Transcript Highlights:

• The belief that black people scan is thicker than white people.
• The mortality penalty for black newborns was reduced by 58%. When cared for by black physicians.
• Black patients are less likely to be given pain medication.
• And all of a sudden my. >> One of my black kids says and I'm black and I'm proud of it.
• This is the position of white coats for Black lives.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, Derek Harris, Executive Director, Black Education Strategy Roundtable.
• American history An Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black
• I am also the parent of three Black children, now adults, who all attended Washington State schools.
• I've learned about the solidarity of Black and Chicano students in the civil rights movement here in
• Latino American, Black American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander contributions

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5901, which would change the school construction assistance program so that instructional space on military bases is excluded from a district’s available space inventory when calculating state construction aid. Staff explained the bill would also require state assistance to equal approved project cost minus federal funding received. Senator Christian said the measure is intended to prevent military-base facilities from unfairly reducing districts’ ability to modernize or build schools. Testimony in support came from OSPI, Clover Park School District, and Medical Lake School District, which said the current formula penalizes districts serving military families and can leave them unable to secure needed renovation funding. No opposition was heard, and the bill was later described as having an indeterminate fiscal impact. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5860 on school board compensation. The bill would raise director pay from $50 to $100 per day, increase the annual cap, allow child care expenses to be reimbursed, require OFM to periodically adjust compensation, and direct WASDA to develop finance training for school directors. Senator Cortez said the changes are needed to broaden who can serve on school boards and to help working families participate. Supporters from OSPI, WASDA, and South Sound superintendents said compensation could improve diversity and help recruit and retain board members, though WASDA noted concerns about diverting district funds and said its members do not have consensus on mandatory training. Opponents argued the bill would misuse levy funds and that child care and other expenses should not be paid from local education levies. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5956 on artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in schools, which would bar automated systems from being the sole basis for discipline decisions, prohibit risk scores and biometric surveillance, require OSPI guidance updates, and direct WASDA to create model policy. Senator Nobles and supporters said the bill is needed to protect students from discriminatory and inaccurate AI-driven decisions; no vote was taken in the hearing. Finally, the committee heard a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5574, which would require districts to include instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history in required social studies courses during the regular curriculum review cycle, with reporting beginning in 2030. Senator Nobles said the bill is meant to address exclusion and bias in history education and to help students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Testifiers from education, student, parent, and community groups overwhelmingly supported the measure, saying it would improve belonging, reduce bullying, and build on existing curriculum resources without creating a new course or major new cost. The hearing ended without a vote or other formal action on SB 5956 or SB 5574.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or our other senator from Los Angeles, who made history when she co-founded the nation's first Black
• The senator from San Pedro became the first Black woman to serve as assistant speaker pro tem in the
• Or Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to own and operate a newspaper, and Sally Ride from the San
• , as has been noted, the first woman and first Black woman to hold her office, having broken barriers
• The legacy of all of our women, but today on behalf of the Black Caucus, we wanted to highlight a few

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or our other senator from Los Angeles, who made history when she co-founded the nation's first Black
• The senator from San Pedro became the first Black woman to serve as assistant speaker pro tem in the
• Or Charlotta Bass, the first Black woman to own and operate a newspaper, and Sally Ride from the San
• , as has been noted, the first woman and first Black woman to hold her office, having broken barriers
• The legacy of all of our women, but today on behalf of the Black Caucus, we wanted to highlight a few

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I'm Black, and I know Black Lives Matter, but I had a question about saying Black Lives Matter
• I was like, okay, but I don't want to lose some of my friends that aren't Black because I'm saying Black
• But her response... ...that aren't Black because I'm saying Black Lives Matter, you know.
• And to be honest, most of our cases are not Black people.
• They don't care about missing, especially Black women.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1652, which would create a permanent office in the Missouri Department of Public Safety focused on missing and murdered African-American women and girls, along with a Phoenix Alert system and funding for staff, data collection, and cold-case review. Senator Angela Mosley and several supporters, including family members and advocates, argued that Black women and girls are disproportionately reported missing, often misclassified as runaways, and do not receive equal attention from law enforcement or the media. Some members raised questions about whether the office should be broader and include all missing persons, but supporters said the bill addresses a documented disparity and would help improve response and visibility. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1572, a technical change to the St. Louis Police Retirement System board. Senator Mike Henderson explained that the bill staggers mayoral appointments and requires three board members to be active St. Louis police officers elected by active members, with travel time allowed for board duties, to avoid future quorum problems that had arisen when appointments were delayed and members were out sick. Testimony from the retirement system and police representatives supported the measure as a practical fix, and the bill was described as noncontroversial. No opposition was offered and no vote occurred in the hearing. Finally, House Bill 3533 was heard, which would raise casino admission fees and gaming taxes and direct additional revenue to state funds including natural resources, historic preservation, education, and the gaming commission. Representative Knight said the bill would generate significant revenue, while the Missouri Gaming Association opposed it, arguing the increases would cost the industry substantially, could reduce reinvestment in Missouri, and that some provisions related to sports betting or remote wagering may require a constitutional change rather than ordinary legislation. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry also opposed the bill in principle, saying the committee should be cautious about raising fees and taxes on a specific industry. The hearing ended without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in commemoration of the contributions
• He condemned wars waged abroad and at home, and he condemned wars against poor people, against Black
• And members, I want to thank the Black Caucus for leading on this resolution as they do time and time
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of ACR 118.
• of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with the Sergeant at Arms bringing in absent members before the chamber proceeded with prayer, the flag salute, and routine announcements. Members approved several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow an adjournment in memory speech, moving AB 362 to the inactive file, and setting AB 34 for hearing in the Natural Resources Committee. The Speaker also recognized guests and honored retiring Assembly Republican Caucus consultant Daryl Thomas for his long legislative service. The main floor action centered on ACR 116, a resolution commemorating Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of civil rights, economic justice, nonviolence, voting rights, and unfinished work on equity and dignity. After opening the roll for coauthors, the Assembly took a voice vote and adopted the resolution. The chamber then considered ACR 118, recognizing Korean American Day, with remarks highlighting Korean American history, community contributions, and solidarity across communities; that resolution also received 67 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The consent calendar was approved 64-0, including ACR 115 on National Blood Donor Month. The Assembly then held an adjournment in memory for former legislator David Kelly, with a tribute to his military service, agricultural background, and legislative career focused on water, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. The session concluded with announcements that the Natural Resources Committee would meet upon adjournment, the Legislature would observe Martin Luther King Day on Monday, and the Assembly would reconvene Tuesday, January 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives Black: Here. Campbell: Excused. Chamberlin: Here. Cobb: Here. Dunkley: Here. Yeah.
• Representatives Black: Yes. Chamberlain: Cobb: Yes. Daly: Dunkley: Gerwig: Yes.
• Representative Black, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Representative Black, you are recognized. This is a technical amendment from staff.
• Representative Black, having waived close, please call the vote. Representatives Black? Yes.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no. The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you said, I'm Kristen Nemers with the California Black Power Network.
• We are a coalition of over 45 Black-led and Black-empowering grassroots organizations throughout the
• We were a state partner in engaging hard-to-reach Black residents.
• Kristen Emory’s California Black Power Network in strong support.
• Kristen Emory’s California Black Power Network in strong support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg would expand electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot-processing sites, restrict law enforcement activity near voting locations except for crimes against persons or property, expand ballot drop box and vote center access, and extend the vote-by-mail receipt deadline. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and interference; county election officials opposed it as operationally burdensome and difficult to enforce. The committee discussed amendments narrowing some provisions, and the bill was ultimately advanced on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Choi voting no. The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would codify and expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance for certain jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voter access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city representative raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. Senator Choi questioned the bill’s concepts, but the measure was moved to Judiciary and later recorded as passing 4-1. SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and streamline campaign-ad disclosure language, allow abbreviations, and increase the number of top funders listed on political mailers from three to five. Outdoor advertising and good-government groups supported the bill as improving readability while preserving transparency. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee also considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for initiative titles and summaries from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while labor groups opposed the change as unnecessary and less accountable. Both measures were advanced to Appropriations after divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand election language-access requirements beyond current federal thresholds and add a petition process for undercounted language communities. It drew broad support from civil rights and advocacy organizations, with county election officials seeking amendments over implementation details; the bill passed 5-0 after the committee completed roll calls on the absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will tell you that we at Be The Best Foundation are 71% senior black veteran-led.
• This bill means recognizing the service and struggles of Black veterans and taking tangible steps to
• That Black soldiers have endured.
• The last thing I will tell you, as a veteran, as a Black veteran, as a senior Black veteran, is that
• Of that number, The statistics show Black veterans do not get access to mental health.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's just our reality of being Black. Never has, probably never will.
• African, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ, disabled, and religious minority communities.
• Corey Jackson talked about is that as we reflect and celebrate Black History Month, Dr.
• There has been a documentary on the lives of Black trans women.
• There has been a documentary on the lives of black trans women.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The same map that's going to break up Black and Brown voting powers.
• Disenfranchising Black and Brown people is racist in all parts.
• I'm also representing the Houston Black American Democrats.
• As a Black resident of Austin, I don't feel safe.
• But black people need 50.1, which is absurd. That's not true.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a wonderful University of New Mexico Black Health Careers Expo.
• We've got coming up the New Mexico Black Business Expo.
• You may have seen in Black Enterprise Magazine there was a poll recently.
• What is the Black Expo? You know, it's interesting.
• It was a tremendous showpiece for Black art, for Black business, for Black thought, for Black intellectualism

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a civil rights attorney, and I'm also the president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum.
• The record shows that businesses owned by women and businesses owned by Black, Hispanic, Asian Pacific
• Black woman-owned business in a male-dominated industry, construction to be specific, my company has
• As a Black woman business owner, I know how hard you have to work just to get to the starting line.
• Stripping thousands of Black business owners of their hard-earned status without due process, proper

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research on HIV care tailored for Black women.
• I am Black. My gender identity: I am a woman.
• Black women sued General Motors because the company hired Black men for factory jobs and white women
• But Black women could not apply for jobs.
• So I think that that's important as a gay Black man.

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming its first full-time director, Alison Bauer, who introduced her background in state government, public health, philanthropy, teaching, and LGBTQ family advocacy. Commissioners approved the December quarterly meeting minutes, then turned to a presentation by Adriana Bullen on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Bullen led an interactive workshop using reflection, anonymous polling, and discussion to connect DEI concepts to the commission’s work, including examples from participants’ personal and professional lives and a brief history of intersectionality rooted in Black feminist scholarship and the DeGraffenreid v. General Motors case. The group then applied the discussion to the commission itself, identifying examples of successful DEI work such as listening sessions across the Commonwealth, targeted recruitment, inclusive trainings, the strategic plan, the commission website, and advocacy that helped pass the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. Participants also named conditions that support the commission’s power, including collaboration, commitment, openness, empowerment, persistence, and strong relationships, while noting barriers such as invisibility of older adults, limited racial and ethnic diversity, and lack of trans elder representation. Several commissioners emphasized the need for more Black, Latino, immigrant, and trans voices, and discussed recruitment challenges, including the difficulty of asking marginalized people to be the only one in the room. Bullen concluded by introducing an equity-lens tool for evaluating decisions and actions, using the commission’s strategic priority on representation as an example. Commissioners discussed whether to expand membership, create an advisory board, or use a broader network of organizations to cultivate future commissioners, noting that some changes would require legislative or procedural action. The meeting ended with appreciation for the workshop and a commitment to continue the work, with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.

Transcript Highlights:

• We fought back with so many of the Black families losing everything.
• Historically Black schools in the South.
• Not Caribbean Americans, not Africans, not Black people, because Black people is not a country.
• There's no country named Black.
• And after slavery was outlawed, there were Black people that were bred who were actually originally Black

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Crenshaw, Leimert Park, West Adams, Baldwin Hills, South Central, Black and Brown working families who
• I also want to rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus to welcome Representative...
• We stand in solidarity with the California Legislative Black Caucus, with our colleagues from San Diego
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus and in strong support of SR 111, in

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it took another half century to elect the first Black and API women, Yvonne Burke and March Fong
• And we must not forget the achievements of Black women. Just the fight to be seen.
• And we must not forget the achievements of Black women who have always been on the front lines in the
• and the city's first Black female mayor.
• Becoming the first Black woman elected and the city's first Black female mayor pro tem.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then dispensed with the reading of the prior journal and handled routine motions, including re-referring AB 432 and AB 564 to committees. The main item of business was House Resolution 14, proclaiming March 2025 as Women’s History Month. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry opened on the resolution, and members from the LGBTQ, Native American, Asian American Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, Jewish, and other caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing women’s historical contributions, ongoing inequities, and the importance of representation and parity in public life. Assemblymember DeMaio also supported the resolution while urging attention to girls’ sports. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 78 coauthors were added. The chamber then held its annual California Women of the Year ceremony, with Aguiar-Curry and other members recognizing honorees from across Assembly districts for leadership in education, health care, public service, advocacy, business, and community work. The lengthy roll call highlighted a broad range of women’s accomplishments and community impact. Guest introductions followed, including Sacramento District Attorney Tien Ho, VSP Vision Care executives celebrating the company’s 70th anniversary, and EMTs and ambulance support staff being honored by the California Ambulance Association. The Assembly also took up the second-day consent calendar, which was adopted 71-0. Assemblymember Schultz then delivered an adjournment in memory of Barbara Beckley, founding member and artistic director emerita of the Colony Theatre Company, praising her contributions to Los Angeles theater and the arts. The House then adjourned until Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m., with a Revenue and Taxation Committee hearing scheduled upon adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Women Organized for Political Action Black Women, Oakland Bay Area president Ms.
• California Black Media Executive Director Ms. Regina Wilson.
• For women of color and especially black mothers, these rates are even higher.
• We don't just have low home ownership rates, black folks.
• We're not just rent burden, black folks in California are the highest rent burden.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Congressional District 18 remains a majority-minority Black CVAP from the proposed plan and maintains
• In CD 18, it remained a majority-minority Black CVAP, maintaining its compactness. ...stays the same
• These were in a predominantly Black African-American area, and I was wondering if that was part of any
• Plan C-2331, and then in black underneath it, Plan C-333.
• In black underneath that is the substitute pending before the committee. Got it. Thank you.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CD 18 remains a majority-minority black CVAP from the proposed plan and compactness stays the same overall
• In 18, it remains a majority-minority black CAT. The compactness stays the same overall.
• CD18 decreases black CAT slightly from 50.81% to 50.71%, but increases.
• And then in black underneath it Plan C 333.
• CD18 decreases black CAP. From 50.81% to 50.71%, but conversely, 50 50.81 to 50.71. 7.1.