Transcript Highlights:

• The renamed Committee to Hear State Auditor's Office Performance Audits, previously known as the I-900
• Its purpose is to hear performance audits done by the state auditor, an independent constitutional office
• This performance audit was conducted solely and independently by the state auditor's office under the
• That's from the State Auditor's Office.
• I'm the assistant director of performance audit at the State Auditor's Office.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of ideas and coordinated with JLARC to avoid duplication. Four ongoing audits were highlighted: Liquor and Cannabis Board operations, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the long-term care provisions of Initiative 1163, and Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs. Other planned topics included housing commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment growth, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and Washington State Ferries operations. Members asked about coordination with JLARC, and the auditor said the office regularly exchanges work plans and monthly updates with JLARC staff. The committee then received the State Auditor’s report on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found that the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed and used many leading practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, family engagement, and multi-tiered systems of support. The main recommendations were to improve documentation and written procedures so staff can apply practices more consistently. One area of partial compliance involved language access planning, and MTSS implementation varied across schools. Committee members asked why those four schools were selected, how the sample compared with district and statewide student populations, and whether the audit examined K-2 MTSS requirements. The auditor explained the schools were chosen for student need, geographic diversity, and authorizer representation, and that K-2 MTSS was not evaluated because only one school served those grades. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, saying the report reflected strong practices and could help spread effective approaches. Public testimony from the Washington State Charter Schools Association and Excellent Schools Washington also supported the report and urged continued sharing of best practices across schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1 originally set up the Office of the Inspectorate.
• House, near the Legislative Commission by the Office of Legislative Auditor.
• in the Office of the General Counsel of DHS.
• Representative Anderson, how many new FTEs are going to be in this office?
• of this overall office of OIG.

Transcript Highlights:

• You complete an appearance form and hand it to a member of the sergeant's office.
• Today, members, we have three presentations by the Office of the State Courts Administrator to discuss
• The Chief of the Office of Problem Solving Courts would come up.
• I am the Chief of the Office of Problem Solving Courts in the Office of the State Courts Administrator
• These systems are funded by our office and offered at no cost to the local courts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education.
• Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education, in support.
• Pamela Gives, representing the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
• Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education, in support.
• Lucy Salcedo Carter with the Alameda County Office of Education in support.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the my understanding is they have to do audits through the Secretary of State's office.
• Uh, contact Secretary of State's office.
• I know they secretary of state's office.
• </c><00:18:06.799><c> to</c> the process of the treasur's office to the process of the treasur's office
• </c> treasur's office treasur's office &gt;&gt; right<00:20:14.240><c> they</c><00:20:14.480><c> would

Committee: Joint Business and Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> criminal charge is a probation officer criminal charge is a probation officer would<00:42:09.640
• </c> homicide prosecution at the AG's office homicide prosecution at the AG's office for<01:49:27.599
• </c><03:42:49.080><c> of</c> are distributed through the office of are distributed through the office
• </c> I started to talk talk with the officer I started to talk talk with the officer about<03:44:53.560
• 35:05.680><c> and</c> indulge me let the governor's office and indulge me let the governor's office and

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• and law enforcement officers.
• You're talking about 1,200 officers, 1,200 officers out of the 2,400 officers that are in sheriff and
• and our officers to the county.
• an officer.
• . police officers.

Bills: HB26 , HB73 , SB 14 , HB46

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:04.799><c> of</c> general counsel of the office of general counsel of the office of administrative
• </c><00:02:20.920><c> of</c> general counsel at the office of general counsel at the office of administrative
• </c><00:05:33.039><c> their</c> individuals run for office their individuals run for office their financial
• </c> members Nationwide and 28 State offices members Nationwide and 28 State offices in<00:10:54.000>
• </c><00:43:09.760><c> from</c> provided to the Sheriff's Office from provided to the Sheriff's Office

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and Hayden have been very, very busy.
• And we've had conversations with the Attorney General's Office.
• We've been working with Mark in Jan's office and Gabe in our office to build an interactive map that
• We've been working with Mark in Jan's office and Gabe in our office to build an interactive map that
• And perhaps with the sheriff's offices—that's a conversation underway.

Summary: The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including financial status, ambassador outreach, the Capitol celebration, the Liberty Bell tour, and related statewide events. LSO staff reported about $54,967.53 remaining for America 250 purposes and $17,500 pending disbursement in celebration fund grants. Treasurer Ellsworth described broad ambassador participation across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, along with numerous recent local events branded for America 250. Director Gallimore also reported that the Freedom Truck was on display, the Great American State Fair was underway, and the Liberty Bell had shipped from South Carolina and would be secured nightly as it tours the state. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on planning the July 4 Capitol celebration in Boise. Secretary McGrane outlined the parade, pancake feed, concert, vendors, live broadcast by Idaho Public Television, and the role of partners such as the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Just Serve, Duck Club, and Boise Family RV. Committee members asked about event timing, sponsorships, tribal participation, and the vehicle transporting the Liberty Bell. McGrane requested additional spending authority for unanticipated costs, including green rooms/trailers for performers, Ada County paramedics, water for attendees, and performer compensation. After discussion about costs and fiscal oversight, the committee approved a motion to grant an additional $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 Capitol celebration, specifically for paramedics, trailers for performers, water, and performer compensation. Members also discussed contingency planning for inclement weather, with general agreement that the committee should revisit the issue at a later meeting and aim to preserve some form of celebration even if the outdoor event must be adjusted. The committee then set its next meeting for June 24 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• On June 23rd, 2021, Daytona Beach Officer Jason Rayner was Senator Leek: shot in the head by Wallace.
• Officer Rayner instructed him to stay in the vehicle and Wallace refused. He shoved Officer Rayner.
• Then he pulled a gun and shot Officer Rayner in the head. Senator Leek: Subsequently he fled.
• in Senator Leek: this killing of Officer Rayner in self-defense, despite the fact that he maintained
• violence when an officer is acting and performing his or her legal duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• A four-legged officer is a partner with this two-legged officer, and that dog goes home with that officer
• full-time in her office.
• So under our bill, Senator, we do make it very clear that with regard to a DEI office or a DEI officer
• from licensed officers to certified officers to match how law enforcement officers in Florida are credentialed
• We've spent a lot of time in my office and your office on the phone talking about this.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:28:59.880><c> of</c> uh we also include our State Office of uh we also include our State Office
• He is our Chief Financial Officer.
• "The ombudsman's office is statutorily created.
• There is a second ombudsman's office.
• There is a second ombudsman's office.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Court officers notified the Democratic members of a Democratic caucus in Room A1 and A2 at 12 noon.
• Court officers notified the Democratic members of a Democratic caucus in room A1 and A2 at 12 new.
• Court officers notify the members of a quorum roll call in progress.
• Court officers notify the members of a quorum roll call in progress.
• Officer, in order in hands of the clerk, clerk of the order.

Summary: The House received a Governor’s message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported several resolutions, including honors for Abby Goodman, a resolution reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognition of the Cambodian-American community’s Khmer New Year celebration, and Elks National Youth Week; the House suspended the rules and approved them. The House also concurred with Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes, sending them to the Committee on Aging and Independence. The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended a substitute bill, House 5375, with a $2.737 billion general obligation bond authorization, and the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, the House took up House 5375 directly, heard support from members emphasizing Chapter 90 road funding, municipal flexibility, rural road mileage distribution, and broader transportation investments, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by roll call vote, 155-0. The House also passed House Bill 5371, authorizing grants of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston, to be engrossed. In addition, the chamber received and filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s report on the March 31, 2026 special election for the 5th Essex District, adopted an order to escort the Governor and Executive Council into the chamber, and administered the oaths of office to Representative-elect Andrew Tarr. The session ended with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also want to thank the committee for their great work in collaboration with my office.
• SWAT officer died of internal bleeding after a stun grenade detonated in his own hand.
• , Reserve Peace Officer Association, and Deputy Sheriff Association, Placer County, and police officer
• But the police officers did incredible work, and it was a team.
• Current law in practice allows police officers to impound a vehicle.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Joshua Hobson.
• After inspecting the door, Officer Hobson realized the lock had been improperly installed.
• to defuse potentially violent situations and protect both officers and the public at large.
• TO DEFUZE POTENTIALLY VIOLENT SITUATIONS, AND PROTECT BOTH OFFICERS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
• For starters, many states prohibit public safety officers from using firearms.

Bills: HCR74 , HJR72 , HR1042 , HR1048

Keywords: joint session, Congress, communication, President, HCR74, national emergency, government authority, Executive Order, legislative action, rule, special rule, House resolution, floor procedure, procedural resolution, firearms, gun laws, less-than-lethal weapons, weapons technology, National Marine Sanctuaries Act, undersea fiber optic cables

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the finance officer. Good morning.
• </c> behalf of the attorney general's office behalf of the attorney general's office as<00:36:52.000>
• officer once they graduated.
• officer once they graduated.
• </c> have many times you reviewing an officer have many times you reviewing an officer because<01:05:

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I wasn't talking about office. I meant like just general region.
• The Office of Homeless Youth within the Department of Commerce contracts with service providers that
• You'll also find within the Office of Homeless Youth the Independent Youth Housing Program, which was
• It makes statutory changes to streamline and clarify state laws related to programs in the Office of
• </p><p>I also want to take a moment to highlight the impact of the Office of Homeless Youth.

Bills: SB5957 , SB5977

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: homeless youth, youth homelessness, runaway youth, young adult homelessness, housing instability, family reunification, family stability, youth services, homelessness prevention, protective services, Department of Commerce, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, DCYF, advisory committee, lived experience, data sharing, outcome measures, interagency coordination, service providers, at-risk youth

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 177, Office of Criminal Conflict and Regional Council.
• Eda Mouton: We have spoken with the Attorney General's Office and the Governor's Office who have voted
• Because the Public Defender's Office has conflict and the Regional Office has conflicts, and I know I
• Violent offenders who assault law enforcement officers are often convicted under the resisting an officer
• Gentry: than battery on a law enforcement officer.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Waltham Police Officer Mike Maher. It's become a big problem.
• This is what happened with our reports to our office all the time.
• I saw them in my office both in tears. Their entire life savings was gone.
• I'm Chief of Insurance and Financial Services at the AG's office.
• You know, it requires a consumer protection officer, a chief compliance officer, anti-fraud policy, enhanced

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several financial services bills, with the main focus on cryptocurrency kiosk regulation, financial literacy, and earned wage access. Legislators and witnesses described widespread crypto-related scams targeting older adults, often involving impersonation, urgency, spoofed phone numbers, and rapid transfers through kiosks that are difficult to trace or recover. Supporters of the kiosk bills said Massachusetts needs licensing, registration, transaction limits, warning notices, receipts, refund protections, and other safeguards; some also urged a “pause” or hold on transactions to give victims time to reconsider and allow law enforcement to intervene. The Attorney General’s office, AARP, local law enforcement, and several prosecutors and sheriffs backed the consumer-protection approach, while Bitcoin Depot supported a narrower regulatory framework but opposed low fee caps and strict daily limits, arguing they would function like a ban and reduce legitimate use. Witnesses from Waltham police, Middlesex and Essex County law enforcement, and the AG’s office said crypto scams are growing quickly, losses are often unrecoverable once funds move, and current tools are limited. They described cases involving elderly victims losing thousands of dollars, and said warnings alone are not enough because scammers keep victims on the phone and guide them through the process. Some witnesses said a temporary hold or refund mechanism has worked in at least one case, while others emphasized that transaction limits and visible disclosures could reduce harm even if they do not stop fraud entirely. The AG’s office also said it would submit written opposition to separate earned wage advance legislation, while DailyPay testified in support of that bill, saying earned wage access helps workers bridge short-term gaps without debt or credit reporting. The committee also heard support for mandatory financial literacy education from Representative Jim Hawkins, who said high school students need instruction on credit, debt, and inflation before they enter adulthood. In addition, the committee took testimony on litigation financing bills from insurance industry representatives, who argued for disclosure and regulation of predatory litigation lending and warned about foreign interference and reduced plaintiff recoveries. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; members asked questions throughout, and the chair noted the need to move testimony along because of time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ginnie Bella with the Analyst's Office.
• Hello, Katty Berg with the Health Officers Association of California, representing the local health officers
• Hello, Katty Berg with the Health Officers Association of California, representing the local health officers
• Hello, Katty Berg with the Health Officers Association of California, representing the local health officers
• Hello, Katty Berg with the Health Officers Association of California, representing the local health officers

Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.