Transcript Highlights:

• Well, HHSC has indicated that they plan to leave these decisions up to individual retailers.
• Um, in the 87th legislator, there was a report that was done, um, pursuant to SB 500, which indicated
• In the past 10 years, the response provided from the commission indicated there were no audits.
• and the Office of the Governor for our audits and our monitoring reviews for both programmatic performance
• they or the Office of the Governor would be happy to talk to you about our audit process and our performance

Bills: HB 2510, HB 3589, HB 4611, HB 4655, HB 4665, HB 4666, HB 4670, HB 4700, HB 4730, HB 4798, HB 4838, HB 5136, HB 5243, HB 5302, HB 5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• HHSC has indicated that they plan to leave these decisions up to individual retailers.
• In the 87th legislature, there was a report that was done pursuant to SB 500, which indicated there should
• The response provided from the commission indicated there were no audits.
• Services Commission and the Office of the Governor for our audits and our monitoring reviews for both. performance
• that they or the Office of the Governor would be happy to talk to you about our audit process, our performance

Bills: HB2510, HB3589, HB4611, HB4655, HB4665, HB4666, HB4670, HB4700, HB4730, HB4798, HB4838, HB5136, HB5243, HB5302, HB5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Capitillo indicated that this is very rare, but how prevalent is it that officers are prosecuted for
• elected, which was that they would prosecute, although we would say persecute, police officers in the performance
• elected, which was that they would prosecute, although we would say persecute, police officers in the performance
• I am the blue one, as they indicated, and I... Thank you. I am the blue one, as they indicated.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending. SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must implement robust accountability performance measures to ensure accurate, high-quality service
• Right now, the system operates without meaningful consequences. for poor performance, leaving families
• directory, as a foundational measure, has been broadly available to providers, as Director Javinka indicated
• One indicator of this is the alarming number of There is an alarming number of service providers that
• Because I appreciate you indicating that D-E-I-A, for me, is not just about race.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• service members whose training sites meet certain conditions; and to upgrade deficient HVAC units and perform
• on my military occupational specialty and where I was deployed, there are certain premises that indicate
• It’s a low-wage salary job and it’s not— It’s a low-wage salary job and it’s not performance-based.
• You have to perform, but you’re not getting additional pay for completing additional packets.
• We're now having government functions performed by AI systems, which is, you know, a couple years after

Bills: HB2006, HB2165, HB2245, HB2348, HB2806, HB2901, HB2902, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state general fund money in FY 2027 for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs projects including wireless networking at training centers, a reimbursement program for service members without government computers, lodging and kind for service members, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for the appropriations, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which restricted certain networking equipment for national security reasons, removed the reimbursement program, revised the lodging language, and tied some funding intentions to compliance, passed. After extensive testimony from the sponsor and several Army Reserve and National Guard witnesses about lack of Wi-Fi, inadequate lodging, safety concerns from long drives, and poor HVAC at joint facilities, the committee approved HB 2348 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HCR 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and let voters decide. County officials and election advocates opposed it, arguing that vote centers and early voting provide flexibility, are more cost-effective in many counties, and are necessary where geography, staffing, and facility availability make precinct voting difficult. After debate over local control, voter choice, and the practicality of precincting, the committee gave HCR 2016 a 4-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military members, National Guard members, and reserve-unit members, with alternative ID options. Arizona State Parks testified in neutral, saying it supports veterans but is concerned about revenue losses; it estimated that even a modest share of veteran visits could reduce revenue by about $1.8 million annually. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by constituent requests and was meant to help veterans enjoy outdoor recreation and therapeutic opportunities. The committee then approved HB 2165 as amended on a vote of 4-0, with some members absent or not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . performance and accountability, guide how we approach civil discourse and expressive activities. our
• One centers on outcomes and performance. other codifies governance and accountability practices that
• Attorney General Paxson's letter had indicated is that it's It seems that the university was not following
• help this body in any way we can. through our policy research and the way that we operate and we perform
• We've had intelligence, we've seen indicators. of them being paid, but we haven't been able to determine

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No more performative activism. Pass the Protect Act now. It's common sense, and it's long overdue.
• While the labor code requires that employers pay the costs that arise from workers' performance of their
• argue the California Labor Code requires employers to pay the costs that arise from a worker's performance
• that we can provide enough resources to the Labor Department, the Labor Commissioner, to adequately perform
• To us, that's a strong indication that there's a need for an additional policy intervention.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• three to five miles an hour to get things moving so the car behind you can roll to the stop sign, perform
• 33.440> and<00:11:33.600> then<00:11:33.760> move<00:11:34.040> forward perform
• its stop and then move forward perform its stop and then move forward again<00:11:35.720> we<
• a safety in inspection of a perform a safety in inspection of a vehicle<03:29:26.000> potentially
• Are you indicating that there is out there some sort of training program for the officers in existence

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles. Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules. Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can perform. Thank you.
• And municipal leadership has already indicated to us that they would not support seeking an override
• The current foundation budget indicates that it costs only $13,160 to educate a student in Wachusett,
• When students are fed, they are more likely to perform well, This is a smart investment.
• When students are fed, they are more likely to perform well and graduate.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator Dames, they would be performing other roles.
• Um the the point performing other roles.
• So, the fiscal note does indicate how much needs to be collected to be able to support the 20% premium
• So, the the fiscal<00:59:44.240> note<00:59:44.720> does<00:59:45.440> indicate<
• how much needs fiscal note does indicate how much needs to<00:59:47.200> be<00:59:48.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does not require bonding of the actual performance by the contractor.
• <00:54:14.880> by<00:54:15.200> the bonding of the actual performance by the bonding
• of the actual performance by the contractor.<00:54:16.480> Does<00:54:16.720> not<00:54
• Padmore indicated, if we don't build a granite wall here against this type of deceptive practice, it
• Padmore indicated, if we don't build a granite wall here against this type of deceptive practice, it

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s just a disaster backup plan: if we were not able to perform the duties for whatever reason, whether
• thank you mr. chairman representative it's just a disaster backup plan that if we were not able to perform
• In being involved with audits that have been performed, independent audits that have been performed on
• fiscal audit, making sure the money is dedicated and going to where it's supposed to go, and a performance
• I suspect the audits are not going to include performance audits, but I would love to see those.

Bills: HB2056, HB2202, HB2207, HB2224, HB2303, HB2344, HB2532, HB2759, HB2798

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with member and staff introductions and a reminder about amendment deadlines. HB 2056 would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites; the sponsor said Arizona should explore potential water supplies amid Colorado River concerns. A witness opposed the bill, and members debated whether brackish groundwater should be treated as a resource or a threat to aquifers. The committee approved HB 2056 on an 11-6 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then considered HB 2798, as amended, which would provide $100,000 to the University of Arizona/Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials related to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. The sponsor framed the bill as an economic development and national security effort, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has enough of the material to justify public spending. The University of Arizona supported the work as within the Geological Survey’s mission. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-5, with one member present and one not voting. HB 2303 would codify investment rules for the State Treasurer, requiring safety and principal preservation ahead of return and prohibiting speculative investments and insider-benefit conduct. The Treasurer’s Office said the bill reflects current policy and ethics rules already in place, and members asked about how “speculative” would be defined and whether the bill would affect other investment-related statutes. The committee passed the bill 15-0, with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344 would require the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool and allow a third-party backup only in emergencies; the Treasurer’s Office argued this preserves a low-cost, high-liquidity service for local governments, while some members questioned whether it limited future Treasurers’ discretion. The committee passed HB 2344 12-2, with three present and one not voting. Later, the committee heard HB 2759, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veteran programs. A retired Navy SEAL and campus veterans coordinator described emergency housing, equipment, and professional-development needs for student veterans at Embry-Riddle, while several members supported the effort and others objected to using state funds for a private institution or a county-specific program. The bill passed 11-6, with one not voting. The committee also passed HB 2207, appropriating $300,000 for the prison Braille transcription program, after testimony that the program trains inmates in a skilled trade and has had no recidivism among released participants; it passed 17-0, with one not voting. Finally, HB 2224, as amended to reduce the appropriation from $2 million to $1 million, would fund the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP. Supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies and can improve health outcomes, while members discussed budget constraints; the committee approved the amended bill after testimony from program advocates and farmers.

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE, PERFORMANCE MEASURES MOST AUTOMAKERS FROM MET MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURES BASED ON PREVIOUS PERFORMANCE
• SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ON THE URBAN FRINGE ALL THAT ENSURES THE CODEPENDENT DEVELOPMENT TYPE INDICATIVE
• THE BILL AUTHORIZES SPECIFIC DOCTORS TO PERFORM FDA APPROVED STEM CELL THERAPIES FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL
• ISSUES PROVIDED THE TREATMENT IS PERFORMED WITH STEM CELL PRODUCTS FROM SPECIFIED SOURCES AND DOES NOT
• THEY HAD TO GO OUT OF STATE TO PERFORM THAT STEM CELL THERAPIES AND SO MY UNDERSTANDING ALSO BUT MAINLY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But they're these are high performance products now.
• But they're these are high performance products now.
• But they're these are high performance products now.
• But they're these are high performance products now.
• Just parking lots and driveways and..." they're these are high performance they're these are high performance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, this is a significant barrier for a lot of kids who might be interested in performing veterinary
• who might be interested in um performing who might be interested in um performing veterinary<00:
• are performing stem cell therapy<01:40:44.239> pursuant<01:40:44.639> to<01:40:44.800>
• <02:45:11.600> that<02:45:11.920> sometimes<02:45:12.399> there's indicated that
• sometimes there's indicated that sometimes there's assistance<02:45:13.439> given<02:45:14.080

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that food can be served on the indicates that food can be served on the premises<00:15:15.120> or
• Um, Alex Lump signed up but didn't indicate you wanted to speak. I don't know. Okay.
• Um, I have some other folks who signed up, but none indicated they wanted to speak.
• <02:16:05.520> Is none indicated they wanted to speak.
• Is none indicated they wanted to speak.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Passage of these joint rules will enable us to more aptly perform the jobs we were elected to do, serving
• President, I want to hearken back to our inauguration day in January, where I indicated that these kinds
• As a child and young adult, he danced and performed in numerous community productions. Mr.
• As a child and young adult, he danced and performed in numerous community productions.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first adopted three congratulatory resolutions recognizing the retirements of Dolores Hayes, Lisa Audet, and Kate Fitzpatrick. It then handled several procedural matters, including suspending Joint Rule 12 to refer a sick leave bank bill for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee to the Committee on Public Service and referring House petitions to their respective committees. The chamber also adopted a conference report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 session after remarks from Senators Creem, Tarr, Lovely, and Fattman emphasizing transparency, public access, recorded votes, longer notice for hearings and conference reports, remote participation, and periodic review of the rules. The report was accepted by a 40-0 roll call. The Senate then took up the bill strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth, Senate No. 2538, commonly described as Shield Act 2.0. Senator Friedman and others argued the bill was needed to protect reproductive and gender-affirming care from out-of-state and federal interference, to limit disclosure of sensitive information, to create a state-level EMTALA-style protection for emergency care and active labor, and to strengthen privacy and licensing protections for providers and institutions. Senators Cyr, Lovely, and Fattman also spoke in support, framing the bill as a response to recent federal and state threats and as an extension of Massachusetts’ prior shield-law work. The chamber considered numerous amendments. Several were rejected, including amendments by Senators Finegold and Keenan and multiple Tarr amendments on topics such as medical records, consistency with existing law, and public health data collection. Some amendments were adopted, including a Montigny amendment on health-connected data disclosure, a Brownsberger amendment further protecting privacy for reproductive and gender-affirming care, a Rauch amendment clarifying protections for patients in active labor, a Tarr amendment removing an exemption for data from personal tracking devices, and a Rodrigues corrective amendment. After the amendments, the Ways and Means substitute was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and it then passed to be engrossed by a 37-3 roll call. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted a memorial adjournment in honor of former Senate Majority Leader Louis P. Bertinazi. The Governor also filed a message submitting a bill to build resilience for Massachusetts communities, authorizing future capital spending for energy and environmental affairs, which was referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 1 p.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is also the co-founder of Tian Performing Arts, which promotes Vietnamese culture through traditional
• drumming, lion dancing, and other cultural performances.
• a nationally recognized and growing collection of authentic, bold, powerful stories written and performed
• everyone—firefighters and all of us—and so many people, as the good Senator from Los Angeles has already indicated

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journals, and took up several gubernatorial appointments. Senators confirmed Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control Department, Jennifer Osborne as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook to the Medical Board of California, with roll-call votes showing broad support. The chamber also adopted a request to remove SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly. A major portion of the session was devoted to Senate Resolution 97, recognizing May as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and discrimination, solidarity with other communities, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution was adopted 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community honorees and guests, including leaders in advocacy, education, business, and public service. Members then adopted several awareness resolutions: SCR 168 designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring May 23, 2026 as GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming May as ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 recognizing Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 marking National Hospital Week in California. Each measure was supported by personal testimony or remarks from members and guests, often tied to lived experience or advocacy work, and each passed unanimously or by unanimous consent. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice and heard additional floor recognitions before adjourning until May 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I don't have a performance metric that I hit, then I get fired.
• They are seeing the progress among our children that the sponsor has indicated, and we hope you'll pass
• Second, we support establishing individual reading plans for the lowest-performing K through 2 students
• Reading plans for the lowest-performing K through 2 students. This bill delivers on that.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OK, our goals and performance Metrics, we're restructuring a lot of our KPIs and goals.
• For the last 25 to 30 years, they have not been adequately performing what the state expects them to
• perform under your organization.
• So, on the one page in your presentation, you indicated you had 121 open FTs.

Keywords: 914, all