Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a UNM intern with me who is running her way from the bottom floor.
• That will go a long way towards those... stability.
• These students have the right to learn the way they learn.
• We must These students have the right to learn the way they learn.
• Make your way to the podium. And I will pass it back to the chairman.

Bills: SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83 , HB40 , HB100 , HJR1 , SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83

Committees: Senate Senate Education , Senate House Education

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> treading</c><00:13:26.639><c> carefully</c> way, they should be treading carefully way, they should
• So, I different times, too, by the way.
• There's no way to cut that down.
• There's no way to to be perfect.
• Um the no way to cut that down.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• So it is a joyous burden in some ways.
• And by the way, I had a meeting this morning with Dr. Pan.
• There's no way for them to cover it. Housing is the other issue.
• That's the way it sounded. Sorry.
• It's a two-way street of education that needs to happen.

Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support landscape for older LGBTQ Californians, including people aging with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the long history of discrimination faced by older LGBTQ adults, the growth of the aging LGBTQ population, and the need to translate existing state commitments into concrete services. Senators highlighted concerns about nursing home vulnerability, the aging of people living with HIV, and the impact of federal actions and Medicaid cuts on California’s safety net. The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony described widespread inequities, including discrimination, social isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in culturally competent care. State officials outlined the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, gender-affirming care protections in Medi-Cal, and efforts to improve coordination across departments. Advocates argued the state has been too slow to respond to federal threats and that services are often hard to find or fragmented. Committee members pressed the departments on how survey findings are being turned into action, how rural and underserved communities are being reached, and whether more formal stakeholder coordination or “no wrong door” access systems are needed. The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor gave emotional testimony about the “survivorship penalty,” loss of benefits, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, housing assistance, and protection from outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need for area agencies on aging; it said 20 of 33 area plans now identify HIV as a target population and many include specific strategies, such as LGBTQIA mental health connections programs. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and rely on whole-person case management. Case management testimony underscored persistent needs for medication subsidies, transportation, food, and housing. Committee members questioned how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how SB 258 is enforced across local agencies, and how to reduce administrative barriers and auto-connect eligible people to benefits. The final panel began with the Department of Social Services outlining protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219’s nondiscrimination requirements and related provider notices and resident rights materials. The hearing remained focused on identifying service gaps, improving coordination across aging, health, and social service systems, and ensuring state programs better reflect the lived experience of older LGBTQ Californians.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've organized our caucuses that way.
• All of our state reporting is organized that way as well, so I'm less worried about it.
• We've organized our caucuses that way. All of our state reporting is organized that way as well.
• that that one would want right and Expand in the ways that one would want.
• I do think in many ways that we can— Certainly in the CSU system, I do think in many ways that we kind

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's way above okay.
• Let me ask it this way.
• As I said, we don't bill that way. Okay, but others do. Okay. Okay. said, we don't bill that way.
• Per-pound billing can be used in the right way.
• And it could be our new FBI director, by the way.

Committees: House Transportation , House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• And so for us to come up with a way in which to do that in this committee substitute is the best way
• They want to keep things the way they are.
• So there are ways in which... With general elections.
• They work together in one way or another to make the decisions that run the district.
• The way I see it is that by putting this in place, we're just going to add...

Bills: SB23 , SB73 , SB210 , SB234 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's just say it that way. Thank you.
• Let's just say it that way. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, I'm Elliot Hellman.
• And so if you want to find, we have plenty of ways, and please talk to us about the ways that we engage
• They are ready to have those conversations in safe ways.
• kids communicate with each other, the way they amplify those things.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , so he'll probably apologize, but he is on his way.
• That's the way that thing reads right now. It is not the way the law should work.
• I think the way the insurance companies work.
• The only way it changes the outcome of the case is in a way that's inappropriate.
• Negligent in the way he drove the truck.

Bills: SB39 , SB2129 , SB2141 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2439 , SB2722 , SB 39

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• That lines up with the way that life is for you guys.
• They have a very particular way. As Mr.
• The process, the way it happens, is very important.
• Let’s use it in a different way.
• We’re all trying to figure our way through it.

Summary: The committee met at Minot State to continue its study of artificial intelligence, with a focus on child safety, sexual exploitation, chatbot risks, and education policy. Members first approved the minutes and then received a Legislative Council overview of AI-related harms to children, including AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, extortion, and chatbot companion risks. The memo reviewed North Dakota and federal law, recent state enactments, First Amendment limits, and examples from other states, including Connecticut’s AI companion safeguards and federal efforts such as the Take It Down Act. Members discussed whether North Dakota’s existing 2025 laws on minors and harmful material are strong enough in light of recent court decisions, and Legislative Council indicated it would provide additional comparison material before the next meeting. Superintendent Levi Bachmeier then presented on AI in education, arguing that schools need guardrails but should not ban AI outright. He said AI should be treated as a tool that can support instruction, teacher efficiency, and digital literacy, while warning against passive use, academic integrity problems, and overreliance on machines. He suggested embedding AI and digital literacy across subjects rather than creating a standalone class, and said schools should provide basic instruction when students receive one-to-one devices. Members asked about parent concerns, local control, higher education partnerships, and how to balance access with safety; Bachmeier emphasized a “threading the needle” approach and said the department would likely seek more guidance on digital literacy and cybersecurity. Special Agent Hellseth of BCI followed with testimony on AI and child exploitation. He said AI is already being used in North Dakota to create explicit images from innocent photos, impersonate children and adults, and facilitate grooming, harassment, and extortion. He described several cases involving AI-generated sexual images and said victims often suffer lasting trauma even when the images are fake. Hellseth explained that investigators use AI tools themselves to process large volumes of data and identify synthetic images, but that the workload is growing and victim services need expansion. He urged stronger accountability for companies, more resources for law enforcement and victim support, and continued training and public education. Members asked about cyber tip volume, staffing, false accusations, and corporate reporting obligations; Hellseth said every tip is reviewed, the unit is small but expanding, and current federal reporting laws are not proactive enough. Representative Porter suggested combining the Legislative Council memo and Bachmeier’s recommendations into a comprehensive bill draft for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interest doesn't work that way.
• </c><00:32:38.559><c> So,</c><00:32:38.720><c> I'm</c> working this out to find a way.
• So, I'm working this out to find a way.
• Nonpartisan staff are on Ways and Means.
• </c><01:13:04.400><c> I</c> remember in a really powerful way. I remember in a really powerful way.

Bills: HF1141

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> way that the bill is written as well. way that the bill is written as well.
• </c><01:22:43.040><c> Yeah,</c> Is that the way I read this? Yeah, Is that the way I read this?
• So, I'm a little nervous about the way this is written and the way it's processed.
• So, I'm a little nervous about the way this is written and the way it's processed.
• </c> way to go about it. way to go about it.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that way we can make that happen.
• I mean, I can go either way. This is a matter.
• that if we have representation that way.
• So we'll participate that way as well.
• So that way we're not all sort of busy and consumed.

Summary: The meeting was the first organizational discussion of the newly created commission to study the feasibility of establishing a Massachusetts Cape Verdean Cultural Center in Boston. Senator Liz Miranda opened with background on the seven-year effort to create the commission, the seed funding included in the state budget, and the commission’s one-year mandate to produce a report on location, funding, and next steps. Members introduced themselves and described their Cape Verdean ties, with discussion emphasizing the historical importance of Cape Verdean communities in Boston, New Bedford, Falmouth/Cape Cod, Brockton, and other parts of the Commonwealth. A major topic was how to structure the commission’s leadership. Members discussed whether the co-chairs should be legislators, outside appointees, or a mix, and several noted the need to follow open meeting law and other public meeting requirements. Representative Cabral suggested Senator Miranda and Representative Diggs as co-chairs, with possible vice chairs drawn from other appointees. The group also discussed the need to keep the commission representative of the broader state, not just Boston, and to consider an advisory group of Cape Verdean association presidents and other community leaders outside the formal membership. The commission then reviewed a long list of potential additional members, focusing on people with experience in arts, culture, education, history, community building, philanthropy, construction, health, and related fields. Members were asked to review the list, suggest additions or gaps, and send feedback to staff. No final appointments were made at this meeting. The commission voted to reconvene in two weeks to organize itself, potentially elect co-chairs and vice chairs, and move forward with additional appointments; the motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are several ways states may implement changes on the local level.
• So this will go a long way, towards helping victims.
• This will go a long way towards holding these violent individuals accountable.
• This will go a long way towards upholding the rule of law in our state.
• We as a body have to figure out how to address it, and I think we are on our way to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• This institution, which really in a lot of ways is the best way that people have invented for there to
• It's now in Ways and Means.
• And that bill sits there in Ways and Means.
• It's now in ways and means.
• And that bill sits there in ways and means.

Summary: House and Senate Democratic leaders announced and defended a new “Millionaire’s Tax” bill, saying it is intended to raise revenue from the highest earners while reducing reliance on sales tax and B&O tax and funding education, health care, community safety, and other state needs. They said the proposal is a starting point and will likely change as they continue talks with the governor, business groups, local governments, and other stakeholders. They also said the bill is not subject to cutoff because it affects state revenue, and that the Senate hearing is scheduled first in Ways and Means, with the House expected to follow after the Senate version moves over. The leaders described the bill as narrowly targeted at roughly 30,000 individual payers, with the first $1 million of income taxed at zero and the rate matching the state capital gains tax above that level. They argued the measure is not a broad income tax and rejected claims that it creates a marriage penalty, saying the structure mirrors the capital gains tax and uses Washington’s capital gains definitions. They also said the bill includes credits and deductions to address pass-through businesses, including dollar-for-dollar credits for B&O and public utilities taxes and an election allowing some businesses to pay the tax at the entity level. A major part of the discussion focused on how the bill would use revenue. Leaders said about 5% would go to counties for public defense costs tied to a new Supreme Court mandate, while the rest would support tax relief and new spending. They said the package would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, increase the small business credit, end the B&O surcharge a year early, and exempt some hygiene and grooming products from sales tax, with the tax-relief share estimated in the 20% range. They also said the necessity clause is needed because of structural budget problems and federal policy changes, and they expressed confidence that voters and lawmakers have become more open to taxing high earners, citing the capital gains tax vote and broader public concern about inequality and federal cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kirk’s life did not deserve to end the way it did.
• Floyd’s life did not deserve to end that way either.
• Kirk’s life did not deserve to end the way it did.
• No way.”
• In a way that attracted young adults, he got them to engage civically, but there was way more context

Bills: S0194 , S1246

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum and first considered SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s Line Fund for health service workforce shortages. Senator Davis explained that the bill would broaden eligibility beyond nursing to include health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit use of funds for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which professions would qualify, and Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility but could be made more concrete. Several witnesses supported the bill, and the committee reported SB 1246 favorably without additional funding being requested. The committee then took up SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday. The bill drew both support and opposition from public speakers, with supporters emphasizing Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and unborn children, and opponents arguing that his public statements on race, civil rights, and Black leaders made him an inappropriate figure for state honor. Members also debated whether statute was the right vehicle for such recognition and whether the bill could encourage future requests for similar commemorations. A late-filed amendment by Senator Jones would have added George Floyd to the remembrance language, framing the issue as selective remembrance and pointing to Floyd’s death as another national reckoning. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated SB 194 at length, with supporters describing Kirk as a defender of open debate and opponents saying the bill would legitimize divisive rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported SB 194 favorably, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones voting no, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Simon voting yes, and Chair Calatayud casting the deciding favorable vote. The committee then adjourned after a motion to record Tab 2 in the affirmative was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, one example of in uh multiple ways.
• And so this steering committee is a way to bring more collaboration to the process.
• And so this steering committee is a way to bring more collaboration to the process.
• Today, there is a way to get federal matching funding for IT development.
• Today, there is a way to get federal matching funding for IT development.

Transcript Highlights:

• “I’m going to just leave it the way it is.”
• So I moderated that tone, and I went a little different way. And I think this way is a much more...
• So I've moderated that tone, and I went a little different way, and I think this way is much more agreeable
• And this, I think, is the best way to do it.
• “Don’t see any way to do that now.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's two ways of veterinarians and their teams are compensated.
• And that can manifest in a number of different ways.
• That can manifest in a number of different ways.
• Think of it this way.
• Johns River all the way up to Silver Springs.

Bills: S0302 , S0394 , S0480 , S0546 , S0636 , S0774 , S0796 , S1028 , S1050 , S1066 , S1120 , S1230 , S1288 , S1682

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:

• And basically what it is is we're waiting... ...we're way behind.
• We just need it all the way around to keep the employees there.
• We go out of our way. We are... With that, the crime lab that comes from DPS, we go out of our way.
• But the concept of law enforcement goes back way before that.
• Go that way first. Representative Gillette. I'm sure Mr.

Committee: House House Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2641, which would ban firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect firefighters and the public from cancer-linked “forever chemicals” that can contaminate groundwater, and cited other states and prior Arizona action banning the foam for training. Testimony from a University of Arizona public health researcher and a firefighters’ association representative supported the bill, saying alternatives exist and that current stockpiles and continued use still expose firefighters and water supplies. Members asked about environmental impacts, alternatives, procurement, and stockpiles. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. The committee then considered HB 2602, which appropriates $24 million from the general fund for a 10% pay increase for Department of Public Safety employees in fiscal year 2027. The sponsor and supporters argued the raise is needed for recruitment and retention, noting vacancies, turnover, and the cost of training new troopers. Several members raised budget concerns but said they supported the goal of better pay for law enforcement and state employees more broadly. Others discussed whether pay should be addressed across all agencies or through a broader statewide compensation approach. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 10-2-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2225, which would provide $10 million for capital costs for the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy in Yavapai County, with the money exempt from lapsing until 2029. Supporters said the academy is too small for current demand, serves multiple northern Arizona agencies and some statewide partners, and would reduce travel and lodging costs for training. Testimony emphasized regional oversight, cultural awareness training, and the academy’s role in officer education and retention. Some members questioned whether the state should fund a county-based academy and raised concerns about the bill’s structure and broader budget priorities; one member also objected to law enforcement practices in their community. The bill was moved forward with a do-pass recommendation, though the roll-call vote was not fully shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, a common interest community, or CIC, is a form of real estate in which each owner
• And if that's the case, then that's the way that it would work out.
• I love saying Burples, by the way. It's so funny to me. They did take a look at the bill.
• The bill before you today circumvents those timelines in two ways.
• The way we are reading it, and some of the—sorry, I'll let Curtis finish it—but the way we read it, that's

Bills: SB6001 , SB6015 , SB6054 , SB5470 , SB5884 , SB6018 , SB6027 , SB6028

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: building code, scissor stairs, safety regulations, construction standards, statebuilding regulations, residential building, construction permits, housing development, planning efficiency, state regulations, wildfire, home hardening, fire-resistant materials, fire-hardened building materials, common interest communities, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, condo association, wildland urban interface