Transcript Highlights:

• We're also seeking $3 million to continue ESL literacy instruction programming.
• We're also seeking $3 million to continue ESL literacy instruction programming.
• Instruction Programs.
• instruction programs.
• I am a librarian and I volunteer as a one-on-one literacy coach with Sonoma County Library Adult Literacy

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then just different programs, new literacy programs. that we have actually put in place.
• And teachers required. significant training to adapt to virtual instruction.
• Personalized online instructional tools were implemented.
• And so you have them. during the instructional day.
• Tutors, professional development, literacy programs?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the Instructional Quality Commission.
• And I believe we have with us today... ...our State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mr.
• And they attribute that to having programs like a phonics-based instruction program.
• We've created two statewide literacy directors, and the curriculum staff...
• Two specialists around literacy to give guidance to our schools.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the lack of exposure to foundational reading instruction.
• That's the California Preschool Instructional Network.
• I'm the executive director of Folkrum, which is a literacy nonprofit.
• , the regular instruction that's happening to the full classroom.
• instruction before their skills can be accurately assessed.

Summary: The hearing was a joint budget discussion focused first on California preschool and child care, then on universal transitional kindergarten (TK), with later movement toward a reading-difficulties screener item. Members emphasized the need for a coordinated early childhood system that better serves families’ real schedules and needs, rather than forcing families to fit existing program structures. The preschool panel reviewed access, quality, workforce, facilities, and information systems, with repeated concern about whether current funding and program design are sufficient for infants, toddlers, three-year-olds, and full-day/full-year care. Witnesses from the Learning Policy Institute, CDSS, CDE, and community providers described major growth in preschool and child care enrollment, especially for two- and three-year-olds, but also noted persistent gaps, waitlists, workforce shortages, low reimbursement rates, and the need for more stable funding. Several witnesses urged expansion or permanence of two-year-old eligibility in CSPP, more support for mixed-delivery systems, facility conversion and renovation grants, better statewide enrollment and referral systems, and continued funding for one-time grants such as UPK coordinators and planning/implementation supports. Provider and parent testimony stressed that rate reform, enrollment-based reimbursement, and continued hold-harmless protections are needed to keep programs open and accessible. The TK panel reviewed the Governor’s budget proposal for full implementation of universal TK, including Proposition 98 funding for expansion and lower adult-to-child ratios, plus a multilingual learner screening implementation budget change proposal. LPI and CDE reported that TK enrollment has grown rapidly but uptake is now a little over half of eligible four-year-olds, with families citing lack of awareness, preference for other care, and logistical barriers such as location and hours. CDE and providers said the UPK planning and implementation grant, mixed-delivery planning grants, and UPK coordinators have been critical, but these one-time funds are set to sunset. Members pressed for more information on eligible population projections, full-day/full-year demand, teacher credential data, and how administrative credential programs are preparing leaders for early childhood settings. The committee held the issues open and requested follow-up data from the departments.

Transcript Highlights:

• instruction, instructional technology, and assessments, and the optimal role for the use of...
• under this section shall include instruction in cursive.
• that going through the Literacy Advisory Council then, or is that connected to the Literacy Advisory
• Yes, that's the instruction going to the Literacy Advisory Council. We wanted to make sure that...
• That's the instruction going to the Literacy Advisory Council.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> here a change from Regional literacy here a change from Regional literacy Network<00:20:03.120><
• On 9.24, K through 12 special education teachers responsible for literacy instruction.
• </c> external Partners who support literacy external Partners who support literacy in<00:24:42.520><c
• </c><00:25:02.200><c> instruction</c><00:25:02.600><c> so</c> responsible for literacy instruction so
• responsible for literacy instruction so this<00:25:02.840><c> is</c><00:25:02.919><c> just</c><00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> districts to provide instruction districts to provide instruction [clears throat] [clears throat
• It centers student inquiry, emphasizing disciplinary literacy.
• Minnesota has adopted a blueprint for instruction referred to as the inquiry design model.
• Minnesota has adopted a blueprint for instruction referred to as the inquiry design model.
• </c> adopted a blueprint for instruction adopted a blueprint for instruction referred<00:42:36.079><c

Bills: HF3489, HF3550

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• :43.120><c> seniors</c><00:15:44.399><c> learn</c><00:15:44.800><c> digital</c><00:15:45.519><c> literacy
• Senate recognizes Audi Karnney for his kind ambition protecting seniors and championing digital literacy
• digital literacy for older adults<00:17:18.880><c> and</c><00:17:19.199><c> has</c><00:17:19.520><c>
• along with clean water digital literacy along with clean water solutions<00:17:45.039><c> and</c><00
• to enter all and the clerk is instructed to enter all messages<00:20:47.120><c> into</c><00:20:47.520

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and reading, information literacy, research during the student instruction, I mean, this is really where
• And we know that literacy isn't just picking up a book and reading, um, for school.
• Most engaged students in literacy and reading, information literacy, research during the student instruction
• And we know that literacy isn't just picking up a book and reading, um, for school.
• In that way, as we look at the READ Act and improving literacy.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> design specially designed instruction design specially designed instruction that<01:59:30.000><c
• the Department of Education to implement financial literacy instruction into existing courses, public
• that includes financial literacy and health and wellness instruction.
• </c><03:17:37.040><c> that</c> family and community literacy that family and community literacy that
• ,</c> they're going to have literacy, they're going to have literacy, financial<03:33:54.399><c> literacy

Bills: SB2003

Keywords: Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict. Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose. The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1. The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Really excited about really beefing up literacy this year.
• Really excited about really beefing up literacy this year.
• </c> implementation of the re act literacy implementation of the re act literacy incentive<01:02:15.200
• </c> ongoing funding dedicated to literacy ongoing funding dedicated to literacy what<01:03:00.520><c
• </c> essential resources like instructional essential resources like instructional materials<01:36:39.719

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:22:32.200><c> in</c> ongoing effort to improve literacy in ongoing effort to improve literacy
• </c> anything that improves literacy anything that improves literacy programming<01:30:53.640><c> for
• </c> moments ago, literacy and reading. moments ago, literacy and reading.
• ,</c><02:01:05.080><c> you</c> education, you have instruction, you education, you have instruction,
• </c> primary job is make sure instructions primary job is make sure instructions going<02:04:55.880><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The third is media literacy,<00:43:53.599><c> evaluating</c><00:43:54.400><c> information</c> literacy
• Cannabis use and substance use education that allows districts to provide instruction to students in
• to students in to provide instruction to students in grades<00:57:38.480><c> 7</c><00:57:38.799><c>
• and students' health literacy.
• </c> the technology and information literacy the technology and information literacy context context

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also seeking $3 million to continue ESL literacy instruction programming.
• instruction programs.
• instruction programs.
• These areas have the second-lowest literacy rates in California and high poverty.
• I am a librarian and I volunteer as a one-on-one literacy coach with Sonoma County Library Adult Literacy

Summary: The subcommittee opened with remarks on the state budget and K-12 education, noting the large increase in the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee, the use of deferrals and reserves in the prior budget, and the challenge of balancing education funding against other state priorities. Superintendent Tony Thurmond described California education as improving overall, citing gains in test scores, graduation, and college readiness, but said major gaps remain for low-income students, students of color, agricultural communities, English learners, foster youth, and students with disabilities. He praised recent investments in universal meals, transitional kindergarten, community schools, arts, broadband, and special education, while warning that declining enrollment, chronic absenteeism, and the proposed $5.6 billion Prop. 98 settle-up create uncertainty for districts. He also urged a long-term literacy plan, expanded tutoring, universal kindergarten, and continued protections for students and families affected by immigration enforcement, including ICE-related fear and attendance loss. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Proposition 98 from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Finance explained that the Governor’s budget projects the minimum guarantee will rise by about $21.7 billion over three years, with a $5.6 billion settle-up obligation in 2025-26 intended to avoid overappropriation if revenues weaken. Finance also described revised reserve deposits and withdrawals, ending with about $4.1 billion in the Public School System Stabilization Account by 2026-27. The LAO said recent revenue collections were stronger than expected in the current year but warned that the outlook for 2026-27 is weaker and that stock-market-driven revenues remain volatile. The LAO supported maintaining reserves and one-time spending buffers, but recommended fully funding the guarantee and using other budget solutions rather than shifting the settle-up into future deficits. Members asked about the settle-up process, certification timeline, the effect of attendance declines tied to immigration enforcement, and wildfire-related impacts, including Pasadena Unified’s $4 million special appropriation. On LCFF and necessary small schools, Finance proposed a 2.41% COLA and about $2.2 billion in additional LCFF funding for districts and charters in 2026-27, plus a $30.7 million ongoing increase to raise the necessary small schools allowance by 20%. The LAO supported funding the COLA but said the small-school increase was not tied to a specific cost study and could be redesigned to better target small districts, noting that only a fraction of very small districts would benefit. Questions focused on how small schools access supplemental and concentration grants and how attendance recovery programs are being implemented. The Department of Education said only 130 LEAs had reported attendance recovery so far, likely because it is a new program with compliance requirements, though interest appears to be growing. FICMAT then reviewed the fiscal health of local districts, reporting an uptick in qualified and negative certifications, though still far below Great Recession levels. It said declining enrollment, rising special education costs, and higher labor and insurance costs are the biggest fiscal pressures, and that some districts are using fiscal stabilization plans and staff reductions ahead of second interim reports. FICMAT also discussed wildfire impacts on Pasadena Unified and Los Angeles Unified, explaining that Pasadena’s $4 million state appropriation was based on an early post-fire assessment and that the district is being monitored with the county office of education. Members raised concerns about Pasadena’s leadership, special education staffing shortages, AB 218 sexual abuse litigation costs, insurance premium increases, and the need for stronger prevention and training measures. FICMAT said SB 848 and related policies address some of those concerns by strengthening standards, training, and reporting requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the change is just spelling out the Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction that students are eligible to
• . ...and every third-grade student being able to live into their potential of having the gift of literacy
• . ...working on literacy since the day I became education chair six years ago.
• I've worked very hard to raise our literacy rates, and many of you have been a part of that.
• I think this will be, as was mentioned in previous lines of debate and support, the strongest literacy

Bills: HB1675, HB3242, HB1739, HB3320, HB3047, HB4434, HJR1089, HB4432, HB3718, HB3705, SR43, HB1933, HB4248, SB1847, SB1778, HJR1086, HB3001, HB3002, HB3003, HB3004, HB3005, HB3007, HB3008, HB1590, HB1242, HB3818, HB4305, HB1979, HB1225, HB3931, HB4454, HB3849, HB1746, HB3720, HB4275, HB4300, HB3586, HB2268, HB3755, HB4117, HB4294, HB3650, HB4298, HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and recognized several visiting groups and honorees, including students from Wesleyan Christian School, Claremore Day participants, and a tribute to Dr. J. Craig for his Marine Corps service, chiropractic career, and aid to first responders after the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber also welcomed a Cricket Oak High School AFJROTC unit and the Lincoln Christian wrestling team, both recognized for recent achievements. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 43 commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring victims, survivors, and first responders. The Senate took up House Bill 1933, first rescinding prior action and then adopting a floor amendment to correct a drafting error and shift a penalty provision; the bill then passed 47-0. House Bill 4248, which would require purchasers of hemp beverages to be 21 and treat them similarly to beer for age purposes, passed 45-0 after brief discussion about whether it had medical implications. The Senate also adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1847, described as a compassion bill that would have saved the state money, and passed it 35-11 before later approving it as an emergency measure with 43 ayes. The chamber next adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1778, a major literacy bill adding early intervention, teacher training, and optional early ELA testing for second graders, along with good-cause exemptions; it passed 43-2 and then as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Joint Resolution 1086, approving rules from several agencies, by 42-4. Finally, the Senate advanced and passed a series of sunset-extension bills for boards and councils, including the Child Death Review Board, county government training commission, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, several environmental advisory councils, and the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, with most later receiving emergency passage. The Senate concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also empower the State Superintendent of Public Instruction with new roles and authority to
• It's the Instructional Quality Commission. Community... The commission on instruction, what is it?
• It's the Instructional Quality Commission.
• We've created two statewide literacy directors, and the curriculum staff.
• Two specialists around literacy to give guidance to our schools.

Summary: The joint Senate Education and Budget Committee hearing focused on the Governor’s proposed education governance overhaul, which would shift day-to-day management of the California Department of Education from the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction to a new appointed education commissioner, while giving the Superintendent new voting roles on the State Board of Education and the Community College Board of Governors. Chair Perez opened by stressing that the proposal raises major policy questions beyond the budget process and should be evaluated for its effect on students, local control, and accountability. Brooks Allen of the State Board of Education argued the change would unify policymaking and implementation, reduce fragmented authority, and create clearer accountability, citing decades of reports criticizing California’s “crazy quilt” governance structure and noting the proposal is timed for the 2026 transition. Amber Alexander of the Department of Finance outlined the fiscal and staffing transfers, describing the plan as largely cost-neutral and explaining how positions would shift between the State Board, the Department, and the new Superintendent’s office over 2026-27 and 2027-28. Sarah Cortez of the Legislative Analyst’s Office said the LAO supports shifting management to an appointed commissioner but recommended several refinements: preserving legislative oversight, requiring Senate confirmation of the commissioner, clearly defining the Superintendent’s duties as a public representative/advisor/evaluator, and refining the State Board’s role to focus on major policies requiring public input. She also said the fiscal plan should be cost-neutral and more fully specified. Senators raised concerns about the timing during an election year, the constitutional status of the Superintendent, whether the proposal should instead be a constitutional amendment, and whether governance changes actually improve student outcomes or simply rearrange the org chart. Some members questioned whether the proposal would confuse voters and undermine democratic accountability, while others said the current structure is already confusing and that the reform could improve clarity for districts and local boards. The discussion also covered how curriculum is set, with LAO explaining that the Legislature has broad authority but has delegated much curriculum work to the State Board and the Instructional Quality Commission. Members asked how the new structure would affect local districts, who they would call for guidance, and whether the commissioner would have authority over policy; the presenters said policy authority would remain with the State Board, while the commissioner would handle administration and implementation. No votes were taken during the panel discussion, and the hearing was organized to continue with additional panels and public comment later in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I partner a whole lot with our curriculum and instruction team.
• We did have a dynamic by literacy framework guidance to ensure that we worked with the Literacy and Humanities
• The Literacy and Humanities Bureau has been one of my huge partners lately.
• instruction.
• They actually led the work of the instructional scope for Spanish language arts.

Transcript Highlights:

• For literacy, the bill requires that intensive reading interventions be delivered by instructional personnel
• ... ...for instruction and climates when our students have various disabilities.
• instruction already, the teacher's not going to be able to instruct that student.
• It's important to update geographic and instructional school materials for Floridians.
• It's important to update geographic and instructional school materials for Floridians.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met with a quorum present and took up three bills. SB 1618, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a broad education package affecting VPK through grade 12. It included changes to VPK enrollment flexibility, repeal of the Council for Early Grade Success, agriculture and financial literacy curriculum updates, reading intervention requirements, limits on certain public-school spending, corporal punishment consent, educator certification and screening provisions, and changes to the school recognition program. A late-filed technical amendment clarifying prior legislation for certain private schools in Brevard, Clay, Sarasota, and Bradford counties was adopted. Senator Osgood raised concerns about the bill’s school recognition provisions and the impact on paraprofessionals and other support staff, and the sponsor said she would continue those discussions. SB 1618, as amended, was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1058, which would update Florida references from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in state, district, and charter school materials beginning after July 1, 2025, without requiring existing materials to be changed. The bill was presented by Senator Calatayud on behalf of Senator Gruters and was reported favorably without amendment or opposition. Next, the committee heard CS for SB 1470 on school safety, which would align school security guard training with guardian program requirements, refine locked campus and classroom rules, and improve panic alert and digital map coordination. Several amendments were adopted, including a late-filed amendment capping guardian training fees, creating a stakeholder work group for a Florida Institute of School Safety, adjusting locked-zone requirements and exceptions, requiring substitute teachers to receive safety protocol training, and a funding amendment providing $450,000 in recurring funds for a centralized panic alert and digital map system. Support was voiced by school district, sheriff, and safety representatives, and Senator Osgood praised the recurring funding as avoiding an unfunded mandate. The committee also passed SB 1472, linked to SB 1470, extending a public records exemption to school security guards’ records held by FDLE, with the exemption set to sunset in 2030 unless renewed. President Gaetz questioned the need for the exemption, and Senator Burgess responded that it was intended to protect school safety personnel from exposure of personal information after an incident. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only that, it instructs the Department of Transportation to ignore other laws.
• All of us care about literacy and about our kids' reading.
• and grade-level reading proficiency through the use of curricula, textbooks, instructional materials
• of reading, and that we also have that in the science of reading and structured literacy.
• I see literacy much like roads and bridges.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Representative Trabulsy, but she's not here right now to explain HB 127, related to required instruction
• Instructional support with help with differentiating classrooms are very complex now.
• And also, I just want to follow up not out of core instruction.
• So I adored my literacy coach and I needed her and she really supported teachers to become better literacy
• It works because as you and other members mentioned, it's the precious nature of instructional minutes