Transcript Highlights:

• Over 70% of the voting age population in CD 9 is comprised of black and brown residents.
• The racial makeup combines 34% Black and Hispanic and 24% White.
• Seats that reflect the voices of Black, Latino, and Asian Texans.
• Jesus is back, and he is black.
• They feel that it is targeting historically Black and increasingly Latino areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black History Month resolution that's specifically of them recognizing desperate treatment of black
• Black History Month resolution that specifically recognizes Black History Month.
• A Black person, D.E.I.
• Black History Month.
• Among Black students, the drop was 18%.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1134, which would extend and clarify the use of qualified private providers and computer-based tools in the building permit and inspection process for residential solar energy systems. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long delays in solar permitting and make the process faster and cheaper; Senator Pizzo questioned whether the problem was limited to specific local governments, and a late-filed amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted. After brief testimony from an industry representative supporting the measure, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no. Next, the committee considered SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats and new development. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would bar fee collection if the local government fails to act within five business days. County representatives said they wanted to keep working on the bill and raised concerns about the private-provider language and the short deadlines, while several senators discussed whether the process should be handled earlier on the front end. The committee then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1738 on transportation concurrency, which would let counties that previously opted out of concurrency opt back in by maintaining current levels of service. SB 1080, a local government land regulation bill, was described as a measure to speed development approvals by setting stricter timelines, limiting repeated information requests, and imposing penalties for noncompliance; local-government testimony opposed it as a loss of local control, while builders supported it. After debate, SB 1080 was reported favorably. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members discussed possible adjustments to avoid burdening county budget negotiations. Finally, the committee took up SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, policies, programs, offices, or contracts, and would expose officials to misfeasance/malfeasance claims and local governments to lawsuits. The sponsor said the amendment removed retroactive language, delayed the effective date, and added definitions and contract-certification requirements, but many senators and public speakers argued the bill was overbroad, vague, and would chill local efforts such as Black History Month, women-owned business programs, minority contracting, and community outreach. Supporters said it would ensure merit-based government action and consistency with state standards. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition testimony and debate over its scope and potential conflict with federal and state law.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I'm Black, and I know Black Lives Matter, but I had a question about saying Black Lives Matter
• I was like, okay, but I don't want to lose some of my friends that aren't Black because I'm saying Black
• But her response... ...that aren't Black because I'm saying Black Lives Matter, you know.
• And to be honest, most of our cases are not Black people.
• They don't care about missing, especially Black women.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in commemoration of the contributions
• He condemned wars waged abroad and at home, and he condemned wars against poor people, against Black
• And members, I want to thank the Black Caucus for leading on this resolution as they do time and time
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of ACR 118.
• of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Black: Here. Campbell: Excused. Chamberlin: Here. Cobb: Here. Dunkley: Here. Yeah.
• Representatives Black: Yes. Chamberlain: Cobb: Yes. Daly: Dunkley: Gerwig: Yes.
• Representative Black, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Representative Black, you are recognized. This is a technical amendment from staff.
• Representative Black, having waived close, please call the vote. Representatives Black? Yes.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no. The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, Derek Harris, Executive Director, Black Education Strategy Roundtable.
• American history An Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black
• I am also the parent of three Black children, now adults, who all attended Washington State schools.
• I've learned about the solidarity of Black and Chicano students in the civil rights movement here in
• Latino American, Black American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander contributions

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5901, which would change the school construction assistance program so that instructional space on military bases is excluded from a district’s available space inventory when calculating state construction aid. Staff explained the bill would also require state assistance to equal approved project cost minus federal funding received. Senator Christian said the measure is intended to prevent military-base facilities from unfairly reducing districts’ ability to modernize or build schools. Testimony in support came from OSPI, Clover Park School District, and Medical Lake School District, which said the current formula penalizes districts serving military families and can leave them unable to secure needed renovation funding. No opposition was heard, and the bill was later described as having an indeterminate fiscal impact. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5860 on school board compensation. The bill would raise director pay from $50 to $100 per day, increase the annual cap, allow child care expenses to be reimbursed, require OFM to periodically adjust compensation, and direct WASDA to develop finance training for school directors. Senator Cortez said the changes are needed to broaden who can serve on school boards and to help working families participate. Supporters from OSPI, WASDA, and South Sound superintendents said compensation could improve diversity and help recruit and retain board members, though WASDA noted concerns about diverting district funds and said its members do not have consensus on mandatory training. Opponents argued the bill would misuse levy funds and that child care and other expenses should not be paid from local education levies. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5956 on artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in schools, which would bar automated systems from being the sole basis for discipline decisions, prohibit risk scores and biometric surveillance, require OSPI guidance updates, and direct WASDA to create model policy. Senator Nobles and supporters said the bill is needed to protect students from discriminatory and inaccurate AI-driven decisions; no vote was taken in the hearing. Finally, the committee heard a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5574, which would require districts to include instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history in required social studies courses during the regular curriculum review cycle, with reporting beginning in 2030. Senator Nobles said the bill is meant to address exclusion and bias in history education and to help students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Testifiers from education, student, parent, and community groups overwhelmingly supported the measure, saying it would improve belonging, reduce bullying, and build on existing curriculum resources without creating a new course or major new cost. The hearing ended without a vote or other formal action on SB 5956 or SB 5574.

Transcript Highlights:

• black-held seats.
• It's a power grab at the expense of black and brown communities.
• But that's historically been done to Blacks and Browns.
• In Tarrant County, the movement of Black voters was 52.5.
• As you spoke about, people say, "Well, Black people should vote more.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• Battle was the first Black principal in the Columbia Public School District.
• Battle was the first black principal in the Columbia Public School District.
• Now we're up to about 1,000 black bears in the state of Missouri.
• We absolutely adore you and your passion for black bears.
• So the black bear is not as mean as the brown bear, definitely.

Transcript Highlights:

• The belief that black people scan is thicker than white people.
• The mortality penalty for black newborns was reduced by 58%. When cared for by black physicians.
• Black patients are less likely to be given pain medication.
• And all of a sudden my. >> One of my black kids says and I'm black and I'm proud of it.
• This is the position of white coats for Black lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a civil rights attorney, and I'm also the president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum.
• The record shows that businesses owned by women and businesses owned by Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific
• Black woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry, construction to be specific, my company has
• As a Black woman business owner, I know how hard you have to work just to get to the starting line.
• Stripping thousands of Black business owners of their hard-earned status without due process, proper

Transcript Highlights:

• Congressional District 18 remains a majority-minority Black CVAP from the proposed plan and maintains
• In CD 18, it remained a majority-minority Black CVAP, maintaining its compactness. ...stays the same
• These were in a predominantly Black African-American area, and I was wondering if that was part of any
• Plan C-2331, and then in black underneath it, Plan C-333.
• In black underneath that is the substitute pending before the committee. Got it. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• The author of the sub is here today, Representative Black.
• Chair, members of the committee, John Black, House District 129.
• John Black: That's the way it's done now.
• John Black: Thank you for pointing that out.
• John Black: It takes it out of it for the initial implementation.

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about direct attacks on Black futures, Black prosperity, and Black freedom.
• Black America.
• Black America.
• Black America.
• Black America.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you said, I'm Kristen Nemers with the California Black Power Network.
• We are a coalition of over 45 Black-led and Black-empowering grassroots organizations throughout the
• We were a state partner in engaging hard-to-reach Black residents.
• Kristen Emory’s California Black Power Network in strong support.
• Kristen Emory’s California Black Power Network in strong support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg would expand electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot-processing sites, restrict law enforcement activity near voting locations except for crimes against persons or property, expand ballot drop box and vote center access, and extend the vote-by-mail receipt deadline. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and interference; county election officials opposed it as operationally burdensome and difficult to enforce. The committee discussed amendments narrowing some provisions, and the bill was ultimately advanced on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Choi voting no. The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would codify and expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance for certain jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voter access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city representative raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. Senator Choi questioned the bill’s concepts, but the measure was moved to Judiciary and later recorded as passing 4-1. SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and streamline campaign-ad disclosure language, allow abbreviations, and increase the number of top funders listed on political mailers from three to five. Outdoor advertising and good-government groups supported the bill as improving readability while preserving transparency. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee also considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for initiative titles and summaries from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while labor groups opposed the change as unnecessary and less accountable. Both measures were advanced to Appropriations after divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand election language-access requirements beyond current federal thresholds and add a petition process for undercounted language communities. It drew broad support from civil rights and advocacy organizations, with county election officials seeking amendments over implementation details; the bill passed 5-0 after the committee completed roll calls on the absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you that we at Be The Best Foundation are 71% senior black veteran-led.
• This bill means recognizing the service and struggles of Black veterans and taking tangible steps to
• That Black soldiers have endured.
• The last thing I will tell you, as a veteran, as a Black veteran, as a senior Black veteran, is that
• Of that number, The statistics show Black veterans do not get access to mental health.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a part of the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth, the Black Power Network, Black
• Equity Collective, and Black Minoho Task Force.
• I am representing Black Women for Wellness, the California Black Power Network, and the Alliance for
• In addition to the Southern California Black Worker Hub, and our Black Worker Center is here with Art
• Californians and Black Americans.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Within that category, anti-Black, anti-African American bias remained the most frequently reported bias
• Certain communities, including Black Californians, Jewish Californians, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other
• Certain communities, including Black Californians, Jewish Californians, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other
• We saw in Springfield, Ohio alone, more anti-Black and more anti-immigrant ethnicity-type hate crimes
• We saw in Springfield, Ohio alone, more anti-Black and more anti-immigrant ethnicity-type hate crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• During this Black History Month, we honor the faith, resilience, and contributions of those who labored
• be a place of worship, wisdom, and where people feel welcome, standing firmly in the tradition of Black
• Okay, members, like I shared yesterday, it's the 100th Black History Celebration of Black History Month
• Phillips CME stands as a reminder that Black faith has helped build better futures for all Americans.
• Felix CME stands as a reminder that black faith has helped build better futures for all Americans.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s also known as the Black National Anthem, and it always gets to me, Mr.
• The 37th District continues to be the historic and current home for Black people of Washington State,
• It is home to Black families who laid deep It is home to Black families who laid deep roots generations
• ago, and also to Black immigrants and refugees who arrive seeking safety, opportunity, dignity, and
• An African community housing and development in the Black Home Initiative is rooted in my community,

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, presentation of colors by Senate pages, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer led by Reverend Rennell C. Jones of Tacoma. His daughter, Gabrielle Jones, then performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The chamber also recognized Girl Scout Troop 41752 from southeast Seattle later in the session. After approving the previous day’s journal and handling routine committee and referral motions, the Senate advanced engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5994 on biosimilar medicines to the floor calendar. It also received new introductions and referrals, including Senate Bill 6204, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. No substantive debate occurred on those measures in this transcript. The main item of business was Senate Resolution 8661, recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and calling on Washingtonians to continue the work of justice, equity, and perseverance. Senator Nobles sponsored the resolution and several senators spoke in support, emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy, courage, nonviolence, and the need to keep working on issues such as racial justice, housing discrimination, and community investment. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote, and then adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was one of the first black people to purchase a home in San Diego.
• He also became the first black person elected to the San Diego City Council in 1969.
• He was only among a handful of black students admitted to then San Diego State College.
• He was the first black homeowner, as you've heard, in the E Street neighborhood.
• As we heard, the first black city council member of San Diego, the first black county supervisor, but