Transcript Highlights:

• So just be really aware.
• I think it's already been stated that we have to be aware when something's happening.
• Senate Resolution 75 by Senator Rubio, relative to CalEITC Awareness Week.
• those less fortunate, and to again bringing awareness so that they get this tax credit.
• We're talking about the tragedy that it brings to families and awareness.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several floor items focused largely on housing, public health, and tax-credit awareness. The chamber adopted SR 71, a resolution by Senator Arreguín recognizing the importance of affordable homeownership in California. Supporters from both parties emphasized homeownership as a path to wealth-building, stability, and community strength, highlighted racial disparities in ownership, and praised nonprofit builders such as Habitat for Humanity. After passage, Senator Arreguín introduced Habitat for Humanity advocates in the gallery and noted the role of the CalHome program in funding affordable homeownership projects. The Senate also confirmed Trista Gonzalez as Director of the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Aaron McGuire as executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, and Lee Herrick for another term as California Poet Laureate, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate then adopted SCR 115 by Senator Daly, recognizing February as Heart Health Month and focusing on women’s heart health. Senator Daly shared her own experience with a stroke during a heart procedure and urged women to listen to their bodies and seek care early. Several senators spoke in support, describing silent heart attacks, the need to recognize symptoms in women, and the importance of challenging medical assumptions. The resolution passed unanimously. The Senate also adopted SR 75 by Senator Rubio, designating California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week. Senators described CalEITC as a key anti-poverty tool and urged greater outreach so eligible families do not miss the credit; that resolution also passed unanimously. Later, the Senate heard a series of adjournment-in-memory tributes, including one for architect Frank Gehry, whose work in Los Angeles and Bilbao was praised for its global influence and civic impact, and one for June Roberti, remembered for her long partnership with former Pro Tem David Roberti and her advocacy and family life. Senator Arreguín also moved to place file item 67 on the inactive file. The session ended with announcements, including a committee meeting notice, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Were the students aware that this happened? Were they made aware that this happened?
• But I'm not aware of this specific scenario.
• And I'm not aware of any additional action taken by the police department as well.
• I was not aware of those findings, to be honest, until after the audit came through.
• I was aware of our issues with fixed assets, which is the repeat finding.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then moved to review of education audit reports. The first report concerned Northwest Arkansas Community College, which had three findings, including repeat internal control deficiencies that caused financial statement misstatements and a tuition revenue loss tied to a new student information system. College officials said the issues were largely misclassification and process problems, not missing money, and described corrective steps such as monthly closing checklists, approval controls for journal entries, cross-training, and efforts to address staffing turnover and fill finance vacancies. Members asked about the tuition issue, whether students were notified or billed, and whether the software problem affected other institutions; audit staff said they were not aware of the same scenario elsewhere. The committee then filed the report as reviewed. The next report was Cedarville School District, which had one finding involving $794 in improper credit card charges by a resigned elementary teacher. The district was reimbursed, a police report was filed, and the matter was referred to the Professional Licensure Standards Board; members asked whether any further action or license-related consequences were known, but staff said they were not aware of additional action. The report was filed as reviewed. The final finding was for West Memphis School District, where auditors reported repeat capital asset issues, including failure to capitalize about $851,000 in construction costs for a baseball-softball complex and problems with inventory and asset inspection. The superintendent said the district had recently begun using Legislative Audit after prior private audits, and described new controls such as multi-level purchase approvals, separation of duties, tagging of equipment, and a cleanup of old inventory records. Members also discussed the relationship between private audits and Legislative Audit reviews, with staff explaining that private audit reports for public school districts still come before the committee and that the executive committee determines when Legislative Audit performs an audit. The committee filed the West Memphis report as reviewed and noted that 28 school districts had no findings before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 75 by Assembly Member Pellerin and others relative to National Human Trafficking Awareness
• I rise today to present H.R. 75, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
• I rise today to present H.R. 75, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
• With the Super Bowl and the World Cup coming to the Bay Area region this year, awareness, prevention,
• By designating January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we reaffirm California's commitment

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call and proceeded with routine business, including approval of the previous day’s journal, procedural suspensions, and several file items. Most second-reading, concurrence, veto, and reconsideration items were passed, retained, or continued without debate. The main floor action was on House Resolution 75, authored by Assembly Member Pellerin, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pellerin and several members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing survivor-led advocacy, the prevalence of trafficking in California, risks tied to major events and vulnerable populations, and the need for better prevention, data collection, and victim services. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 64 co-authors were added. Assembly Member Avila Farias’s AB 768, relating to mobile home park rent control and affordable housing, also passed with a 60-1 vote. The Assembly then held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for Joy Atkinson, a longtime Los Angeles civic leader and mentor to Black women in public service, with members recounting her work in government, political organizing, and the La P.I.E. leadership institute. Later, Assembly Member Haney offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy and philanthropy. The House adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• LET'S TAKE UP TAB 3 SB 540 ON DISABILITY HISTORY AND AWARENESS INSTRUCTION BY SENATOR COLLINS.
• INSTRUCTS THEM TO DEVELOP CURRICULA TAILORED TO VARIOUS GRADE LEVELS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS
• WE ALL WANT TO STOP BULLYING HAPPENING IN OUR SCHOOLS TODAY AND I TRULY BELIEVE THAT DISABILITY AWARENESS
• LET'S TAKE UP TOP 2 SB 444 ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS BY SENATOR AVELLA.
• SB 444 REQUIRES SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO RECEIVE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS TRAINING.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act designating June 7th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, Senate No. 2152.
• Third reading of the bill: An act designating June 7th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, Senate No.
• The legislation before us today would designate June 7th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day.
• An act designating June 7th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, Senate No. 2152, as amended.
• An act designating June 7th as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, Senate No. 2152, as amended.

Summary: The Senate considered and advanced Senate No. 2152, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. The bill was presented by the Senator from Middlesex, who explained it was inspired by a Lexington constituent, Owen Rosenthal, and aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma around Tourette syndrome. The Minority Leader voiced support, and the Senate adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing the bill to engrossment and later to enactment. The chamber also adopted an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank bill for Andrew Satera, a Trial Court employee, and later passed that bill to enactment as well. In addition, the Senate adopted several resolutions commending National Safety Month, honoring Daniel Grover Fitch, and celebrating the 300th anniversary of the first religious society of Newburyport. Other actions included suspending rules to refer a petition to dedicate “Bob Pizza” as the official pizza of the Commonwealth to committee, ordering a House sick leave bank bill for Dana Johnson to a third reading, and referring several House petitions to committees. The Senate also agreed to adjourn in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker of Rockport, and welcomed the Scrap Robotics team of Weymouth to the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• ARON ALREADY AWARE OF THESE PROPOSALS PRIOR TO RECEIVING THEM?
• ARON IF HE IS AWARE OF THESE?
• ARON WAS AWARE. WHERE IS HOPE FLORIDA'S FOUNDATION?
• >> I'M NOT AWARE WHO SITS ON THE BOARD. >> Rep. Steele: NO MEMBER OF THE BOARD.
• >> I AM AWARE THAT HE WAS RECENTLY BROUGHT ON TO HELP SUPPORT THE DSO. >> HOW DID YOU BECOME AWARE?

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an issue I'm aware of.
• And so you have to create that public awareness. And I do feel... Dr.
• And one of the things that I saw was just a lack of awareness.
• But for me, that awareness is my responsibility.
• “Yeah, I’m very aware with moving the goalposts, as my daughters always tell me.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and a referral item. It first acted on appointments not required to appear, including Michael Gunning to the Teachers’ Retirement Board, Eric Hines to the Gambling Control Commission, several nominees to the Civil Rights Council, nominees to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and Omar Passens to the Contractors’ State License Board. The committee also took up a reference of bills to committees. Most of these items were initially left open for absent members, then later approved on add-on votes, with some passing unanimously and others on split votes. The committee then heard testimony from two nominees to the California State University Board of Trustees, Kelly Dermody and Andrea Evans. Both emphasized access, student basic needs, housing affordability, enrollment balance across campuses, and the need to use artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving critical thinking and data privacy. Senators asked about intersegmental cooperation, CSU bachelor’s degree authority, tuition increases, and how the trustees would evaluate affordability and student outcomes. No public opposition was heard, and both nominees were advanced to the full Senate after committee votes. Finally, the committee heard from Dr. Cedric Jamie Rutland, nominated to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. He described his background as a pulmonologist and said he would bring a public health and science-based perspective to air quality policy, especially regarding pollution’s effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Senators focused on goods movement, warehouse growth, AB 617 communities, environmental justice, refinery and trucking impacts, and balancing emissions reductions with economic realities. After public comment, the committee voted to advance his nomination to the Senate floor, and the meeting concluded after add-on votes and a brief recess/closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of whether or not there's still a hiring freeze at NNSA?
• Senator, I am not aware... of the personnel policies at NNSA right now?
• Certainly, I'm not aware that this.
• Chairman Wicker, I'm not aware of exactly how many people work on that.
• I think the public needs to... needs to be aware of this.

Committees: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware.
• I was not aware of that.
• Not only am I aware of that, I'm also aware of intersex people whose parents chose a sex for them.
• And are you aware of any instances...?
• I am aware of that.

Bills: SB 8 , HB7 , HB15 , HB265 , HCR13 , SB8 , HB7 , HB15 , HB265 , HCR13

Transcript Highlights:

• and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 146 declares May as Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.
• Raising awareness and the diversity of those impacted can lead to earlier diagnosis and care.
• As vice chair Of May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
• As part of this Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to Social and emotional well-being.

Transcript Highlights:

• , as far as I'm aware, if somebody has a non-fatal fentanyl-related overdose, that information isn't
• Targeted outreach to a variety of audiences really is an impactful way to spread awareness, especially
• We've listed some of the community coalitions and family support networks that we're aware of, and I
• So our key finding is that awareness of xylazine can vary widely among clinicians, often based on what
• Be aware of if you weren’t a person who uses drugs or tells them that, or manufacturing them.

Summary: The special commission on xylazine met virtually, called to order by House Chair Mindy Domb, with a quorum present. The commission approved the minutes from its December 11 public meeting and then reviewed the first draft of its final report, which is due to the Legislature by March 30, 2026. Staff explained the report structure, including a commission overview, findings and recommendations from each working group, and appendices with meeting materials and public resources. Commissioners discussed the distinction between licit veterinary xylazine and illicit xylazine in the drug supply, noting that the illicit supply is generally not diverted from legal veterinary sources but obtained through online vendors, and they clarified that xylazine is already classified in Massachusetts as a Schedule 6 substance, so the policy question is whether additional scheduling or penalties are warranted. For the best practices and enforcement section, staff recommended stronger guidance on secure storage and recordkeeping for authorized users, better reporting of diversion, theft, and suspicious orders, and focused enforcement on illicit production and fentanyl trafficking rather than individual possession. Commissioners suggested adding coordination among public safety, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office, as well as a state-level approach to emerging drug threats. In the outreach and treatment section, the draft emphasized that existing harm reduction, wound care, naloxone, and mobile outreach programs are effective but need broader coordination, more trauma-informed care, and better education for providers and first responders. Commissioners raised concerns about provider familiarity with xylazine, the need for first responders to include fire personnel and EMS, and the importance of not turning away people with xylazine-related wounds from recovery or treatment settings. The education and training section identified four target audiences: first responders, clinicians, non-clinicians in treatment and outreach settings, and people who use drugs and their families. The draft recommended tailored, stigma-free training and educational materials for each group, with consistent updates, continuing education credits where appropriate, and better access to centralized, real-time data on xylazine and other emerging contaminants. Commissioners discussed the need for centralized reporting and public health surveillance, including existing tools like the BSAS dashboard and StreetCheck, and several members urged the commission to recommend a DPH task force or similar body to monitor future drug supply threats. The meeting ended with staff outlining next steps: a revised draft would be circulated by the end of the week, feedback would be incorporated into a second draft by March 2, and the commission planned to vote on the final report at its March 9 meeting, with a backup meeting later in March if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , as far as I'm aware, if somebody has a non-fatal fentanyl-related overdose, that information isn't
• We've listed some of the community coalitions and family support networks that we're aware of, and I
• That the access, availability, and awareness of these materials can be limited.
• Be aware of if you weren’t a person who uses drugs or tells them that, or manufacturing them.
• So I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware of them. Thank you, Commissioner.

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine convened a public meeting to review and discuss the first draft of its final report, approve prior minutes, and gather feedback for revisions. The commission first approved the December 11 minutes by roll call vote, then reviewed the report structure, which will include a commission overview, working group findings and recommendations, and appendices with public meeting materials and public resources. Staff explained the report’s framing of xylazine as both a licensed veterinary drug and an illicit drug supply contaminant, and members discussed the distinction between legal animal use and illicit importation/adulteration, with several commissioners emphasizing that people who use drugs do not intentionally seek xylazine. The commission then walked through draft findings and recommendations for best practices in oversight and enforcement, outreach and treatment, and education and training. Members discussed whether xylazine should be further scheduled or instead addressed through other public health and enforcement measures, with the draft leaning toward maintaining the current Schedule 6 status while strengthening public health responses, surveillance, drug checking, and targeted enforcement against illicit production and distribution. Commissioners also proposed stronger coordination among public safety, law enforcement, and public health, including real-time alerts, centralized data sharing, and possibly a DPH task force on emerging drug supply threats. The outreach and treatment section focused on existing harm reduction, wound care, naloxone, and mobile/low-threshold services, while noting gaps such as lack of an FDA-approved human reversal agent, geographic access barriers, insurance issues, and limited provider familiarity. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on education and training for first responders, clinicians, non-clinicians, and people who use drugs and their families. Commissioners supported tailored, stigma-free materials that cover xylazine basics, signs and symptoms, wound care, withdrawal, harm reduction, and when to seek medical care, with repeated emphasis on including firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and other first responders in definitions and training. Members also stressed the need for consistent, centralized, and up-to-date public health data, better communication of emerging contaminants beyond xylazine, and practical guidance to prevent people with xylazine-related wounds from being turned away from care or recovery settings. The meeting ended with agreement to incorporate the feedback into a revised draft to be circulated by March 2, with another meeting scheduled for March 9 and a backup meeting later in March if needed; the commission then adjourned by unanimous motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am aware of the many historic challenges that NNSA now faces.
• So it's good that you are aware.
• That you will be aware of the necessity of how we're going about things.
• I'm not aware of that occurring.
• It's very aware of it in my private sector. experience.

Committees: Senate Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee , Senate SeaPower Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations

Summary: The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• language would have potentially inadvertently criminalized people that, for reasons, they weren't aware
• Um, but if people don't know, they're not aware, they don't have the information, we could turn innocent
• So the language now is pivoting from that into more of an educational awareness of what the importance
• For those that aren't aware, wild rice is an annual crop.
• </c><00:04:20.079><c> so</c> that information that that awareness so that information that that awareness

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, and I ask you that you support ACR 112 in support of Deaf Awareness and culture.
• carries that tradition forward by raising awareness and ensuring their voices are seen and valued.
• Today, I stand proud and happy to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month.
• So just happy to create more awareness. And so thank you so much.
• House Resolution 51 by Assembly Member Schultz, relative to Pain Awareness Month and Women in Pain Awareness

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding prior action on SB 863, and later taking up additional items that had been passed temporarily. The chamber also heard several guest introductions recognizing a young dance champion, district staff, and an intern, along with announcements about peaches gifted to members and reminders to secure floor managers for Senate bills. The floor then considered a series of concurrence items and resolutions on topics including water infrastructure (AB 580), telehealth access (AB 688), insurance (AB 815), housing approvals and ADU enforcement (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), environmental quality (AB 1139), immigration and temporary protected status (AJR 8), federal education policy and IDEA funding (AJR 19), Deaf Awareness Month (ACR 112), and Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid cuts (AJR 3). Most measures passed with little or no opposition; AJR 8 drew debate over TPS and immigration policy and was adopted 49-7, while AJR 19 passed 53-2 and ACR 112 was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also passed several Senate bills on criminal procedure, local government, retirement, taxation, community colleges, public health, public employment, alcohol licensing, fairgrounds compensation, and the Delta Reform Act, among others. Notable contested items included SB 301 on retirement contract restrictions, which drew criticism over pension costs but passed 56-2, and SB 276 on regulating resale of stolen goods in San Francisco, which passed 57-1 despite concerns about added permitting and criminal penalties. Urgency measures SB 227 and SB 276 both cleared the required threshold, and SB 395, SB 650, SB 493, and SB 8 also passed with strong margins. The session ended with adjournments in memory honoring former Assembly clerk Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, followed by adoption of the consent calendar and adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not address the second part of the process, where the state becomes aware...
• It does not address the second part of the process, where the state becomes aware of funds and places
• However, the state can only intercept payments if it is aware of the claim.
• For an insurance intercept program to be effective, the state's child support agency must be aware of
• However, the state can only intercept payments if it is aware of the claim.

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements. The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature. An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, the Supreme Court was made aware of a Justice of the Peace court where the JP had not shown
• Every single day, even when I have clients calling me about one specific issue, they're not aware of
• So identifying those specific benefits that veterans are not aware of can help us in...
• So identifying those specific benefits that veterans are not aware of can help us increase utilization
• And I think that most people are well aware of these issues.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which expands military leave protections by aligning state law language with federal military orders and clarifying that state and non-state employees called to service or training are covered. Representative Pena said the bill was intended to remove confusion and had no material impact on benefits. After brief supportive discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2663 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill establishing due process requirements before state or county entities can alter a justice of the peace’s statutory authority and clarifying the limits of administrative control over justice courts. Representative Hernandez and two Pima County justices of the peace testified in support, describing administrative orders that had removed local control without notice, findings, or a clear path to restoration. Leanna Garcia of the Arizona Supreme Court opposed the bill, arguing it conflicted with the Constitution’s grant of administrative supervision to the Supreme Court and that the court already uses complaint-driven oversight, education, and intervention when needed. After extensive debate over constitutional authority, due process, and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to recommend HB 2976 do pass. Next, the committee considered HB 2406, which directs the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study veterans’ awareness of available state, local, and federal benefits and report recommendations to improve outreach. Supporters said many veterans do not know the full range of benefits and that the study could identify gaps in awareness and help guide future outreach. Members questioned what exactly would be studied and whether a study was necessary, but several said the testimony clarified the bill’s purpose. The committee approved HB 2406 with a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance to ask whether a defendant is a veteran so eligible cases can be referred to veterans programs or treatment/diversion options. Testimony in support said the inquiry would help identify veterans early and connect them to services at no cost. A member raised a Fifth Amendment concern that veteran status could be incriminating in some cases; the bill’s supporter agreed to an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The transcript ends during discussion of that proposed amendment, before a final committee vote on HB 2226 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you're aware of the bullet points that are on these slides, but I want to dig just a little deeper
• And the guidance counselor is aware and provides that information to students? Yes, ma'am.
• But if we're missing something with that that you're aware of, we're happy to any time since some of
• But if we're missing something with that that you're aware of, we're happy to any time since some of
• With APSRC and with the charter schools throughout the state to make sure that they are aware of the

Summary: The committee first approved the November 3 minutes, then received an extensive update from Arkansas Division of Higher Education and Division of Career and Technical Education officials on LEARNS and ACCESS implementation. Witnesses said the state’s goal is for students to graduate employed, enrolled, or enlisted, and described expanded career pathways, student success plans, merit and distinction diplomas, and school accountability measures tied to pathway completion and tangible credentials. They reported increases in K-12 CTE enrollment and concurrent enrollment, and explained that some secondary career center programs were reduced or eliminated because they no longer aligned with state workforce demand. Members asked detailed questions about how merit/distinction affects school letter grades, how AP, concurrent credit, CTE completers, apprenticeships, and work-based learning fit into the system, and whether homeschool and private school students can access the same opportunities. Officials said multiple pathways can satisfy the requirements, including AP Scholar, concurrent credit, technical certificates, and apprenticeships, and that counselors are being trained to advise students. They also discussed scholarship changes: ACCESS broadened eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor’s Scholar awards, with diploma of merit or distinction now qualifying students for additional aid, while the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship itself remained unchanged. Questions were raised about whether homeschool and private school students can meet the new diploma-of-distinction criteria; officials said the intent is to make them eligible if they meet the same standards, and that guidance is being finalized. The discussion also covered workforce scholarships and grants. Officials said the Workforce Challenge was expanded to include vocational-technical schools and increased funding, and that the Division is reworking policy around “professional skills training” to support shorter-term, stackable programs. They reviewed the new federal Workforce Pell Grant, noting its narrow hour and duration limits and the need for programs to meet completion, placement, and earnings thresholds. Members also asked about the state lottery scholarship fund balance and whether more aid should be directed to students; officials said the fund remains healthy and that ACCESS has already increased awards and expanded eligibility, with more implementation data still to come. The final presentation came from the Director of Workforce Connections on a $35.8 million U.S. Department of Labor cooperative agreement for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund. Arkansas will administer the national fund, which is aimed at expanding advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeships across the country through a pay-for-performance model. Officials said the program will support occupations in aerospace, automotive, biotech, maritime, nuclear, semiconductors, supply chain, and automation, and that applications will open soon. Members asked who can apply and how the money will be distributed; the answer was that registered apprenticeship sponsors—sometimes companies, sometimes colleges, sometimes intermediaries—will apply, with Arkansas setting eligibility criteria, vendor requirements, and outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am aware, yes, Senator. And do you disagree with that?
• I'm aware of the court rulings.
• I am aware of those conclusions drawn.
• And were you aware of his appearances on Russian Today? No.
• I have been made aware since.

Committee: Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, lady, you’re very aware of all of this.
• The speaker then lists awareness items, including brain aneurysm awareness month, blood donor awareness
• month, infertility awareness week, and pediatric onset neuropsychiatric-related awareness provisions
• “Blood donor awareness month, infertility awareness week, pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome
• It starts with awareness.