Transcript Highlights:

• of these series of commissions and work groups, working in concert with that proposal?
• of these series of commissions and work groups working in concert with that proposal?
• None of that lets us really assess which is working and which isn't working.
• and what isn't working.
• Working in partnership with SIP, we have worked alongside districts to examine our practices, challenge

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we have multiple staff members that work we have multiple staff members that work in<00:20:12.520
• Additionally, people with disabilities, they're more often to miss work less; they want to work every
• Additionally, people with disabilities, they're more often to miss work less; they want to work every
• want to work every day.
• </c> available at that time on work available at that time on work opportunities<00:26:43.880><c> for

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered Senate Bill 3, relating to student athletes and NIL. Senator Max Wise said the bill would modernize Kentucky’s NIL framework so universities remain competitive and student-athletes can benefit, noting the state’s earlier NIL law and the need to act before a pending national settlement. Several members supported the bill but expressed concern that NIL has changed college athletics and could eventually affect high school sports. The committee reported Senate Bill 3 favorably. The committee then took up Senate Bill 15, relating to minimum wage exceptions for minor league baseball players. Senator Amanda Bledsoe and MLB representative Josh Allen explained that the bill would align Kentucky law with the players’ collective bargaining agreement, treating the players as salaried rather than hourly workers and addressing overtime issues. Members discussed the minimum weekly salaries at Single-A and Triple-A, along with housing, meals, and health benefits under the agreement. The committee adopted a committee substitute, passed a title amendment, and reported Senate Bill 15 favorably. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 103, which concerns the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. Senator Danny Carroll and provider advocates said the bill would add regulatory oversight, require reporting to the legislature and governor, and give preference to in-state services when available, while preserving access to out-of-state services when needed. Testimony focused on Kentucky’s low employment ranking for people with disabilities, unused federal funds, provider funding concerns, and an OVR order of selection that would limit services to the most severe cases. The committee adopted a committee substitute and reported Senate Bill 103 favorably after supportive comments from members about the program’s impact on employment and quality of life.

Transcript Highlights:

• This doesn't mean that the work is complete.
• And I'm so honored to work with NAMI because I get those opportunities to work with youth.
• We stand ready to partner as state policymakers work to scale and replicate this work thoughtfully and
• I'm a huge fan of their peer-to-peer work.
• , what doesn't work?

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> effectively, we need to be able to work effectively, we need to be able to work with<00:03:57.400
• ><c> isn't</c> say that the way it's working now isn't say that the way it's working now isn't feasible
• The legislative working group?
• The legislative working group? called? The legislative working group?
• </c> that work in an 8 to 8? that work in an 8 to 8? Represent<00:29:49.080><c> correct.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been working on READ Act-aligned work.
• We have been working on READ Act-aligned work.
• We have been working on READ Act-aligned work.
• We have been working on READ Act-aligned work.
• We have been working on READ Act-aligned work.

Bills: HF3635 , HF3638

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:05.560><c> for</c> promote energy policies that work for promote energy policies that work
• We work a lot in rural Minnesota.
• And, um, we think the current system works is fair and works well that way.
• is fair and works well that way so works is fair and works well that way so you<00:35:18.000><c> see
• We work with local schools. We work with Goodwill Easter Seals.

Bills: HF845

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what really makes New Mexico work when we all work together. Thank you, Mr. President.
• We thank you for your work there in that district and for your work here in the Senate, Sherry.
• She's been wonderful to work with. She stepped right in and got to work right away.
• I look forward to working with you, and we're here to work and support because we're doing this work
• places to work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, members, it's work time. Here we go. Okay, members, it's work time. Here we go.
• Ramos, for his incredible work. I also want to thank Ms.
• It is the place where hard work is rewarded. Freedom.
• And I know that the position, the work is very recognized, and especially the work from the chair himself
• I just want to again appreciate all of the hard work.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son. On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction. The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• These state employees work hard.
• That works. Thank you. Go for it. Mr.
• That works. Thank you. Go for it. Mr.
• We have more work. We have fewer people. We have more licensed entities. We have more work.
• What works, what doesn’t. Who is an effective director? Who isn’t? What style works? What doesn’t?

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• this work as well.
• this work as well.
• Teamsters are mechanics and provide maintenance work, work at depots, and do all of those things.
• It expands the scope of the work group's work to include opportunities for consistent enforcement of
• It expands the scope of the work group's work to include opportunities for consistent enforcement of

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• shift work, both parents are working shift work.
• ><c> working</c><00:13:32.079><c> shift</c> work, both parents are working shift work, both parents are
• ><c> the</c> also worked at a title I worked at the also worked at a title I worked at the largest<00
• </c> And I worked with a variety of parents. And I worked with a variety of parents.
• </c> I've ever worked with and I've worked I've ever worked with and I've worked with<00:19:46.559><c

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we had about nine months to conduct this work, work that I understand typically takes at least
• We also work proactively to zone land for residential and work with local jurisdictions to get that done
• We work well with our lessees.
• work on this because we do need to work on it to get to the end result.
• We have to systematically work on it, and I appreciate your saying that you're working on the audit findings

Summary: The committee first heard an Auditor General presentation on the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board’s sunset review. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also noted the board lacked a formal process to verify continuing education compliance. The board’s executive director said the agency had already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues, was working to improve complaint handling, and would implement all 21 recommendations. A veterinarian representing the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association supported the board and said the profession is also working to address the shortage of large-animal veterinarians. The committee then voted to recommend continuation of the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next received the Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Land Department. The audit identified three major problem areas: the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan for state trust land since 2011, it had not adjusted agricultural rental rates to reflect market conditions for many years, and it had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases and permits before releasing reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues risked lower returns for trust beneficiaries, lost revenue, and public safety hazards, and made 18 recommendations in the performance audit plus 34 additional recommendations in the sunset review. The department agreed to implement or partially implement nearly all recommendations and said it had begun a mass appraisal process. State Land Commissioner Robin Zahid then testified that the department was making operational improvements, including rulemaking updates, stakeholder outreach on water-use policy, a new customer-service status bar, and process changes for land sales and mining applications. She defended the decision not to renew the Fondomonte leases in a transportation basin, citing the high value of groundwater and the trust’s fiduciary duty. Members questioned her about agricultural lease water charges, the status of a water policy framework and addendum, the lack of a formal expedited review process, the Fondomonte reimbursement payments for improvements, and the department’s handling of a high-profile land auction tied to the Coyotes arena proposal. Several members also asked for follow-up information on pending residential housing applications, acreage, administrative fees, and third-party contractors.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been working on it.
• with and for adult learners, and evaluate what works for working-age adults.
• We don’t do this work alone.
• We don't do this work alone.
• This work is not abstract.

Transcript Highlights:

• that work.
• that work.
• that work.
• that work.
• </c><00:58:50.160><c> working</c> special session or having work working special session or having work

Transcript Highlights:

• own work group and want to work off of ours.”
• But I'm willing to work with everyone on it.
• But I'd be happy to work with our community partners in figuring out a path how this model would work
• Right, I would work with amendments if that was, I would work with the committee on any additional amendments
• They are working thoughtfully and hard.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work very collaboratively across many fronts and look forward to working with you as we tackle these
• It would also help providers get work.
• I want to continue to work on this item.
• Since we heard about how important the work that we do, and I know you know that we do great work, my
• It's beautiful work that we do.

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The work that the Sunset staff did and the conversations we had there is I formed an agency working group
• So we'll work to make that right. I hope. I hope you work with us on that to make it so.
• How is that working out? I think it's working very well.
• All this time, they can't go to work.
• Too many working parents are caught in the impossible situation. They need to work.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program and the youth at work programs. program and the youth at work programs.
• </c> additional staff to perform this work. additional staff to perform this work.
• </c> that what I've seen in my time on work that what I've seen in my time on work force<00:43:18.079
• So, that's I appreciate the work.
• </c> So, um I really appreciate the work So, um I really appreciate the work that's<00:47:32.880><c>

Bills: HF3732

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• You do great work.
• In 2018, I reported to CIW that I was being sexually abused by my work supervisors at my job working
• We hear you, Unit 513, and we're doing this work, and you and Majority Leader are doing this work.
• A working stove and a working refrigerator are not a luxury.
• And this isn't working for us.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 316, by Assembly Member Krell, would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of civil liability. Supporters said it is a narrow, common-sense guardrail that does not change existing burdens of proof, while opponents from TechNet and the Chamber of Progress raised concerns about possible strict-liability effects. The bill was moved on a due-pass vote to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. AB 251, by Assembly Member Kalra, would let judges apply a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence in elder abuse cases. Supporters said the measure is needed because vulnerable victims often cannot testify and electronic records are easily altered; opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. After discussion about the bill’s narrow scope and the governor’s prior veto concerns, the committee passed the bill to Human Services. AB 474, by Assembly Member Ward, would encourage nonprofit home-sharing for low-income homeowners, especially older adults, through tax and housing-law changes, but it also proposed changes to the lodger law. Supporters emphasized housing stability and companionship benefits, while the California Apartment Association and some members expressed concern about removing lodger protections; the author said he would continue working on that issue. The bill advanced to Human Services. The committee also passed AB 449, which would authorize the Civil Rights Department to run statewide media campaigns discouraging discrimination based on immutable characteristics. AB 1201, the “Reunity Act,” would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with violent felony convictions unless the offense involved force or a weapon against the child or reunification would likely endanger the child; supporters described it as a fairer, individualized approach, while some members raised concerns about domestic violence and child safety. AB 464, an anti-retaliation and accountability bill concerning sexual abuse in prisons, would extend reporting time, require 90-day monitoring, bar rehiring confirmed abusers, and strengthen reporting protections; survivors gave detailed testimony about retaliation, and the bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 614 would standardize Government Claims Act deadlines at one year for all claims; the author and a civil rights attorney argued the current six-month deadline is too short for many injury and wrongful death victims, and testimony began from a parent describing a jail-related death claim.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to work across the aisle, get the work done, and then you just very rarely see it.
• It's work across the aisle, work on tough issues, solve big problems.
• </c><00:03:52.159><c> Um</c> bipartisan work with your bill. Um bipartisan work with your bill.
• the work work across the aisle, get the work done,<00:04:11.120><c> and</c><00:04:11.280><c> then</c
• aisle,</c><00:04:45.440><c> work</c><00:04:45.600><c> on</c> It's work across the aisle, work on It's