Transcript Highlights:

• The bill establishes the contribution rates paid by employers for each class of the employees.
• The contribution rates paid by employers for each class of the employee participating in the Florida
• I think 130,000 students in Broward County—sorry, 193,000 Florida students took AP classes.
• So for the accelerated students, we want them to be able to take these classes.
• For students who maybe would aspire to be accelerated students, we want these classes available so they

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are reducing classes, we are raising class sizes, and we're not in the situation of other campuses
• That entering class mirrors the diversity of California today: 56% of those new students identify as
• Given the lead time needed for both admission of new students and class schedules for fall...
• A student at any CSU campus can take an online class at any other campus.
• So how can that be more strategic... ...at any CSU campus to take an online class at any other campus

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if we're talking about developing this creative class or, you know, this movie industry ecosystem
• Class B movies—um, I don't think Ethan Hawke is a Class B movie star or person in the theater—but those
• Class B movies—um, I don't think Ethan Hawke is a Class B movie star or person in the theater—but those
• Class B movies—um, I don't think Ethan Hawke is a Class B movie star or person in the theater—but those
• Class B movies—um, I don't think Ethan Hawke is a Class B movie star or person in the theater—but those

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:52 SB 1 Discussion 01:33 SB 1 Vote 32:39 SB 76 Discussion 34:35 SB 76 Vote 36:20 SB 162 Discussion 37:04 SB 162 Vote 46:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and a Kentucky Film Leadership Council to promote film production in the state. Sponsors said the bill is intended to expand Kentucky’s use of film tax incentives, improve marketing and infrastructure, and attract productions that could generate jobs, tourism, and broader economic development. They noted a committee substitute made two changes: adding a salary cap for the film office executive director and correcting a date. Members asked about whether the office should instead be housed in the Economic Development Cabinet, how Kentucky’s refundable credit compares with Georgia’s transferable credits, the bill’s obscenity language, the size of the current incentive cap, and whether there should be reporting on the program’s results. Supporters cited a University of Louisville study estimating about $200 million in industry revenue in 2022 and argued the state is not fully using existing credits; an outside witness, Andrew McNeel, opposed the bill, calling the incentives subsidies, warning that Georgia’s uncapped program could lead to pressure to raise Kentucky’s cap, and arguing the bill could subsidize films with little lasting local benefit. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed Senate Bill 1 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 with an expression of opinion that it should pass. Several members explained their votes, including concerns about transparency, local hiring, and the need for further review. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 76, which would raise the threshold for a retainage/escrow requirement in certain real estate improvement contracts from $500,000 to $2 million. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect construction cost inflation since the statute was enacted in 1990. The transcript indicates a motion and second were made, but the discussion was cut off before any final action on the bill is shown. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 162, a simplified bill on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said it would require suspected fraud to be referred to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement authorities, including the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, county or Commonwealth’s attorneys, and, where applicable, the U.S. Department of Justice, to create a clearer process and accountability. The transcript ends during the presentation, before any vote or committee action on SB 162 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Simply put, this legislation establishes that the distribution, possession, and use of a Class C substance
• , which are commonly Establishes that the distribution, possession, and use of a Class C substance, which
• Current law does not explicitly prohibit Class C substances from being possessed, distributed, or used
• trying to fix what I believe is a pretty glaring loophole inside of our drug laws when it comes to Class
• Right now, we're suing the parole board in a class action under the ADA and under related laws.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills affecting correctional facilities, disability access, public health, youth education, parole, and vehicle noise. Early testimony focused on H. 2736/S. 1762, “Matt’s Law,” which would permanently ban free weights in medium- and maximum-security correctional facilities and require exercise equipment to be secured. The bill was supported by the Tidman family, Rep. Wells, and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union, who described the assault on Corrections Officer Matthew Tidman and argued the measure would prevent similar attacks. Committee members expressed sympathy and asked whether the Department of Correction could make the change administratively; witnesses said free weights had already been removed but that codifying the policy in law was needed. The committee also heard S. 1753 on synthetic drugs in correctional facilities, which would make possession, distribution, and use of Class C synthetic substances in prisons and jails a felony with a mandatory minimum sentence. Senator O’Connor and MCOFU said synthetic drugs like K2 are being smuggled in through mail and are causing violence and medical emergencies among inmates and staff. H. 4123, filed by Rep. Donahue and Chair Vargas, would require correctional facilities to offer two doses of naloxone to people upon direct release; Donahue cited overdose risk after incarceration and her personal loss of a son to overdose. Sheriff Donna Buckley also testified in support of a commission to study sentencing jurisdiction and whether more people should be sentenced to county houses of correction rather than DOC facilities. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to S. 1733, “An Act Building a More Accessible Massachusetts,” which would expand the Architectural Access Board’s authority over older buildings, workplace areas, and adaptable housing units. Chris Ho, disability advocates, and people with disabilities testified that the bill would help close gaps in accessibility for employment and housing, reduce long waits for accessible units, and support aging in place and independent living. The committee also heard S. 1721 on educational rights for incarcerated youth, with Avery Farmer arguing that 18- to 21-year-olds in DOC and houses of correction should receive the same educational services and disability supports as youth in DYS custody. Additional testimony supported S. 1716 regulating illegal exhaust systems, with one witness citing public health harms from vehicle noise and another opposing the bill as overbroad and harmful to classic car owners. Finally, Claire Massington testified for H. 2694 on equitable access to parole, calling for a more transparent, best-practices-based parole system with a revised board composition and a presumption of parole unless the board shows otherwise. The hearing ended with the chair adjourning the meeting due to a roll call in the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• in ensuring that all students in Florida's public schools and universities are guaranteed a world-class
• means that I also struggle to balance affording living costs alongside giving my full effort in my classes
• completely unpracticable and hurts our ability to teach and build the future of Florida through our world-class
• It does not reduce class sizes, improve student supports, address teacher shortages, or provide resources
• language barriers that we have to commitment all of Course 25 and flow to school years where we are in class

Transcript Highlights:

• It first makes permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related subsists.
• loopholes so that cartels have no incentive to keep creating these deadly substances. the inventor of class
• First, it makes permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related subjects.
• I agree with the need for fentanyl class-wide scheduling.
• Permanent class-wide scheduling coupled with an off-ramp that allowed for studying and potentially rescheduling

Bills: SB331

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, S-331, Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, fentanyl crisis, public testimony, drug legislation, bipartisan support

Summary: In this committee meeting, the focus was primarily on S-331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. The bill's key components include making permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, confirming existing sentencing penalties, and easing registration requirements for scientific research on Schedule I substances. Numerous parents shared heartbreaking testimonies about their losses due to fentanyl, which fueled an urgent call to pass the legislation without alterations. The committee members engaged in passionate discussions highlighting the urgency of the situation as overdoses continue to claim American lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• MEANING IF THIS WAS A SCHOOL MATH CLASS AND SOME OF YOU WERE IN PRE ALGEBRA AND SOME WERE IN ALGEBRA
• ARREST RECORD BUT THEY GET IMMEDIATE ACCOUNTABILITY SO THEY CAN DO THINGS LIKE COMMUNITY SERVICE OR CLASSES
• I THINK SCREEN TIME IS MANAGED TIGHTLY BECAUSE LAPTOPS ARE CHECKED IN AND OUT WITHIN CLASSES.
• ME FOR BEING ABLE TO ROLL THEM WHILE THEY WERE LITERALLY SITTING ON A BEACH AND WAIKIKI ATTENDING A CLASS
• THAT IT WAS REALLY COOL THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO WAKE UP AND ATTEND CLASS AT 6:30 A.M.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Someone can bring home a report card and be able to show, like, oh, they participated in class, but not
• So it was that T-Class funding, which stands for the Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Supports.
• So it was that T-Class funding, which stands for the Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Supports.
• We want to be sure they have access to a world-class public education.
• That particular class was everything.

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• So say you're a senior and you're graduating next week and you've been using, you know, all the classes
• Students love getting to hear their stories, get a sort of break from class, a sort of break from the
• I used to be really overwhelmed, trying to manage classes, homework, and everything that college throws
• I used to be really overwhelmed, trying to manage classes, homework, and everything that college throws
• I used to be really overwhelmed, trying to manage classes, homework, and everything.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• additional funding could have adverse programmatic impacts, including less course offerings, larger class
• lot of campuses now have the technology to be able to tell when students are in... ...trouble in a class
• But you'll see respondent class, just to pick up on that.
• Instead of seeing a different number at each community college that they attend to get classes from,
• I believe a Chicano Studies class was included in the phase three template development as well.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an oversight hearing on the California State University system covering enrollment, core operations, Title IX/civil rights, and basic needs. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s 2026-27 budget does not change CSU enrollment targets from the prior year and proposes a 5% ongoing General Fund increase for core operations as the final year of the compact. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended a lower resident undergraduate enrollment target than the Governor’s proposal, separate funding for enrollment growth rather than folding it into base, a smaller or no base increase tied more closely to inflation, earmarking some base funds for capital renewal, retiring deferred payments, and avoiding new multi-year compact commitments. CSU said enrollment has rebounded for three straight years, but growth is uneven across campuses, with several Northern California campuses still facing structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. CSU described a multi-year reallocation plan shifting about 10,000 FTE and $89 million in ongoing funding toward higher-demand campuses, plus $40 million in one-time support, and said seven campuses submitted turnaround plans aimed at recovering enrollment over the next several years. The system highlighted strategies such as dual enrollment, guaranteed admission pathways with community colleges, outreach to high school students, retention and advising efforts, and new degree models for working adults and military-connected students. Members raised questions about how campus targets are set, whether the May Board of Trustees discussion will address a systemwide enrollment framework, and how CSU will manage future deficits if projected out-year funding does not materialize. On core operations and facilities, CSU said it faces about $320 million in mandatory cost increases in 2026-27 and is pursuing shared services, procurement consolidation, campus administrative sharing, and program redesigns to reduce costs. CSU and the LAO emphasized the system’s large deferred maintenance backlog, estimated at $8.6 billion, and discussed whether CSU’s bond/debt capacity is sufficient to address it; CSU requested up to $1.1 billion for deferred maintenance, while the administration did not propose new funding. The committee also heard CSU’s annual Title IX and civil rights update: CSU said it has implemented 15 of 16 State Auditor recommendations, has dedicated Title IX coordinators at every campus, is using a systemwide case management dashboard, and is piloting centralized investigations at five campuses. Finally, on basic needs, the Governor maintained current funding levels for food assistance/basic needs, rapid rehousing, and mental health. CSU reported heavy use of food pantries, CalFresh support, emergency housing, and counseling services, while warning that federal changes to CalFresh and related funding could make it harder to serve students in need.

Transcript Highlights:

• wanted to hire somebody new that wasn't already certified, that they'd be able to get them in the class
• Considering this medal, is it going to be worn on the Class A uniform of the National Guard?
• c> A<00:23:54.280> uniform<00:23:54.880> of<00:23:55.000> the worn on the class
• A uniform of the worn on the class A uniform of the National<00:23:56.000> Guard?
• >> It can be worn on any class A uniforms for<00:23:59.720> any<00:23:59.960> law

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to ask Pro Tem who's teaching that Bible class. I want to know if I can show...
• I still want to know who is teaching that Bible class. Get him offline; we'll find out.
• I'd like to recognize Miss McMillan's class from Northside High School as guests. ...class from Northside
• One thing I don't understand is what makes this a Class B felony. What is it now?
• ...to make that a class that would cause this child to stay in school.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that by and large, CDL Class A drivers of the United States are trained well.
• Ours is Class A CDL.
• I have a twin sister who is in the same history class with a different teacher, and they spent three
• No student should be stopped from learning or doing something or going to classes.
• I've had you come and speak to my classes before. We've had coffee. We've broken bread.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:19:11.199> trip go to any school that has a class trip go to any school that has a class
• So, we want them to sit through a class.
• We want them to sit through a class.
• We want them to to sit through a class.
• possess or distribute fentanyl class possess or distribute fentanyl class drug<03:23:36.399>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This article contains the class rate changes for class 1C homestead resorts.
• This article contains the class rate changes for class 1C homestead resorts.
• :17.320> of school districts based on the amount of school districts based on the amount of class
• 4C12<00:07:18.680> seasonal<00:07:19.040> recreational<00:07:19.680> market class
• 4C12 seasonal recreational market class 4C12 seasonal recreational market value<00:07:20.800> in<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• School boys cross country team and head coach on the occasion of capturing the 2025 New York State Class
• Madam President and my colleagues, I am pleased to welcome not one, but two 2025 New York State Class
• B championship titles—two consecutive and three Class B championships.
• THE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM ONCE AGAIN CAPTURED THE NEW YORK STATE CLASS B CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP
• THESE ARE NOT UNCHARTED WATERS FOR THE PROGRAM AS THEY HAVE NOW WON 8 OF THE LAST 9 NEW YORK STATE CLASS

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, approving the prior journal and taking up several messages and motions. A Rules Committee report was accepted on Senate Print 915, a Cannabis Law bill, and the chamber then moved to debate that measure on the controversial calendar. The bill was described by supporters as clarifying how distances are measured for adult-use cannabis dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, with the sponsor saying it would create statewide consistency and provide clearer direction to the Office of Cannabis Management. Opponents argued it would weaken protections for children and churches, reward agency mistakes, and allow dispensaries to be sited closer to school property than intended. After extended debate, the Senate passed the bill 36-23. The cannabis debate centered on whether the bill merely clarifies legislative intent or substantively changes the law. Supporters said the current language left measurement methods undefined and that the bill would help legal dispensaries, reduce confusion, and push back illicit stores. Opponents said the original law already protected school grounds and houses of worship, and that the new language would allow dispensaries to abut school playgrounds, fields, or church-related property in some cases. Several senators also raised concerns about youth exposure, public consumption, local zoning, and the performance of the Office of Cannabis Management. After the vote, the Senate returned to the calendar and passed additional measures, including Calendar 121 (Public Authorities Law), Calendar 170 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 190 (Labor Law), each by comfortable margins. The chamber also adopted a resolution package honoring Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School’s boys cross country team and girls field hockey team for state championships, with Senator Tedisco introducing the guests. Later, the Senate passed Senate Print 6990A, the Civil Voice Law, which requires state agencies to conduct exit interviews for employees who resign or retire. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, morale, and retention by standardizing a way to hear from departing workers. The bill received affirmative explanations of vote from Senator Jackson and others, and the Senate continued through the calendar after its passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the federal VRA in what is called Section 2 bars policies that provide protected class members
• as you might know, vote dilution refers to practices that weaken the electoral power of a protected class
• but can also result from the way districts are drawn to cancel out the voting strength of protected class
• And so the federal VRA in what is called Section 2, bars policies that provide protected class members
• as you might know, vote dilution refers to practices that weaken the electoral power of a protected class

Summary: The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems. The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities. The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• In school year 23, ECECD began using the CLASS tool, or the Classroom Assessment Scoring System, across
• CLASS is a nationally validated tool that assesses three key domains of classroom quality. emotional
• For the first time... evaluation staff were able to match CLASS quality scores with kindergarten iStation
• Madam Chair, we basically have people in every training class that they offer.
• and still not miss their other classes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just beg and pray, hope that we will keep the Senate amount for these kinds of classes.
• Sorry, 193,000 Florida students took AP classes.
• So for the accelerated students, we want them to be able to take these classes.
• For students who maybe would aspire to be accelerated students, we want these classes available so they
• and pay the teachers and get the right teachers in to teach these important accelerated classes.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Her opportunities will diminish; maybe world language, your lab science classes will be cut, or class
• her to a private school with art classes her to a private school with art classes and<00:39:46.920
• <00:40:23.800> sizes classes will be cut or class sizes classes will be cut or class sizes
• to keep them healthy and in the class to keep them healthy and in the class rooms<01:34:54.239><
• Some institutions have large class sizes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.