Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as the State Board of Education.
• What we're... ...State Board of Education.
• Because we don't properly fund public education.
• They don't have enough money to do the regular education.
• I think the State Board of Education ought to be adopting these kind of policies.

Bills: SB92, HB9, HB9

Keywords: K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, three-cueing system, reading instruction, structured literacy, scientific strategies, elder abuse, elder exploitation, financial exploitation, elderly person, senior abuse, probate, inheritance forfeiture, slayer statute, intestate succession, will contest, joint tenancy

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I'm an educator myself, and I will tell you right now, I'm an educator myself, and I will tell you
• I'm an educator myself, and I will tell you right now, educators are the most underpaid, undervalued,
• They don't need to be educated on it.
• For every $1 billion reduction to education funding statewide, there could be up to 9,600 fewer educators
• For every $1 billion reduction to education funding statewide, there could be up to 9,600 fewer educators

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've enjoyed education a lot. It's been a really fun experience. I've enjoyed education a lot.
• , who does agricultural education.
• State Department of Education, who does agricultural education, by the way, the State Department of Education
• We're trying to educate kids and make sure they're ready for the future.
• We're trying to educate kids and make sure they're ready for the future.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12 and 13, then recognized page Ethan Cowell for his service and thanked him for his work before moving back to business. House Bill 599, which would change how funding for content and digital curriculum grants is awarded, was explained by Representative Raymond as a shift from first-come, first-served distribution to a process requiring school districts to demonstrate need using a rubric from the State Department of Education. The committee voted to send HB 599 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard RS 33436 from Representative VanNuwatra, a proposal to send state endowment fund money directly to schools as a separate distribution rather than blending it into the general school funding formula. He said the measure would not change the amount of money distributed, only how it is shown and delivered, and the committee voted to introduce the RS. The committee next took up House Bill 710, which would require public schools to start the Tuesday after Labor Day. The sponsor argued for a uniform statewide start date for predictability, while superintendents, the Idaho PTA, the Idaho School Boards Association, and a local parent testified against it, citing local control, harvest schedules, four-day weeks, and impacts on calendars and instruction; the Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association supported it on tourism and workforce grounds. After extensive debate, the committee rejected a motion to send HB 710 to the floor without recommendation and then voted 9-5 to hold the bill in committee. Finally, the committee considered RS 33230C1, a charter school flexibility proposal that would allow qualifying charter schools with strong performance and financial practices to receive funding with more flexibility. Members discussed whether similar flexibility should also be extended to traditional public school districts, but the sponsor opposed broadening the RS, and legal concerns were raised that the proposed changes would not fit the charter-school authorizer structure. The committee defeated the amended version and then voted to introduce the original RS 33230C1.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Shannon Bitsa, and I am the associate director of education for the nursing board.
• effect on the public as well as students who are expecting and paying for quality nursing education.
• Bitsa, how often does this situation come up where you get involved with the nursing education?
• Is this a common problem with the educational system for nurses?
• , as long as the continuing education is completed before the license actually expires.

Bills: HB2408, HB2434, HB2725, HB2728, HB2729, HB2730, HB2731, HB2732, HB2733

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• Faculty research drives higher education. I value advanced industry.
• Department of Education.
• Department of Education staff who process Pell Grants have been let go.
• It's really part of the DNA of higher education in many ways. Thank you.
• And so I'm really very grateful that the Senate Education Chair is taking on the prevention.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why would this be seen as problematic for some of our outside education entities?
• I think this is a fantastic addition, and it's going to improve our educational system.
• Senator Simon, thank you for your continued work on these education issues.
• And I'm happy that this bill is focusing on public education.
• And I expect that our educators are... ...through being assessed.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including state championship athletic teams, visiting chambers of commerce, apprentices, students, and other guests. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with no committee reports or executive messages on the desk. A moment of silence was held for Walton County Deputy William Will May, who died in the line of duty. Among the major bills passed was SB 234, which strengthens restrictions on resisting law enforcement officers and increases penalties related to manslaughter of an officer; an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties was adopted, and the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 7020 on open government review of certain cybersecurity information, SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, SB 944 reducing the overpayment claim period for insurers/HMOs seeking reimbursement from licensed psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, SB 878 extending probation treatment options for misdemeanor offenses involving controlled substances, SB 538 updating the state court system, SB 480 expanding nonprofit agricultural medical benefit plans, SB 472 giving correctional education credit toward professional licensure, SB 86/House companion 421 expanding peer support for first responders to include support personnel, SB 164 on vessel accountability, SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements, SB 316 creating Series LLC rules, and SB 384 requiring notice to legislative delegations before municipal annexation of state-owned lands. The most debated measure was CS/CS/SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification, which Garcia said would prohibit unauthorized atmospheric interventions, create reporting and enforcement mechanisms through DEP, and impose felony penalties; Polsky questioned the bill’s practicality, federal preemption issues, and agency capacity, while supporters said it would address public concerns and close loopholes. The Senate also passed CS/SB 166 on public school administrative efficiency after adopting several amendments affecting school purchasing timelines, third-grade retention exemptions, teacher contracts, certification, facilities planning, and an OPPAGA study of cost-per-student-station limits; senators debated testing, teacher evaluations, and school accountability. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget process guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper on SB 2500 and SB 2502 amendment deadlines, and then adjourned until April 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• We call this fourth meeting of the House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education to order.
• One of them is the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education.
• One other thing that we did, I think of, uh, you all have heard the term remedial education.
• I think all these are coming from the Council on Postsecondary Education.
• Travis Pahl, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 276, which would revise the membership of the performance-based funding work group for postsecondary education. Representative Tipton explained that the committee substitute changes the group so the CPE president chairs it as a nonvoting member, all nine university and KCTCS presidents serve as nonvoting advisory members, and the voting members are three House members, three Senate members, the state budget director, and one gubernatorial appointee. He said the goal was to reduce deadlock among institutions and allow legislators to deliberate before meetings. Some members raised concerns that the change shifts influence away from the universities and toward the legislature, but Tipton said he had not heard pushback from the presidents. The committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 276 with an expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached; several members voted yes, while Representative Roarx voted no and Representative Stalker passed. The committee then considered House Bill 711, another bill sponsored by Representative Baker and presented by Representative Tipton. Tipton said the measure is a cleanup bill for postsecondary statutes, repealing outdated provisions for groups that have not met in years, including the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education, the STEM Initiative Task Force, and local P-16 councils, and removing obsolete language about one-time board appointments. It also strikes the statutory definition of remedial education because Kentucky public postsecondary institutions no longer offer remedial classes, instead using transitional courses with wraparound support that count for credit. A question was raised about whether Senate confirmation requirements for some appointees had been removed in the committee substitute, and Tipton confirmed they had. The committee then passed HB 711 with an expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. After the bills, the committee reviewed administrative regulations from the Council on Postsecondary Education. CPE Senior Vice President and General Counsel Travis Pahl explained that the regulations update the performance funding model for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to reflect changes made by Senate Bill 191, including a Community Needs Index that reallocates part of an equity adjustment based on regional poverty, unemployment, and labor participation across the 16 colleges. Members were told the committee could ask questions, propose amendments, or find the regulations deficient, but no further action was taken. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been really trying to get more communication out on labor trafficking, doing more education around
• While youth as young as 16 can participate in the workforce education training, they must be at least
• At the same time, we collaborated closely with the Department of Education and the Board of Governors
• to develop and adopt rule language that aligns the college course credit and career education hours
• We also have some who are more interested in I'm sorry, down that educational path, and we celebrate

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received three presentations and took no bill votes. The Department of Children and Families gave an extensive update on human trafficking prevention and services, describing Florida’s statutory framework, hotline and investigation data, placement options such as safe houses and safe foster homes, new adult safe house certification rules, expanded screening tools for vulnerable adults, and prevention efforts including youth-led outreach and training. Members asked about whether current funding is sufficient, how DCF addresses grooming and re-victimization in residential settings, and how long youth typically remain in safe-house placements; DCF said funding is only one part of the support system, that families and youth receive prevention resources even when allegations are not substantiated, and that placement length varies by child. OPPAGA then presented its 2024 annual report on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The report found that verified CSE victims slightly declined in 2023, with Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Escambia among the highest-prevalence counties. Most verified victims were community youth rather than children already in care, though dependent youth had higher rates of prior maltreatment. OPPAGA also reported continued concerns about limited placement capacity, especially for less restrictive Tier 1 safe houses, and service gaps such as the need for survivor mentors. Its recommendations focused on expanding placement options, improving data collection, and strengthening collaboration to support survivor mentors. Finally, DCF presented the Step into Success pilot program for current and former foster youth ages 16 to 26. The program combines workforce education, professional development, and paid internships with mentor support; the first cohort launched in 2024 with 15 participants, all of whom secured placements, and the department reported strong satisfaction and early outcomes. Committee members asked about scalability, costs, and whether the model could be moved beyond DCF-run operations into community-based providers. DCF said the program was designed to be scalable, currently costs about $500,000 annually for the pilot, and could be expanded statewide with additional funding and partner support. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a request for the Department of Education Television Division, or AETN.
• This is for elementary, secondary education, and the Office of Early Childhood.
• This is for elementary, secondary education, and the Office of Early Childhood.
• The Department of Education will not retain any funding.”
• I’m going to switch and I’m going to go to EFA, Educational Freedom Account Acts.

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on. The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move. The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Board for Private Postsecondary Education: Paul Mitman; State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
• Further to the Committee on Education.
• Education. SB 1306, ESA's expenditures, enrollment limitations. Education.
• Education. SB 1361, empowerment scholarship accounts post-secondary education. Education.
• Appropriations, Transportation and Technology, and Education.

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates, Arizona Society of CPAs members, the Arizona Airports Association, and students from Onyose Day Academy. A proclamation was read declaring January 26, 2006, as Arizona Aviation Day, highlighting the economic and public-safety importance of Arizona’s aviation sector and its airports. The bulk of the meeting consisted of points of personal privilege and floor statements, many focused on condemning recent deaths and injuries involving federal immigration enforcement actions in Arizona and other states. Senators called for investigations, transparency, due process, and an end to what they described as excessive force and warrantless enforcement. One senator also read a resolution supporting human rights and the people of Iran, condemning state violence and supporting secular protections and international accountability. The chamber also handled routine business, including gubernatorial nominations, which were referred to the appropriate committees, and the introduction and first reading of numerous bills and resolutions covering topics such as taxes, education, immigration, elections, health care, water, labor, housing, firearms, and appropriations. After committee announcements, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed/adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• At all revises provisions relating to education.
• Senate Bill 81, introduced by the Committee on Education, revises various provisions governing education
• I have Amendment Number 956 proposed by the Assembly Committee on Education.
• Assembly Committee on Education will be meeting at 9 a.m.
• Assembly Committee on Education will be meeting at 9 a.m.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, are very passionate, as many members of this chamber are about early education.
• Well, this might be one of the godmothers of early education in New Mexico.
• Our very own Public Education Secretary, **Mariana Padilla**.
• Implementing the Indigenous Education Initiative thought grant.
• institution, requiring hazing prevention education, providing penalties.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education is called to order. Will the Secretary please note the roll?
• Senate Bill 1210 establishes a separate out-of-state registration process for private post-secondary education
• A person may not operate a private vocational program through online distance education to Arizona residents
• And having no further business before the body, the Senate Education Committee is adjourned. Mr.
• And having no further business before the body, the Senate Education Committee is adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee considered four bills. SB 1210 would create a separate out-of-state registration process for private post-secondary institutions outside Arizona that offer fully online programs to Arizona residents, require certain disclosures and financial protections, and extend student tuition recovery fund protections to those students. Supporters said it would close a regulatory loophole and protect Arizona students; the committee voted 7-0 for a due pass recommendation. SB 1370 would allow public school principals, during the first quarter of the school year, to let eligible patriotic youth groups address students and distribute materials, with limits on discrimination and access criteria. The sponsor’s representative said the bill would expand opportunities for youth groups beyond the long-standing federally recognized list. The committee voted 7-0 for a due pass recommendation. SB 1422 would continue the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board through July 1, 2036, with termination tied to the retirement of any outstanding obligations. SB 1423 would continue the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education through July 1, 2036. Both bills were described as continuations of previously discussed measures, testimony was brief, and each received a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education is called to order. Will the Secretary please note the roll?
• Senate Bill 1210 establishes a separate out-of-state registration process for private post-secondary education
• A person may not operate a private vocational program through online distance education to Arizona residents
• And having no further business before the body, the Senate Education Committee is adjourned. Mr.
• And having no further business before the body, the Senate Education Committee is adjourned.

Bills: SB1210, SB1370, SB1422, SB1423

Keywords: private postsecondary education, nondomiciled institutions, tuition recovery fund, accreditation, regulations, patriotic youth groups, public school, civic involvement, educational purpose, discrimination, youth access, credit enhancement eligibility board, school financing, public schools, financing assistance, bonding, debt obligations, guaranteed financings, program sunset, statutory continuation

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> exempted from cuts K12 education, exempted from cuts K12 education, Medicaid,<00:10:50.240><c>
• "Elsewhere in education, we're fully funding the teachers' pension.
• 18:09.919><c> fully</c> Elsewhere in education, we're fully Elsewhere in education, we're fully funding
• You all have over the last education.
• </c><00:19:40.000><c> facilities</c> and technical education facilities and technical education facilities

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Executive Budget 00:00:50, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations. Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities. He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Local Education Agency Grants, Senate position.
• I'm not talking about higher education. I'm talking about a K-12 public education system.
• having an education that... ...in this, them having an education that's going to help them shape our
• , then it is a public education. ...because if it is public dollars being used for education, then it
• is a public education system.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um we got two new members this Education um we got two new members this uh<00:04:03.159><c> this</c>
• And then, you know, I am really committed to making sure that the public space of public education is
• is neutral um and that public education is neutral um and that uh<00:14:16.680><c> causes</c><00:14:
• And then that was the pivot of where we were going to go, and it was education.
• </c><00:27:01.679><c> I</c> going to go uh and it was education I going to go uh and it was education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've carved paths to higher education.
• The budget continues to invest in education, which is critically important.
• Special education received a substantial increase to $20 million.
• We know that this is critical to our local education partners.
• Debt for higher education students in UC has been wiped away in a major way.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the June 8–11, 2026 journals, and adopted floor amendments. It also referred several bills to Rules and approved motions affecting Budget and Fiscal Review Committee procedure, including second-reading treatment for budget measures and suspension of Joint Rule 62A to allow budget hearings on short notice. Both motions passed on roll call after some protest votes. The chamber then considered several appointments to the Delta Stewardship Council and the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators discussed the Delta, water policy, and the proposed Delta Tunnel, but the confirmations of Julie Lee, Ann Patterson, and Sheriff Christopher Clark all passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, authored by Senator Choi, honoring Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam and urging Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries. The main floor debate centered on Assembly Bill 109, the 2026 Budget Act. Supporters highlighted a $355.9 billion budget with $253 billion General Fund spending, $36.5 billion in reserves, a reduced structural deficit, and investments in child care, Medi-Cal, hospitals, housing, IHSS, education, transit, and other services. Opponents criticized the budget as relying on future tax increases, leaving a structural deficit, and failing to do enough on affordability, public safety, Prop. 36, unemployment insurance debt, and gas prices. After extensive debate, AB 109 passed 28–9, and the Senate later approved a consent calendar of six Assembly bills. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie, and the Senate adjourned until June 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while I agree with the gentleman that was up here, not to it here to educate people.
• Education could go ahead and do that. So I'm a big proponent of this bill so many in.
• It's about education, education, these to call consistent care, education, reduce the stigma, education
• If health care is not taking care of patients, they need to be educated.
• Those are the doctors that we need to get some continuing education.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'll just throw it out to the Department of Education.
• That unique abilities, parent might be a home education student and that education family may be getting
• a reimbursement for education expenses they've already made.
• They may be using it towards educational materials they might need for the home education environment
• It might be paying a tuition, making yourself hold for educational expenses.