Transcript Highlights:

• Amelia Tibo for the record, we do have staff, but they are also often operating with excess time. ...
• operating with excess time.
• We have to make those operational costs at $110,000 over five years.
• The operating costs amount to $17,350...
• As I've stated a few times this session, I do operate a private, regulated water and sewer company.

Bills: AB568 , SB90 , SB133 , SB147 , SB229 , SB233 , SB240 , SB245 , SB280 , SB378 , SB393 , SB417 , SB434 , SB494 , SB495

Committee: Assembly Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• And it actually allows the participation is entirely operational... ...money.
• public employees manifests nothing less than an intent on their part to prevent or obstruct the operations
• On Saturday, I woke to the news that the United States had launched a strike in Iran, where a girls'

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a journal approval, and recognitions including the Doctor of the Day and guests. Members also adopted a proclamation honoring National School Social Work Week, with remarks emphasizing the role of school social workers in student mental health, crisis intervention, and family support. The chamber then moved through first readings and multiple Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first calendar, the House considered HB 2123, HB 2140, and HB 2144, all dealing with gold and silver or child support beginning at pregnancy. HB 2123 and HB 2140 were amended and recommended do pass; HB 2144 drew debate over paternity, genetic testing, rape-related pregnancies, and whether support should begin before birth, but it also received a do-pass recommendation as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and engrossed those bills. On a later calendar, the House advanced HB 2492 on urban growth boundaries, HB 2875 with clarifying amendments, HB 2946 on housing affordability and construction costs, and HB 4115 and HCR 2051 on ballot initiative petition rules and disclosure. Supporters said those measures would improve transparency and ensure Arizona initiatives are driven by residents, while opponents argued they would make it harder for citizens to qualify measures and would burden direct democracy. The House also considered HB 2175 on hate-crime law, HB 2270, HB 2416, HB 2495, HB 2557, HB 2697, HB 2940, and HB 4010. HB 2175 prompted a failed attempt to add a Garcia amendment that would have included gender identity and removed political affiliation from the hate-crime statute; the House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report without that amendment. HB 2557 was described as a medical-records bill changing timing from calendar days to business days, and HB 2697 was explained as a Good Samaritan-style measure extending protections for expired opioid antagonists such as Narcan. HB 2940 drew substantial opposition from Democrats and health advocates who said it would cut people off SNAP and Medicaid/Access and could violate pension protections, while the sponsor argued it would reduce ineligible enrollment and save money; it still advanced as amended. HB 4010 also advanced as amended. In the final portion, the House took up HB 2324, HB 2573, HB 2601, HB 2876, and HCR 2004. HCR 2004, on photo enforcement, was amended to allow cities with photo radar to put the issue to local voters; supporters framed it as a compromise and a local-choice measure, while opponents argued photo enforcement saves lives and reduces speeding-related crashes. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, then reconsidered earlier failed bills HB 2055, HB 2150, HB 2426, and HB 2755. The chamber also passed several third-reading bills, including HB 2264 and HB 2373, while HB 2413 failed. The transcript ends amid debate and voting on HB 2862, a sentencing bill involving crimes committed while wearing a mask.

Transcript Highlights:

• initiatives in Santa Fe County include the creation of 700 deeply affordable rental housing units, the launch
• It was started in 2009 and has seven operating subsidiaries that collectively employ over 600 people
• Sexual violence does not operate on a clean timeline.

Transcript Highlights:

• And is it sort of operational in nature? Does it have eligibility impacts?
• Again this is, we are currently operating under an interim foster care rate system.
• We've been operating under that system since 2017.
• So that is the the difference we the 20-24 costs and 20-25 operations. Thank you. 19?
• This is to properly score state operations reductions related to control section 4.05 and 4.12.

Transcript Highlights:

• not one of the exceptions that's allowed under the law to be able to utilize a UAV to be able to launch
• By utilizing UAV, we'd be able to launch it, be able to identify where that person may be, set a perimeter
• Minnesota Sheriffs Association fully supports these updates as they enhance public safety, they improve operational
• Minnesota Sheriffs Association fully supports these updates as they enhance public safety, they improve operational

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Students would be well served by the new offering of a Bachelor of Science in AI for cyber operations
• They would have to continue operating, or continue offering, the associate degree in nursing.
• And that's really... ...operating or continue offering the associate degree in nursing.
• And that's really what this bill is about: it's about operating within the current structure that is
• So we're not all even operating our health centers with our own employees, but with partnerships within

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on community college baccalaureate programs and trustee compensation. AB 2528 would raise the maximum monthly compensation cap for community college district trustees, with the author and supporters arguing the change is permissive, long overdue, and needed to make service more accessible to working people and better reflect community diversity. CSEA took a tweener position, warning about optics and asking for longer public notice before any compensation increase, while some members raised concerns about taxpayer costs and benefits. The bill was discussed but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The committee then took up AB 2053, which would authorize Coast Community College District to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Supporters said the bill addresses a workforce shortage, serves working adults and veterans, and includes an LAO evaluation and a sunset. CSU and its Academic Senate opposed the bill, arguing it duplicates existing CSU programs and could set a precedent for more one-off degrees. Members also raised questions about funding, Prop. 98, and whether the program would divert resources; the author said the district already has funding and that the bill is a narrow pilot. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer the bill to Appropriations, with several ayes and some no votes, and the roll left open for additional members. AB 2301, a pilot allowing up to 10 community college districts to offer nursing bachelor’s degrees, drew broad support from nursing, labor, and community college groups who said California faces a severe nursing shortage and that community colleges offer a more affordable pathway for working and rural students. CSU and other opponents argued existing ADN-to-BSN pathways are more efficient and that the bill could worsen competition for limited clinical placements and faculty. Members questioned funding and Prop. 98 impacts; the Chancellor’s Office said the pilot would not require new state funding and would rely on existing mechanisms such as Strong Workforce and nursing infrastructure grants. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer AB 2301 to Appropriations, with the roll again left open. The transcript then began AB 2694, a broader workforce-responsive baccalaureate expansion bill intended to address duplication rules and create a more flexible process for community college bachelor’s degrees, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, Los Angeles County launched a pilot program that erased $363 million in medical debt with just
• AB 2448 would ensure that vendors of electronic health records are implementing operational safeguards
• Additionally, this bill introduces legal and operational uncertainty for physicians.
• The concept of professional judgment Introduces legal and operational uncertainty for physicians.
• But that's one scenario: triaging and sort of hospital operations is one in which there's a high risk

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, beginning with AB 2651 by Bonta, which would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds. Supporters, including family physicians, PTA representatives, and medical groups, said the bill would improve transparency and help parents protect children and vulnerable family members. Opponents argued the data could be misleading, could identify medically exempt or conditional students, and might lead to stigma or discrimination. The bill was later moved out of committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with one no vote recorded on the roll call. The committee also heard AB 2123 by Aguirre-Curry on medical debt relief, AB 1570 by Wilson to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast diagnostic and supplemental imaging, AB 2201 by Berner to restore Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal flexibilities, AB 2448 by Berman to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care records, AB 2034 by Addis on food additive safety and transparency, and AB 2598 by Krell to require better notification of next of kin when a patient dies in a hospital. Each bill drew strong support from authors, advocates, and affected individuals, while some drew opposition from insurers, industry groups, or transparency critics who raised concerns about cost, duplication, implementation, or unintended harm. Several bills were moved forward on due-pass-as-amended motions, including AB 2123, AB 2201, AB 2448, AB 2034, and AB 2598. The committee also heard AB 2551 by Elhawary, which would require health plans to collect and publish data on how often enrollees must go out of network for behavioral health care and why. Supporters said the measure would expose access barriers and high out-of-pocket costs, especially for communities of color and people with language access needs; opponents said it would add another reporting mandate and might not solve provider shortage problems. Members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals and several described personal or district-level experiences with behavioral health access problems. The bill was then moved out of committee on a due-pass motion. The committee also took up consent items and other procedural motions, with multiple bills reported out and some placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Michoudi talked about a new operator, and that's actually in your district, Senator Hinojosa.
• And Michoudi talked about a new operator, and that's actually in your district, Senator Hinojosa.
• I'm the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director for the San Antonio Zoo.
• Natural Bridge Caverns is a family-owned and operated business and is the largest cavern in Texas.
• I'm the Director of Operations for Landry's in San Antonio, Texas.

Bills: SB1798 , SB1835 , SB1319 , SB2942 , SB2928 , SB784 , SB1049

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing and Government Operations joint meeting, and a 1:10 p.m. Housing agenda.
• Housing and Government Operations joint meeting, and we have a 1:10 Housing agenda.
• Hello, co-manager, LC Native Corporation, operating on one coast, and we support...
• The Committees on Housing and Government Operations are back.
• Committee on Government Operations, same recommendation.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 834, which would change restrictions on transfers of real property under chapter 201H, HRS, and was discussed in the context of Hawaiian homelands and HHFDC-funded projects. Supporters, including HHFDC, DHHL, and individual testifiers, said the bill would clarify that Hawaiian homelands should not be subject to the 201H buyback and appreciation restrictions, while preserving affordability requirements tied to federal mortgage and tax credit programs. HHFDC explained that the main concern was the buyback/share-appreciation provisions, especially for DHHL projects using LIHTC or similar financing, and said aligning the statute with DHHL’s program goals would not be a problem. Members questioned whether removing the restrictions could weaken affordability protections, and whether the state could still prioritize beneficiaries and workforce housing, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 759, which would add the DHHL chairperson or designee to the HHFDC board of directors and adjust quorum requirements. DHHL and several supporters argued the measure would give Hawaiian Homes a seat at the table, improve access to HHFDC funding sources such as tax credits, private activity bonds, and revolving funds, and help leverage limited resources to reduce the Hawaiian Homes waitlist. One testifier supported the bill but urged safeguards to prevent favoritism or abuse of power, and another raised concerns about whether a DHHL representative would need to recuse from voting on projects involving DHHL. HHFDC testified that DHHL projects still must compete under the same criteria and set-asides as other applicants, and that the board already includes multiple public and executive representatives. Members pressed on whether DHHL could achieve the same informational goals without a voting seat, and whether the added board role would create leverage or conflicts. The DHHL witness said a nonvoting role could provide information, but a voting seat would be more useful for decision-making and advocacy. The discussion also covered DHHL’s use of LIHTC, rent-to-own models, transitional housing, and other layered financing, as well as the broader need to coordinate state housing resources. The transcript ends during continued questioning, with no final committee action or vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> general operations, general operations, but<00:02:05.640><c> the</c><00:02:05.760><c> issue</c>
• </c><00:43:19.080><c> Metro</c> ALPRs were used during Operation Metro ALPRs were used during Operation
• </c> for equipment service operation for equipment service operation prohibiting<01:25:54.960><c> the
• Is there added cost to your operation for doing that? Limmer.
• cost to your operation for doing that?

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• operators.
• We are also an entity that is already operating. We began operations back on July 3, 2023.
• to operator.
• to operator.
• We are a vertically integrated family-owned operator in-state, both adult use and medical, operating

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held its first hearing of the 194th session to take public testimony on 21 cannabis-related bills. Chairs Donahue and Gómez outlined hearing procedures and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Much of the hearing focused on the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), with Senator Mike Moore urging support for S. 90 to create an inspector general unit within the CCC. He argued the commission has suffered from dysfunction, workplace harassment allegations, delayed governance reforms, missed fee collections, and high legal costs, and said stronger legislative oversight is needed. Committee members largely agreed the CCC needs reform, though some expressed hope that new leadership would improve operations. A major theme was market structure and business viability. Representative Tyler testified for H. 183 to raise adult-use purchase limits from one ounce to two ounces, saying the change would reduce confusion and help retailers compete with neighboring states. Senator Payano supported S. 100, which would require a study of cannabis supply and demand to guide cultivation licensing, warning that oversupply is driving down prices and threatening cultivators. The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, represented by Ryan Dominguez, backed a package of bills aimed at increasing revenue, reducing regulatory burdens, attracting investment, and stabilizing the market, including higher purchase limits, simpler badge and testing rules, and a phased increase in the retail license cap. Attorneys Kevin Conroy and Mike Ross also supported raising the cap, arguing that the industry lacks capital and that more investment and exit opportunities are needed for provisional and distressed licensees. The most contentious issue was whether to raise the retail license cap from three to six. Supporters, including several business owners and industry advocates such as Peyton Shubrick, Tito Jackson, Armani White, Sean Burt, and others, said the current cap traps owners in declining businesses, prevents exits, and limits access to capital. They argued that many social equity and economic empowerment operators are struggling, that oversupply has pushed prices down, and that allowing more ownership could help businesses scale or sell. Opponents, including Senator Liz Miranda and several social equity operators, warned that lifting the cap now would let larger operators and multi-state companies dominate the market and harm equity-owned businesses. Miranda’s S. 88 would instead strengthen enforcement of ownership limits through audits, whistleblower protections, an anonymous tip line, and greater transparency. Another major topic was worker and consumer safety: Laura Bruno, Danny Carson, Al Vega, and others supported H. 194 after the death of Lorna McMurray, arguing for a CCC workplace and consumer safety department, better ventilation and PPE standards, stronger testing oversight, and retaliation protections for workers. The hearing ended without votes, with members thanking testifiers and indicating the committee would continue reviewing the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And builded up into court operations.
• </c><00:08:33.360><c> appropriation</c> court the court operations appropriation court the court operations
• </c> for full funding of our court operations for full funding of our court operations out<00:15:29.760
• Additional ask court court operations.
• </c><00:53:51.680><c> in</c> uh obviously we we are operating in uh obviously we we are operating in

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 1993 Education Reform Act launched the incredible progress we saw in student achievement here over
• In other sectors, R&D is part of daily operations.
• In other sectors, R&D is part of daily operations.
• So, over, you know, 12 or more years, it hasn't just been our operating budget, to be frank, and that
• beyond, and so there does require some above and beyond in terms of funding as well, outside the operating

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees. Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists. Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Greater Minnesota infrastructure program is projected to launch as an RFP in March 2025.
• be sought separately and replenished as needed, so this is just base funding to continue program operations
• be sought separately and replenished as needed, so this is just base funding to continue program operations
• be sought separately and replenished as needed, so this is just base funding to continue program operations
• be sought separately and replenished as needed, so this is just base funding to continue program operations

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't trust that they're not operating under the law. They're violating basic human rights.
• 2021, thanks to funding support from the legislature, the OCA and the Department of Youth Services launched
• This program is currently operating in seven of the 11 DA districts, is expanding to two more in the
• Probably because of the psychological operation that's been going on in this country for years.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• initiatives in Santa Fe County include the creation of 700 deeply affordable rental housing units, the launch
• It has seven operating subsidiaries that collectively employ over 600 people across the United States
• Sexual violence does not operate on a clean timeline.
• Sexual violence does not operate on a clean timeline.

Summary: The Senate convened, initially lacked a quorum, then established one and opened with prayer, pledges in English, Navajo, and Spanish, and the salute to the New Mexico flag. Members then moved through announcements and recognitions, including permission for cameras on the floor and gallery, and certificates honoring Santa Fe County Day and Soil and Water Conservation District Day. Senators spoke in support of both recognitions, emphasizing Santa Fe County’s history, cultural and economic contributions, and the conservation districts’ role in stewardship, agriculture, and conservation work across the state. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests, honorary lieutenant governors, student shadows, and seniors visiting the Capitol. The Senate confirmed two State Investment Council appointments. Mary Patricia Roman was confirmed 31-0 after debate highlighting her decades of global investment experience, leadership in private banking, and service on the SIC investment committee. John F. Bingaman was then confirmed 32-0 for reappointment, with senators citing his finance background, prior service as governor’s chief of staff, and role in state economic and early childhood policy. Members also discussed his leadership on the council and the importance of strong management of the state’s permanent funds. On legislation, Senate Memorial 3 passed 27-0. The memorial, developed with the Wild Friends civics and science program, invites state agencies to participate in an insect identification and education workshop with UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society. The Senate also received House messages and adopted several committee reports, including referrals and passage recommendations for multiple bills and memorials. Later, the chamber debated Senate Bill 145, which would consolidate certain federal audit reporting into a single submission and adjust audit requirements for smaller entities and acequias; supporters said it would streamline compliance without changing audit requirements, while opponents raised concerns about auditor business, oversight, and the risk of weakening scrutiny. The bill remained under debate in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• When Jose was asked to participate in the Mass Educate launch event, he worked late the night before

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators. The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session. In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement. The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses three of the most persistent implementation challenges we have experienced since ELOP launched

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a lengthy agenda of education-related bills, with quorum established at the start and several measures taken up on consent or special order. The committee also announced that AB 1644, AB 2362, and later AB 2197 were pulled from the hearing. Members reminded the public of hearing rules and limited testimony to two witnesses each in support and opposition. AB 2651, by Assemblymember Bonta, would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd-immunity thresholds. Supporters, including physicians, the California State PTA, public health groups, and school employee organizations, argued that families need timely, school-specific information to protect children and vulnerable community members. Opponents raised concerns about privacy, stigma, and whether school-level snapshots could be misleading. The bill passed the committee 5-1 and later 7-1 on the roll call. AB 2509, by Assemblymember Schultz, would allow districts to use a five-year rolling average for ADA funding calculations; supporters said it would stabilize funding amid attendance declines, while one member noted concerns about masking long-term enrollment problems. It passed 5-1 and later 7-2. The committee also approved AB 2430, which would expand after-school access, especially for high school students, improve funding and transparency, and create a work group on program quality. Testimony emphasized the value of expanded learning for youth development and working families, and members discussed the need to address middle school access as well. AB 2526, focused on special education funding, would expand the low-incidence fund to include students qualifying for the California alternate assessment; supporters said it would better align funding with student need, while some concerns remained about over-identification. AB 2325, the Pathways to Bilingual Teaching Act, would create a grant program to build bilingual teacher pipelines through partnerships among schools, community colleges, and universities; it received strong support and passed unanimously. AB 2460, presented by Assemblymember Pellerin for Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, would update school mental-health referral protocols to address trauma related to immigration enforcement; it also passed unanimously. AB 2404, which sought to require Central Valley representation on several governor-appointed bodies, drew debate over geographic representation and board composition and ultimately failed on a 2-5 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses three of the most persistent implementation challenges we have experienced since ELOP launched

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• They launched a new family practice residency in Lovington, New Mexico. So we're excited.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee