villa.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on the cradle-to-college-and-career pipeline, with an emphasis on education, school discipline, community schools, and higher education pathways. Chair Isaac Bryan opened by noting that two bills from the first hearing had been introduced and were advancing through the Legislature. Members Mike Fong, Senator Gonzalez, and Corey Jackson offered remarks supporting bipartisan, cross-sector work to address inequities affecting boys and young men of color. The first panel discussed school discipline and safety. Dr. David Turner cited major declines in suspensions since state reforms such as SB 274, SB 419, and AB 420, but said disparities remain for Black and Native boys and that school policing and “ghost suspensions” still push students out of class. Brandy Bowen-Bremont and LaQuan Muhammad described hidden disciplinary practices, police referrals, and the need for restorative, culturally rooted, and care-first supports. Members asked about the causes of the suspension decline, statewide versus local data, and whether MTSS and restorative practices are being implemented with fidelity. The second panel focused on community schools. Witnesses from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, M.I.L.P.A., and the Center at Sierra Health Foundation urged a $1 billion ongoing state investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They argued community schools improve attendance, school climate, academic outcomes, and family engagement while reducing suspensions and chronic absenteeism. The third panel addressed college and career pathways, with speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A.M.E.N., and Improve Your Tomorrow calling for more financial aid, dual enrollment, mentorship, and student support. They also criticized state spending priorities, compared prison and higher education budgets, and urged investment in programs that keep young men of color connected to school and work. Public commenters largely echoed support for community schools, youth justice, and broader investment in boys and men of color, including rural and urban perspectives. Chair Bryan closed by highlighting the importance of representation and the role of mentorship and second chances in his own life, then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We recognize, God, that this honor is bestowed because you selected them. You selected us.
• You didn't select them. You selected us. You didn't select us to rule.
• You didn't select us to lord over. You selected us to serve.
• Report of select committees. >> We have none, Mr. Speaker. Report of standing committees.
• Report of select<00:12:59.600> committees. select committees. select committees.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer led by Pastor Darren Leech, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After confirming a quorum, the chamber dispensed with reading the journal and handled routine introductions. Members welcomed several guests in the galleries, including Mick Bulock of NCSL and multiple youth and community groups. The House also recognized Pastor Leech’s remarks about public service and stewardship. A series of congratulatory resolutions were taken up and adopted, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. These included resolutions honoring Derek Hall for winning Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks, the Columbia Academy Lady Cougars cross country and softball teams for state championships, and other special recognitions. The House also adopted STR 536 and several additional resolutions from the rules calendar, with votes reported at 118 yeas, 0 nays on multiple items. On the conference calendar, the House concurred in House Bill 1150, which merged the engineers and surveying boards, added an exception so title attorneys were not affected, and changed board member terms from six years to four years. The concurrence motion passed 122 yeas, 0 nays. The House also adopted a conference report on item 60 related to state security operations center language, removing a reverse repealer, by a vote of 117 yeas, 0 nays. Later, members continued introducing guests and honoring school groups, including the Winston Academy football team for its state championship, the Jeff Davis County Mayor’s Youth Council, Columbus High School’s boys basketball team and Mr. Basketball honoree Michael Hood Jr., Heritage Christian Academy, and Mississippi State basketball player Josh Huard, who was recognized for the Coach Wooden Citizenship Award. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day, with the journal left open until the last conference report is filed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Review of selected financial records for January 1, 2024 through October 7, 2025.
• Review of selected financial records from January 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024.
• Our review of selected disbursements revealed improper disbursements totaling $8,333.
• Our review of selected disbursements revealed improper disbursements totaling $8,333.
• applied to each customer’s account for the selected dates and related deposit slips.

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the first hearing for the Select Committee on Latina Inequities.
• It's an honor to chair the select committee and to host this first hearing in my own district, Assembly
• This is actually the first select committee ever to be hosted in this Assembly District. Thank you.
• Select committees, on the other hand, are an opportunity for us in the Legislature to share information
• So it is certainly my honor to be able to sit on this select committee. I don't know.

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:42.160> It selection of service providers. It selection of service providers.
• not be considered when selecting not be considered when selecting fiduciaries,<00:13:51.680>
• the difference between selecting the difference between selecting investments<00:14:20.720> chosen
• <00:29:03.360> by choosing from investments selected by choosing from investments selected
• selected investments and brokerage<00:52:47.839> windows.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Linda Wong for being selected by their patients as 2025 Hawaii Healthcare Heroes and recognizing them
• <00:12:12.480> by<00:12:12.720> their Linda Wong for being selected by their Linda
• Wong for being selected by their patients<00:12:13.680> as<00:12:14.079> 2025<00:12:14.959
• The Hawaii Healthcare<00:13:58.079> Heroes<00:13:58.480> are<00:13:58.639> selected<
• Heroes are selected through a meaningful<00:13:59.920> and<00:14:00.240> patientdriven

Bills: SB2723, HB9

Keywords: law enforcement, State Sheriffs Day, Hawaii, commemoration, public safety, honor sheriffs, HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be considered that the event did go through the rigorous site selection process. Mr.
• It also adds Teton Ridge Live Productions and Teton Ridge American LLC to the list of site selection
• And it also allows an opportunity for the hunters to be selective on which animals they are taking, uh
• Under current law, a site selection organization must consider at least one out of state site for an
• Last year, Texas was selected to host the race after a competitive selection process where other states

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it would rely on the developer perhaps having to go to the select board.
• I have faith that<01:09:15.759> our<01:09:15.920> local<01:09:16.159> select<01:
• will be that our local select boards will be able<01:09:17.279> to<01:09:17.440> make<
• They coach Little League and serve on the select boards.
• This is a serve on the select boards.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House returned to Senate Bill 325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction and first took up Representative Charlton’s amendment to extend the interim housing exemptions in tier one areas from 2028 to 2030. Charlton argued the change would better align the exemptions with the state’s 2030 housing targets and give rural communities and smaller developers more realistic time to plan and build. Committee members opposing the amendment said the exemptions would no longer be needed once 1A and 1B areas are established, and Ways and Means reported an unfavorable straw poll. After debate, the House rejected the amendment by roll call, 66-76. During debate, members discussed whether the extension would help or hinder housing production, with supporters emphasizing rural Vermont, achievable timelines, and the need for certainty for developers, while opponents stressed that the temporary exemptions were meant to bridge the transition to the new tier system. The House also heard questions about whether any communities had actually adopted 1A or 1B status yet, and it was noted that future land use maps were not yet complete. The chamber then moved to a second amendment from Representative Dobervich, which would extend certain interim Act 250 exemptions for designated village centers and nearby areas through January 1, 2031, including projects of 50 units or fewer or mixed-income/mixed-use projects meeting specified infrastructure criteria, with municipal bodies able to opt out. Dobervich said the proposal would expand access to the interim exemptions for rural communities that lack permanent zoning or subdivision bylaws but otherwise meet the criteria, helping more towns build housing in already developed areas. Opponents argued the amendment could allow too much development in small towns without local review and questioned how many municipalities would actually qualify. The debate continued with members discussing the relationship between Act 181, the temporary exemptions, and the ongoing work to create future land use maps and tier designations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the selection process for a construction manager at risk delivery.
• Currently, the selection committee required to hire and select a construction manager at risk includes
• And so that leaves the selection committee up to score it as they will.
• So again, subsection G, we... ...very important selections.
• Okay, I will continue unless there's any questions on the CMAR selection process.

Summary: The task force reviewed survey results from state agencies on potential statutory revisions, with Levi reporting 70 proposals from 20 agencies and noting that about 33 might become agency pre-file bills. Members discussed the need to share the survey more broadly within higher education and to better coordinate issues involving IT and other cross-agency functions. The task force then heard from the Office of Management and Budget on three topics: concessions, architect/engineering pre-qualification, and legal notices. OMB said the concessions law is outdated and inconsistent with current practice, and suggested a collaborative rewrite to allow best-value evaluation, raise the threshold, and standardize solicitation templates. On architect/engineering pre-qualification, OMB proposed expanding authority beyond current state-agency limits and creating uniform templates. On legal notices, OMB proposed modernizing publication requirements, exploring online and abbreviated notices, and working with newspapers and other stakeholders on technology and accessibility improvements. Members asked about where concession revenues go, whether political subdivisions must follow the same rules, and how to move from discussion to action. The task force agreed to have OMB work with Legislative Council and affected stakeholders to develop bill drafts, and the motion passed unanimously. The University of North Dakota then presented a series of proposed revisions focused on public buildings and procurement. UND asked to rework the definition of construction so routine maintenance and one-for-one replacements over $250,000 would not automatically trigger public-improvement requirements, suggested raising the threshold to $500,000, and asked for more flexibility based on project complexity and risk. UND also proposed changes to public bid advertisements to reflect electronic bidding, revisions to construction manager-at-risk selection criteria, changes to architect/engineer procurement rules, an increase in the direct-hire design threshold, and a higher legislative-consent threshold for privately funded projects. The task force supported having UND work with counsel and OMB to develop bill drafts, and that motion also passed. The Department of Public Instruction concluded with proposed cleanup to credentialing and education statutes. DPI recommended reviewing its credential categories for relevance, possibly transferring credentialing authority to the Education Standards and Practices Board, removing outdated school safety patrol language, clarifying waiver provisions, and updating dyslexia screening reporting requirements so the statute reflects current practice. Members focused mainly on whether the dyslexia reporting requirement should remain, and DPI said the screening itself would continue even if reporting language were revised. No votes were taken on DPI’s suggestions, and the task force recessed after the presentation.