Transcript Highlights:

• Three years ago, ChatGPT launched. That made it clear to everyone.
• It might be used to... um or open AI launched chat GPT. um or open AI launched chat GPT.
• So, and operations, things like this.
• Uh so those around the operating room.
• </c><00:38:10.000><c> So</c><00:38:10.240><c> pre-operative</c><00:38:10.960><c> planning</c> Pre-operative

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• A majority of our land is actually leased for grazing operations.
• That is used—it can only be used for trust operations, things related to the trust.
• Again, we're trying to increase transparency, and so we've launched that as well.
• I don't know if it's fully operational. And honestly, I would never use that.
• Those are geologic field operation plans. In my case, that's drilling.

Summary: The committee first heard an Auditor General presentation on the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board’s sunset review. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also noted the board lacked a formal process to verify continuing education compliance. The board’s executive director said the agency had already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues, was working to improve complaint handling, and would implement all 21 recommendations. A veterinarian representing the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association supported the board and said the profession is also working to address the shortage of large-animal veterinarians. The committee then voted to recommend continuation of the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next received the Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Land Department. The audit identified three major problem areas: the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan for state trust land since 2011, it had not adjusted agricultural rental rates to reflect market conditions for many years, and it had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases and permits before releasing reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues risked lower returns for trust beneficiaries, lost revenue, and public safety hazards, and made 18 recommendations in the performance audit plus 34 additional recommendations in the sunset review. The department agreed to implement or partially implement nearly all recommendations and said it had begun a mass appraisal process. State Land Commissioner Robin Zahid then testified that the department was making operational improvements, including rulemaking updates, stakeholder outreach on water-use policy, a new customer-service status bar, and process changes for land sales and mining applications. She defended the decision not to renew the Fondomonte leases in a transportation basin, citing the high value of groundwater and the trust’s fiduciary duty. Members questioned her about agricultural lease water charges, the status of a water policy framework and addendum, the lack of a formal expedited review process, the Fondomonte reimbursement payments for improvements, and the department’s handling of a high-profile land auction tied to the Coyotes arena proposal. Several members also asked for follow-up information on pending residential housing applications, acreage, administrative fees, and third-party contractors.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state is providing a different narrative, an operational model, a policy blueprint for others to
• Not only keep our iconic industry here, but all the unionized camera operators, stunt performers, wardrobe
• Working together through our CalRx program, we launched our own generic drug label.
• We launched our own generic drug label.
• Just last week, we released and launched an insulin pen at just $11.

Summary: The joint convention convened to receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address, with legislative leaders introducing the Governor and welcoming constitutional officers, judges, and other guests. The proceedings opened with a moment of silence honoring Renee Nicole Good and other immigrants affected by detention and due process concerns. After introductory remarks from the Speaker, Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on his administration and California’s response to recent crises. The Governor highlighted California’s economic performance, tax structure, minimum wage increases, education funding, child care and school meal investments, housing reforms, apprenticeships, infrastructure projects, clean energy progress, and efforts on homelessness, mental health, and public safety. He also discussed state action on artificial intelligence regulation, climate resilience, insurance reform, and wildfire recovery, while sharply criticizing the federal government and President Trump on immigration, health care, food aid, disaster response, and other issues. He announced that his upcoming budget would include major education spending, a five-year extension of the CalCompete tax credit, additional community school funding, a rebuilding fund for fire survivors, and other policy proposals. At the close of the address, the Legislature formally ordered the Governor’s State of the State speech printed in the journal as a special appendix. The joint convention then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state is providing a different narrative, an operational model, a policy blueprint for others to
• Not only keep our iconic industry here, but all the unionized camera operators, stunt performers, wardrobe
• Working together through our CalRx program, we launched our own generic drug label.
• We launched our own generic drug label.
• Just last week, we released and launched an insulin pen at just $11.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also supports rural broadband with operations… Critical essential utility.
• And so now we put the funding there so they can operate within CYFD.
• It's a great place to do technology, to develop, to launch, to test.
• It's a great place to do technology, to develop, to launch, to test.
• It's just not a great space for space travel. launch to test.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152. The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute. The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• business, academia, government, health care, and the arts; and whereas on February 24, 2022, Russia launched
• a full-scale and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine... ...February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale
• I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating drones on the
• I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating drones on the

Transcript Highlights:

• business, academia, government, health care, and the arts, and whereas on February 24, 2022, Russia launched
• a full-scale and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale
• I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating drones on the
• about the life that I I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s Journal and referred committee reports and newly introduced measures as designated. Among the introductions, Senate Bill 6354 was read and sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8692, recognizing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week/Month, was adopted after remarks emphasizing motorcycle safety, the charitable work of riders, and the need for drivers to watch for motorcycles and use caution. Senate Resolution 8675, recognizing the shared democratic values of Washington State and Ukraine, was also adopted. Supportive remarks highlighted Ukraine’s endurance, the impact of the war on civilians and soldiers, and solidarity with Ukrainian Americans and the people of Ukraine. After adopting the Ukraine resolution, the Senate welcomed members and representatives of the United Ukrainian community in the gallery. The session then adjourned without objection until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to allow a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community operating
• of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to allow a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community operating
• It launches a grant program for job training. Thank you.
• It launches a grant program for job training, and it shifts the cap to 5,000 reimbursement versus the

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up three veteran-related bills. SB 78 would allow the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to authorize a nonprofit retirement community serving only veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses to create veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds in a skilled nursing facility, including transfer of certificate-of-need beds within 100 miles. The Air Force Enlisted Village CEO testified in support, saying it would add needed skilled nursing care to their continuum; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1280, a broad veterans bill that modernizes employment and training programs, renames the program the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program, creates a job-training grant program, adjusts reimbursement caps, expands university/agriculture training stipends for veteran spouses, provides various fee reliefs, waives a one-time state business filing fee for veterans, and expands veterans’ treatment courts. Two amendments were adopted: one changed the state flagship designation to the SS American Victory and allowed disabled veteran designation on specialty plates via a DV embossing, while removing outdated references; the second removed hunting and fishing license provisions due to funding concerns. Veterans Florida representatives waved in support, and the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1282 created a public records exemption for information submitted to the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program when veterans are developing business opportunities, protecting trade secrets and related sensitive information from disclosure. Veterans Florida supported the measure, and after brief debate the bill was reported favorably. The committee then briefly reconsidered the vote for recording purposes and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amount of debt service magnifies the severity of potential cuts to the rest of our operations.
• Oftentimes, the facility area—whether it's operating and with custodial and landscape and maintenance
• It was really giving us the trade-off between other operational needs and the debt service.
• Launched in 2022, CalKids is California's landmark initiative to help families.
• Since our launch, nearly 600,000 students and families have claimed their CalKids scholarship.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks to the support of the legislature, Evergreen Shelton Promise launched in 2024.
• The Evergreen alumni mentor program was also launched.
• What we wanted to do was launch something that would be a positive recognition when students exhibited
• So we've launched something called a Wellington High Five. Wellington is our wildcat.
• Among these, I served as the president of the African Diaspora Association and operated as director of

Bills: SB6325 , SGA9302 , SGA9286 , SGA9289 , SGA9290 , SGA9292 , SGA9293 , SGA9309 , SGA9310 , SGA9311 , SGA9312

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: higher education, student procedures, academic policies, enrollment processes, educational standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks to the support of the legislature, Evergreen Shelton Promise launched in 2024.
• The Evergreen alumni mentor program was also launched.
• What we wanted to do was launch something that would be a positive recognition when students exhibited
• So we've launched something called a Wellington High Five. Wellington is our wildcat.
• Among these, I served as the president of the African Diaspora Association and operated as director of

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee heard two work sessions focused on student access and retention, then held public hearings on gubernatorial appointments before taking executive action. Washington Student Achievement Council staff presented the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign, created by Executive Order 2508, describing its advisory board, outreach strategy, dashboard tracking, and progress toward goals of 46,000 FAFSA/WASFA completions and improved equity in completion rates. They also highlighted broader college access tools such as trainings, printed materials, completion events, Otterbot texting support, and the new “Changing the Narrative” report and College Toolkit, which emphasize multiple postsecondary pathways, relatable messengers, and short video content. The committee then heard from the Council of Presidents and Central Washington University and Evergreen State College on student support services. Presenters discussed retention data, FERPA-related limits on parent communication, and the impact of budget cuts on advising, tutoring, wellness, and other services. Evergreen described the Shelton Promise program, including recruitment, summer bridge, basic-needs supports, peer mentoring, texting outreach, and early retention results showing 52 of 53 students continuing. Central Washington outlined its learner access and support plan, including required advising, University 101, early academic alerts, peer mentoring embedded in coursework, the Students First Center, and a Paying for College Guide, while noting that budget reductions have limited some support offerings. In the public hearing, the committee considered Latasha Wortham’s appointment to the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees and a panel of student appointees to various boards and councils, including Evergreen, Washington Student Achievement Council, the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Edmonds College, and Western Washington University. Testimony emphasized first-generation and immigrant backgrounds, student advocacy, basic needs, and the importance of student voice in governance. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and gave Senate Bill 6325 a due pass recommendation to Ways and Means; the bill would shift certain higher education cost increases from tuition to state funds over time and direct a WSIPP study on essential student services. The committee also recommended confirmation for the listed gubernatorial appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are on track with this revised training to launch it in the fall/winter of 2026, which is ahead
• And we are on track with this revised training to launch it in the fall winter of 2026, which is ahead
• I'm not sure we can land on a percentage at the moment, but I know for us, we've always operated on a
• For us, we've always operated on a match scenario.
• Because, again, they are operating at the local level.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item four is the confirmation of Jason Johnson for appointment as Undersecretary of Operations for
• Prior to this role, he served as the director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations.
• Again, only... ...in various budget management and operations roles since 2016.
• In 2026, she launched Mesisa Creators. ...for concepts across multiple countries.
• They are often operated by third-party vendors without any meaningful oversight.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not a program industries have operated under for seven years.
• The proposed legislation makes operating a recycling facility. logical areas.
• They just launched another one recently around clean fuels.
• We are They just launched another one recently around clean fuels.
• We are launching a new company, New Mexico’s first plug-in solar startup.

Bills: SB12 , SB36 , SB92 , SB120 , SB133 , SB151 , SB18 , SB96

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• We were able to launch, and as you heard, we launched—we’ll have 23 graduating apprentices in the spring
• </c><00:05:01.520><c> and</c><00:05:01.720><c> as</c> received we were able to launch and as received
• we were able to launch and as you<00:05:02.000><c> heard</c><00:05:02.400><c> we</c><00:05:02.560><c
• > launched</c><00:05:03.120><c> we'll</c><00:05:03.360><c> have</c><00:05:03.639><c> 23</c> you heard
• we launched we'll have 23 you heard we launched we'll have 23 graduating<00:05:05.720><c> apprentices

Bills: HF846 , HF1538 , HF1959

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• private and nonprofit universities play a distinctive role in our state without receiving state operating
• I describe myself with numbers since I know that's how systems like this operate.
• For the record, I'm Ben Small, executive director of Launch Northwest.
• Launch Northwest is based in Spokane and provides wraparound services and scholarships to lower-income
• I support Senate Bill 5828 to continue to make that fit viable for Launch Northwest scholars.

Bills: SB5826 , SB5828 , SB5909 , SB5954

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, veterans, tuition waiver, education, survivors, eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• private and nonprofit universities play a distinctive role in our state without receiving state operating
• I describe myself with numbers since I know that's how systems like this operate.
• For the record, I'm Ben Small, executive director of Launch Northwest.
• Launch Northwest is based in Spokane and provides wraparound services and scholarships to lower-income
• I support Senate Bill 5828 to continue to make that fit viable for Launch Northwest scholars.

Summary: The Workforce Development Committee heard public testimony on several higher education bills. Senate Bill 5954 would expand veteran survivor tuition waiver eligibility to better align state law with federal DEA benefits, allowing eligible children and surviving spouses/domestic partners to use the waiver outside current age and time limits. The sponsor and veteran advocates said the change would help families access earned benefits; no opposition was heard, and the public hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5826, which would require public postsecondary institutions to provide access to medication abortion through student health centers or referrals and web-based information by the 2027-28 academic year. Supporters, including students and reproductive health advocates, said the bill would reduce barriers, travel burdens, and stigma and help students stay enrolled. Opponents, including clergy, Catholic Conference representatives, and other individuals, argued the bill promoted abortion, raised safety and moral concerns, and was outside the mission of colleges. The public hearing was closed after extensive testimony. Senate Bill 5828 would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards for students attending private not-for-profit four-year institutions, using the average award at public institutions rather than the reduced formula adopted last session. The sponsor and many students, private college leaders, and business and workforce groups supported the bill as a matter of fairness, access, and student choice, while public university faculty and representatives opposed it, saying state aid should prioritize public institutions and that the bill would deepen funding inequities. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5909, which would require public baccalaureate institutions to review and potentially discontinue low-enrollment degree programs; supporters framed it as a transparency and efficiency measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as too blunt and potentially harmful to smaller, specialized, or equity-focused programs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, in our College of Business, we are launching new undergraduate and graduate certificate programs
• To provide further support to our health care community, we're launching a new Doctor of Nursing Practice
• I don't believe there is a simpler, yet more impactful program we could launch that could more clearly
• I'm indeed going to Farmington next month just to learn more about our operations in northwestern New
• Currently in a BBA or MBA program, rather than go to a fully launched degree.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the final group of central operating the final group of central operating functions<00:17:58.440
• </c><00:29:08.640><c> things</c> proportion of central operations things proportion of central operations
• <00:30:09.720><c> and</c> operations and operations and admin<00:30:11.480><c> um</c><00:30:11.720><c
• </c> like systems rent and other operating like systems rent and other operating needs<00:30:33.720><
• </c><01:12:50.120><c> right</c><01:12:50.280><c> now</c> that we're operating right now that we're operating

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This capital authorization will help us work across the ecosystem to stand up launching paths to host
• It's not lost on me that Smith & Wesson has decided to move operations to better tax environments.
• By prohibiting the placement and operation of these machines... ...and our general laws.
• operators to simply go around these regulations, as they have done in many other states.
• As you've heard from other advocates and likely read in the news, hackers can use AI to launch major

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets