Transcript Highlights:

• So I would say at NOAA, the relationship with NOAA, there are three coastal zone management agencies
• NOAA provides funding for the staff at coastal zone agencies and NERS, so that's one thing we're very
• This is a concern for operations of coastal zone management and for funding of projects.
• for continued support with for the Emergency Tanks and Hull Water Program, the Drinking Water for Schools
• Essential for all families and school children to have access to or who have unreliable access to safe

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of them are in public schools, in the high school and the middle school.
• Two of them are in public schools, college and middle school.
• Ways, the Springfield Empowerment Zone, the Mass After School Partnership, Wise Boys and Girls Clubs
• was a great way to make friends in high school and push beyond my comfort zone.
• A majority of my school life has been from Greater Commonwealth Virtual School and online public school

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are one of the NSECD schools, non-public school early childhood development schools.
• Gator, they're limited to the public school to which they're zoned based on where they live.
• school.
• Pillar 2 was school safety. 38.4% of Gator schools operate in very high crime zones: Baton Rouge, New
• school.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that has work zone cameras that includes an advisory of the presence of cameras within the work zone
• signage in place on on each work zone signage in place on on each work zone that<01:32:25.360>
• > that<01:32:27.280> includes that has work zone cameras that includes that has work zone
• impact on speeds within the work zone. impact on speeds within the work zone.
• <01:35:37.600> have contractors within the work zone have contractors within the work zone

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• before school programs.
• school...
• We're not saying get rid of public schools. Public schools are wonderful.
• schools during school hours.
• Within the school system?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for students in kindergarten through second grade beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based support. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice and UC Davis researcher Dr. Charles Wilkes, argued that California’s math outcomes are too low and that early screening is a quick, developmentally appropriate tool that would not mandate curriculum or high-stakes testing. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and CTA, said the bill adds a mandate without funding, could narrow instruction, and may lead to premature labeling or deficit-based thinking. Committee members discussed how the screeners would work and whether they would identify disabilities or simply flag students needing further assessment; the bill was left on call due to lack of quorum at the time of the hearing. SB 1110 was also presented as a child care subsidy administration measure that would stabilize funding for alternative payment programs and better distinguish administrative overhead from direct family services. Senator Becker and witnesses from the Child Care Resource Center and Every Child California said the bill would help providers manage enrollment, compliance, staffing, and payment timelines as the state transitions to enrollment-based funding. No opposition testimony was offered, and the bill received a favorable committee comment, but no vote was taken because quorum had not yet been established. The committee then heard SB 1374, which would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders on their own behalf when they face credible threats of violence not directed at a specific person. CSU and San Diego State University representatives described incidents where threats against a campus could not be addressed through current restraining-order law, and said the bill would close that gap and improve campus safety. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was left on call pending quorum. Later, the committee discussed SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial education and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math preparation. Supporters, including the author and a community college union representative, said the audit would help identify the scope of basic-skills gaps and inform policy. Some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual audit-request process, but the bill was placed on hold for absent members. The committee also heard SB 1086 on microschools, which would direct model ordinances and statutory definitions for these small learning settings; after extensive questioning about definitions, oversight, and local land-use issues, the bill was moved on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program to allow Central Valley schools to communicate with regional threat assessment centers about credible safety concerns, with the author and a victim’s mother describing it as a prevention tool after a student homicide; committee members expressed support for stronger coordination and guardrails, and the bill was discussed further as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• and before-school programs.
• before school programs.
• We're not saying get rid of public schools. Public schools are wonderful.
• schools during school hours.
• Within the school system?

Summary: The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed. The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition. Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first page hails from District 34, Aberdeen High School. District 34, Aberdeen High School.
• The There international medical school.
• Safety Zones. Safety Zones.
• <01:45:31.920> professional education public schools professional education public schools
• when they go to school when they go to school that<01:57:18.920> number<01:57:19.160>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine announcements, including welcoming a new group of pages and noting donations of donuts and chicken from local businesses, along with a citation planned for Mr. Herman’s Bakery, which is closing after 103 years. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 858, establishing a Department of Budget and Management Audit and Finance Compliance Unit. A senator moved to send the bill back to second reading to add an amendment, which was adopted without objection, and the bill was reprinted for third reading. The Finance Committee then reported several bills. Senate Bill 84, concerning collective bargaining for graduate assistants at UMCP and UMBC, was laid over after questions about whether graduate assistants are employees or students. Senate Bill 455, creating a transformational project financing program tied to tax increment financing districts, had two committee amendments adopted and was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, also received two committee amendments and was ordered up, but a later Howard County amendment was proposed and the bill was laid over. Senate Bill 777, directing workforce development support in hospital closures and related events, was adopted and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 831, addressing child labor penalties, private-sector labor relations, and state labor standards, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 932, requiring social media platforms to display users’ general geographic location, was laid over after questions. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 340, requiring at least $2 million annually for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, with two amendments adopted and the bill sent to third reading. Senate Bill 489, creating a limited license pathway for physicians trained abroad and repealing the fifth pathway program, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 496, expanding Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment, prompted extended debate over the fiscal note and who would bear the costs; the sponsor argued the estimate was overstated and did not account for likely lower utilization or health-care savings, while an opponent pressed concerns about the state share and structural deficit. The discussion continued without a final vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the one that allows residential development on land zoned for commercial use.
• Planning boards are using the zoning process to steer developers one way.
• I mean, we all know we talk about building with zoning, with lot sizes.
• I mean, we all know we talk about building with zoning, with lot sizes.
• I mean, we all know we talk about building with zoning, with lot sizes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• potential discriminatory practic zoning potential discriminatory practic zoning practices<00:49:
• You can still have restrictions or zoning that apply to those.
• <00:52:46.599> uses<00:52:47.599> should Zoning uses should Zoning uses should be<00:52
• Because there's, I personally think, that's already in zoning ordinances.
• And my point all along is they need to abide by whatever the zoning is in that case.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Authorized planned use is based off of the zoning of the land, and they look at if it was fully
• of the land they they look at the zoning of the land and<00:47:33.119> they<00:47:33.280>
• Um, we encourage it in planning school.
• <01:04:27.680> I<01:04:27.839> think encourage it in planning school.
• I think encourage it in planning school.

Bills: SB2982, SB2367, SB2818, SB2944, SB2022, SB2240, SB2986, SB2547, SB2401, SB3031, SB3035, SB3032

Keywords: foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, Ala Wai Harbor, DLNR, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, state boating facility, small boat harbor, public-private partnership, PPP, marina management, harbor lease, fast lands, submerged lands

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 2982 on campaign finance, which would prohibit foreign entities and foreign-influence businesses from making contributions and expenditures. The Attorney General’s office testified first, followed by the Campaign Spending Commission, which supported the bill but asked for clarification on constitutional review authority and additional implementation time for certifications, forms, and procedures. Common Cause also supported the measure, arguing it would help protect elections from dark money and foreign influence. No vote was taken. The committee then took up SB 2367 on a state boating facilities lease program for the Ala Wai small boat harbor. DLNR supported the bill, while UPW opposed it, warning about privatization of a public asset and possible job displacement. Several members of the public supported the concept but urged amendments to protect public access, affordability, youth ocean programs, and state employee jobs. Committee members questioned DLNR about the scope of the lease, the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and whether public access and existing concessions would remain protected. DLNR said current leases would remain, the board would retain approval authority, and employees would not necessarily be displaced, but members indicated more discussion and possible amendments were needed. For SB 2818 on boating penalties, DLNR testified in support and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 2944 on conservation, which would require wildlife viewing guidelines that substantially conform to NOAA guidance and reporting requirements; DLNR said it stood on its written testimony. SB 2022 on water code penalties drew support from DLNR’s Commission on Water Resource Management, which said the bill’s two-tiered penalty structure would preserve deterrence while keeping the current $5,000 penalty for first-time or non-harmful violations. The Board of Water Supply submitted comments, and Ulupono Initiative supported the measure as a needed enforcement tool. Committee members discussed whether the higher penalty ceiling should be phased in and asked for stakeholder input on the amount of the penalties. Finally, the committee began SB 2240 on land use, which would require water availability certification from the Commission on Water Resource Management before a district boundary amendment proceeds to the Land Use Commission. DLNR supported the bill and said it often reviews project documents that lack sufficient information on water needs and availability, so the measure would allow earlier review and comment. The committee also indicated it would seek amendments and further feedback on the water penalty bill before it moved to the next committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe the kids are getting to school, you know, an hour or two later, but then after school, they've
• Maybe the kids are getting to school, you know, an hour or two later, but then after school, they've
• Maybe the kids are getting to school, you know, an hour or two later, but then after school, they've
• to pick them up after school.
• to pick them up after school.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• FAVORABLY FOR THIS HISTORIC EVENT TO ADD WITH THE OTHER HISTORIC PLACES IN SAINT AUGUSTINE THE OTHER HIGH SCHOOL
• COMFORTING WOULD IT BE SCHOOLS ERECTED TO BE -- TO TEACH STUDENTS INDUSTRY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY.
• THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CHECKING OTHER BUILDING PERMIT SUCH AS ZONING AND OTHER CONDITIONS
• CLARIFIES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CAN REVIEW PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS ZONING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SCHOOL NOT THE SCHOOL BUT THAT SCHOOL CLASSROOM.
• safety and protecting our children, not only public schools but also private schools.
• My husband said, those gunshots are at the school. I ran toward the school.
• first school service with the amount of armed police there at their school.
• I will start with armed police officer in the school. The school.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• transferred to the school.
• type of school.
• It risks turning schools into political policing zones, especially in districts with 287(g) agreements
• It risks turning schools into political policing zones, especially in districts with 287(g) agreements
• that are D and F schools and now low-performing schools.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures. In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• completed New Hampshire childcare/school completed New Hampshire childcare/school immunization<00
• school and actually between school school and actually between school districts<00:10:59.519>
• the school and not transmitted to DHS. the school and not transmitted to DHS.
• I requested that public schools.
• school. That's what happens every year. school. That's what happens every year.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a non-high school district, so we can't actually have the high school students.
• Do you know the statistics on Christian school, homeschooling versus public school?
• School meals or AP advanced placement opportunities or a college in high school.
• We have five elementary schools that are neighborhood elementary schools.
• We have a comprehensive middle school, a comprehensive high school, and then a learning option school

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Washington’s alternative learning experience (ALE) programs and then an update on artificial intelligence in schools. OSPI’s Anissa Sherritt explained that ALE is a course-level funding designation for instruction that occurs partly or wholly away from the traditional seat-time model, with online, site-based, and remote course types. She emphasized that ALE is still basic education, subject to the same public school requirements, and that OSPI provides technical assistance, annual reporting review, and program reviews. Representatives from several programs described different models: Washington Virtual Academy (a large online ALE operated through Omak School District and partnered with for-profit Stride), Columbia Virtual Academy in Valley School District (a district-run, nonprofit online/remote program), Pearl in Quilcene (a K-8 remote parent partnership program), and River Home Link in Battleground (a site-based hybrid program). They discussed student supports, special education, enrichment, family choice, transportation, and how they measure outcomes. Members asked for follow-up information on funding, demographics, racial and ethnic data, multilingual learners, and post-graduation outcomes, and OSPI agreed to provide additional data where available. The committee then heard from OSPI and several districts about AI guidance and implementation. OSPI’s Holly Ryan Calloway described the agency’s human-centered AI framework, three guidance documents for schools, statewide professional learning, an AI innovation summit, and new AI literacy and informatics course frameworks and CIP codes. Quincy School District described a multi-year effort to integrate AI by centering student needs, creating district policy and classroom guidance, and training teachers to use AI responsibly while building an AI readiness plan from elementary through high school. Peninsula School District described its AI action research team, teacher professional learning, and classroom uses of generative AI to support science instruction, communication, and prompt engineering, while stressing that AI should enhance rather than replace learning. Members raised questions about privacy, energy and water use, prompt engineering, workforce and university connections, and the need for clear standards and ongoing educator training. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• which schools they don't.
• I think all schools should have the opportunity to be as safe as any other school in the district.
• , that the school take action.
• And the second is your culture at your school, the school climate.
• Not opening schools up.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I WAS WRITING SO FAST IT REMINDED ME OF WAS I WAS IN NURSING SCHOOL AND THE INSTRUCTOR NEVER STOPPED.
• THE FEDERAL INTRUSION INTO THE FLOOD INSURANCE SPACE BACK IN THE 60s AND THE DESIGNATION OF FLOOD ZONES
• ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THE LIKELIHOOD OF THEIR HOUSE FLOODING JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF A FLOOD ZONE
• I KNOW WITH MILTON I HAD SANDBAGS AT MY HOUSE AND I AM NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE AND I DO HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program, with our out-of-school time programs, both on-site and then at our local schools.
• I go to Cheyenne High School. I'm also a 2026 Governor's School scholar.
• I go to Cheyenne High School. I'm also a 2026 Governor's School scholar.
• I go to Cheyenne High School. I'm also a 2026 Governor's School scholar.
• Was it from the schools? Was it... ...where you got that response from? Was it from the schools?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Burns School of Medicine. We have the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.
• <00:37:23.359> film items I see foreign trade zones film items I see foreign trade zones film
• <01:00:25.359> lease 1100001 kameha 3 temporary School lease 1100001 kameha 3 temporary School
• EDN 612, sequence 30: transfer in teacher differential from Charter Schools.
• Burns School of Medicine modified to non-recurring on page 264.

Keywords: 910, house, all