Transcript Highlights:

• It's under revenue limit, so it doesn't provide additional resources.
• But a one-year tax break is not a long-term fix.
• This deal squanders our surplus without actually meeting our needs for the long term.
• This is my seventh term in the Assembly.
• used for supplies and services costs, and must not be used for filling vacant positions or hiring limited-term

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're recognized. >> I'll take him in the in the order they came in terms of the natural gas supply
• And the only limiting factor there is getting the pipelines out of that region to other areas.
• And then in terms of you take a natural gas plant and converted to an some are natural gas plants.
• There's a issues in terms of, you know, resource use or whatever.
• The taste of that one. >> In terms of the assumption are sumption is actually both.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in terms of the wait list, that is really dependent on the cap.
• See how I stack up in terms of what the state is doing for the K-12 public school student.
• >> So, in terms of the funding that we get, >> So, in terms of the funding that we get, we have probably
• And they were helpful in terms of showing growth, where the student is now versus where that student
• limited enrollment as well. limited enrollment as well.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're now limited to using that product.
• And if they're pushing to an Arizona consumer a firmware update that now bricks—the term is 'bricks'—
• There's a time limit anyway.
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2451 changes the Arizona Space Commission board members' term dates
• It’s one of the favorite terms of my little RTS here. It says no speakers. Oh, wow.

Bills: HB2121, HB2134, HB2451, HB2700

Keywords: modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, a discussion that is much needed in terms of public education.
• And if you can, let's limit your testimony to four minutes.
• Needless to say, teachers who come to work at Salvador Garcia come to stay long-term.
• , resource shortages, and limited staff capacity.
• The bill in terms of teacher preparation is "Grow Your Own." Yes. Okay.

Bills: HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to facilitate the goal of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time, we
• Additional witness comments will be limited to your name, organization, and position.
• released a study, the Caltrans Bay Area Bike Highway Study, which looked at best practices and long-term
• They are where we need to be long-term.
• And I also appreciate your amendment to limit the speed safety systems to only operate in...

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a term for But what if they had?
• We need a term is because it happens. We need a term for<00:05:31.120> it.
• communicated in terms of its signage. communicated in terms of its signage.
• So I've I've limited state of Minnesota.
• > religious<01:47:22.719> schools limited exemptions for religious schools limited exemptions

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you've got a mechanism that, while it's limited to that parcel and is generating new tax increment
• So you've got a mechanism that while it's limited to that parcel and is generating new tax increment
• To qualify, promoters must meet significant attendance thresholds, maintain long-term agreements with
• of what the standards are. there's constitutional issues that arise in terms of what the standards are
• limit that we have.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So you've got a mechanism that, while it's limited to that parcel and is generating new tax increment
• So you've got a mechanism that while it's limited to that parcel and is generating new tax increment
• To qualify, promoters must meet significant attendance thresholds, maintain long-term agreements with
• And we want to think about, you know, with space being limited, you know, that you're going to run up
• against that already enshrined limit that we have, that we wouldn't want this to sunset for lack of

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard several bills focused on California’s creative economy, sports development, and cultural preservation. SB 226 by Senator Cabaldon would clarify that infrastructure revitalization financing districts may be used for entertainment and sports facilities, with testimony from West Sacramento officials emphasizing that the tool would rely only on project-generated city tax increment and would not affect school districts, counties, or the General Fund. Members discussed the relationship between IRFDs and EIFDs and the distinction between infrastructure financing and direct subsidy of private sports teams or stadiums. SB 865 by Senator Ashby proposed support for destination music festivals, citing the economic impact of events such as Aftershock and Golden Sky in Sacramento and similar festivals elsewhere in the state. Supporters from Visit Sacramento and Danny Wimmer Presents said festivals generate substantial jobs, tax revenue, and tourism spending while promoters bear the financial risk. Several committee members and public witnesses supported the bill as a way to sustain the creative economy, local businesses, and opportunities for artists. The bill passed the committee on a unanimous vote and was sent to Appropriations. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby would require disclosures when synthetic performers are used in advertisements, including audio ads, to inform consumers and protect human performers from displacement. SAG-AFTRA and voice actor advocates argued that consumers deserve to know when an ad uses AI-generated likenesses or voices, while TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and other industry groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about overbreadth, audio-only implementation, private enforcement, and the need for clearer exemptions and definitions. Members generally supported the bill’s goal but noted technical issues to refine; it passed unanimously to Judiciary. SB 1073 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a voluntary tax checkoff to support the South Los Angeles Black Cultural District. Supporters described the district’s historic and cultural significance and framed the measure as a way to help preserve Black cultural assets amid limited public funding. Members discussed how the checkoff would appear on tax forms statewide, its voluntary nature, and whether it could serve as a model for other districts. The bill also passed unanimously to Appropriations, and the committee later adopted the consent calendar unanimously as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there may be times in which the question over the term sentencing court that was inserted here may
• While veteran courts exist, their authority is limited.
• It provides a definition for gang-related language, and it changes the definition of the term criminal
• You are recognized to explain your bill on the statute of limitations period for violations involving
• This bill would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report until such time as the crime is

Bills: S0050, S0052, S0432, S0436, S0524, S0536, S0590, S0676

Keywords: veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several criminal justice bills. SB 50 on Veterans Treatment Courts was amended to clarify that entry into the program requires approval of the state attorney and to make the bill prospective only. Supporters, including veterans advocates and crime survivors, argued the bill would expand access to treatment-focused diversion for veterans with nonviolent charges and service-related trauma. The committee adopted both amendments and reported the bill favorably. SB 52, which creates an exemption from security licensing requirements for unpaid armed volunteers providing security at places of worship, also drew support from law enforcement and faith leaders who said it would clarify a legal gray area for churches; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 436 on felony battery and prison release reoffender enhancements. An amendment was adopted to align felony battery involving injury to law enforcement with the bill’s intent to address the disparity between battery on an officer and resisting with violence. Members discussed concerns about mandatory minimums and the scope of the enhancement, including how it might apply in cases involving older prior offenses or mental health crises, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties for related conduct, was supported by animal welfare advocates and reported favorably and unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 536 on criminal gang members after adopting an amendment clarifying the definition of gang-related conduct and requiring multiple criteria for gang membership. Members raised concerns about social media, neighborhood association, juvenile application, and overbroad labeling, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, not innocent association. The committee also reported favorably SB 432 on controlled substances, which adds concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I and creates penalties for xylazine products that resemble candy or food and for trafficking in xylazine; SB 524, an FDLE bill updating duties related to medical examiners, training, and complaint service procedures; and SB 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the crime is known to law enforcement. All of these bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after a final vote correction was entered for SB 524.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a big problem in terms of plastic everywhere: in the oceans, in our bodies, in the soil.
• The agency does limit it at that cap of $25,000 grant.
• Chair, maybe this is a good time to note that we have very limited committee time left.
• Age and physical limitations for some breeders have made the project unmanageable.
• Now, 10 years down the road, where could we be as a state in terms of revenue?

Transcript Highlights:

• Limiting access to modern tools that are increasingly essential for workforce training.
• Fentanyl and drug poisoning prevention instruction to entering undergraduates early in their first term
• What happens in terms of the recruiting process?
• In terms of the different financial literacy programs and things, I assume that...
• image, you used filtered something, what was the term?

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so we'll stick closely to that two-minute limit.
• supply with limited uh without government<00:15:16.000> subsidy.
• potentially limit affordability gains. potentially limit affordability gains.
• So, as a former three-term city council member, I served three terms in St.
• But in terms of this bill, you all.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• To ensure that everyone who registered has time to testify, testimony is going to be limited to three
• And tokamak is a technical term that was referred to.
• As the chair mentioned earlier, resources are limited.
• I have a question, kind of in terms of this addressing.
• So what is the relevance here in terms of preemption?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• through our long-term budget outlook. through our long-term budget outlook.
• <00:54:41.040> limited I think you will see limited limited I think you will see limited limited
• modest across the board, both in terms modest across the board, both in terms of<01:04:42.640>
• But um in terms of you know in that.
• Uh, because we do have limited resources, made even more limited by the actions of the federal government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that I imagine some or all of you have seen, we'd just like to remind everyone that testimony is limited
• But just to be courteous to everyone who needs to testify, please limit your testimony.
• I don't know if your characterization of the first Trump term is correct.
• Most of us are retired on limited incomes. Many of us are single parents.
• There's a huge barrier in terms of access to higher education.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes. The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further. Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again it's it's a way to limit timelines here.
• prospects for us in terms of the long-term structural gap that you have thank you chair we're always
• financing plan in terms of us moving forward.
• And that's not just near-term priorities, but also ongoing.
• Great, you just found difficulty in terms of implementation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:32.799> employee, 78.510 to redefine the terms employee, 78.510 to redefine the terms
• The bill also limits the number of retirees a department may hire based on department size, ensuring
• ,<00:30:35.840> renewable limited to one-year contracts, renewable limited to one-year contracts
• The bill also limits standard pay scale.
• <00:30:55.039> staffing intent is to provide limited staffing intent is to provide limited

Keywords: Consideration of HB 220 00:02:49 Consideration of HB 467 00:09:50 Consideration of HB 516 00:19:50 Consideration of HB 589 00:27:16, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 220, sponsored by Rep. John Blandon, addressed pension spiking for Kentucky Public Pension Authority systems by extending the effective date back to July 1, 2022. Blandon explained it was intended to correct a gap left by last year’s legislation affecting retirees who received across-the-board raises during the court period. A retired Kentucky State Police captain testified in favor but asked that the retroactive date be moved back to 2021. Members asked about fiscal impact, and Blandon said the bill would have only a very small percentage impact on CERS. The committee approved HB 220 unanimously, 17-0, with favorable expression. House Bill 467, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson, dealt with the disposal of surplus or underutilized state-owned real property. A committee substitute was adopted first. Johnson said the bill would let local governments and private citizens identify abandoned or dormant state property earlier in the process, while preserving existing fair-market-value disposal procedures. Committee members clarified that the bill concerns real property, not personal property, and asked about pricing and the current disposition process. Johnson and others explained that the bill would not change fair-market-value requirements but would move local involvement to the front end. The committee approved HB 467 as amended by the substitute, 17-0. House Bill 516, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would allow probationary police officers and firefighters in certain retirement systems to purchase service credit for up to 12 months of probationary employment and would extend line-of-duty death and disability coverage to probationary employees. Lewis said the bill was developed with the FOP, Professional Firefighters, and input from the Kentucky League of Cities, and that any retirement cost would be offset because both employee and employer contributions would be paid. Committee members confirmed the bill had been heard in PPOB and discussed the cost structure and the six-month window for purchasing service credit. The committee passed HB 516 favorably, 18-0. House Bill 589, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Deetsz, created a framework for cities and chapter 75 fire districts to rehire retired firefighters under strict conditions, similar to existing rules for retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted that required minimum employer retirement contributions, required a CPAT retest after a one-year separation, and expanded eligibility to chapter 75 fire districts. Deetsz said the bill was aimed at staffing shortages and preserving experienced personnel while protecting the retirement system. A city official and a Kentucky League of Cities representative testified in support, describing labor shortages and the value of bringing back experienced firefighters to mentor younger staff. The committee approved HB 589 as amended by the substitute, 18-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• short time this presentation has to be and where we are at the end of session, I've asked that we limit
• I've asked that we limit that, but we could have easily had a thousand people call today, right?
• For timing today, we will be maintaining a 25-minute time limit for the periods of support, opposition
• Second Amendment rights, cloaked under the term of preventing gun violence.
• In other words, nothing is off limits.

Bills: SB156

Keywords: gun violence, firearm safety, special counsel, data collection, community initiatives, grants, Attorney General, public safety, suicide prevention, 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we went out of our way, but where we couldn't go is to outright limit the jurisdiction of this new
• So, we went out of our way, but where we couldn't go is to outright limit the jurisdiction of this new
• So, we went out of our way, but where we couldn't go is to outright limit the jurisdiction of this new
• , but where we couldn't go is to our way, but where we couldn't go is to outright<00:05:16.160> limit
• the jurisdiction of this outright limit the jurisdiction of this new<00:05:18.400> office<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all