Transcript Highlights:

• You should be giving us Texans policies that people. want to vote for instead of trying to rig that vote
• We are young, and voting is the lifeblood of that democracy.
• He's holding up a sign that says, "Vote no, please." We see your sign that says, "Vote no, please."
• Thank God I was able to vote for Monica de la Cruz in CD15.
• People under, however, vote Democrat usually.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no other discussion, we'll go ahead and take a vote. We'll take a roll call vote on this.
• The House vote was seven yeas and four nays, and the Senate vote was zero yeas and two nays.
• I see no further light, so we'll go ahead and do a roll call vote. Roll call vote. Roll call vote.
• Seeing none, we'll place the vote.
• Roll call vote. This is for the substitute motion. Roll call vote: Senator Pitcher...

Committee: Joint Business and Labor Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pizzo: I WILL VOTE FOR THIS BILL, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR IT AND OPPOSE IT IF WE CONSIDER THE HOUSE BUT IN
• BY YOUR VOTE SB 952 REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• I ASK YOU TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
• GOING TO VOTE FOR THIS TODAY.
• BY YOUR VOTE SB 30 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. YOU VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. WE WILL MOVE TO TABS 16.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can vote on a block vote, and I would open that up for discussion now.
• Let's vote first then on the following appointees in block. We will vote in block.
• Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess. Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess.
• Would anyone like to record a vote?
• Would anyone like to record a vote?

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> vote on today. vote on today.
• c> So, I urge vote members to vote no and So, I urge vote members to vote no and go<01:09:03.440><c>
• It's an easy vote. vote. vote.
• </c> sports, vote green. sports, vote green.
• Members, vote common sense, vote red. Members, vote yes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, let's open the vote. Votes open. Everyone's voted. Anyone want to change your vote?
• With that, we'll close the vote. Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. The amendment is passed.
• With that, we'll open the vote on House Bill 1247 as amended. Votes open. Everyone's voted.
• Everyone's voted. Anyone want to change your vote? With that, we'll close the vote.
• Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. Thank you. Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee reconvened to address House Bill 1247, relating to protection of a student who is a victim of sexual assault. Senator Axtman explained that a proposed amendment to extend suspension time in rare cases where a case remains active was not adopted because it could conflict with providing adequate educational access, and the committee agreed not to amend that provision. Members then clarified a separate amendment to HB 1247 that incorporated testimony-based changes, including language addressing notice procedures for juvenile and adult cases and students who are over 18 but still enrolled in high school. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0807.02001 to HB 1247 by a 6-0 vote. Afterward, the committee passed HB 1247 as amended on a 6-0 vote, and Senator Wobbema was assigned as carrier. The committee also briefly confirmed that HB 1223 was already good to go and did not require further action. At the end of the meeting, members discussed the schedule for the following Monday and agreed to start at 10:00 a.m. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair votes I.
• Anyone voting with reservations or no? Hearing none, all other members vote I.
• Chair Gabard votes I. Vice Chair's excuse. Senator Dy: I. >> I'll vote yes.
• </c> voting with reservations or no? voting with reservations or no?
• </c> votes I. Uh vice chair is excused. votes I. Uh vice chair is excused.

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in her final vote. in her final vote.
• So, if you don't want to vote for it, please vote no.
• </c> vote no.
• But, for me, I will be voting vote no.
• So I would thank you for a yes<00:54:28.360><c> vote.</c> yes vote. yes vote.

Bills: HF3455 , HF3936 , HF3860 , HF3656 , HF4060

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: public television, funding, Minnesota, operations, appropriation, cybersecurity, state government, legislative commission, extension, technology, civil law enforcement, attorney general, record custody, government transparency, legal services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.
• And so we are voting on this.
• So we do ask for a no vote. Thank you very much.
• Respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.
• Thank you, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee heard a series of bills focused on nonprofit tax status, housing, tribal land return, tax relief, economic development, journalism, reparations, manufacturing investment, and pawned property sales tax. The chair explained the committee’s suspense file process and noted that only AB 2270 and AB 2641 were eligible for immediate votes; other measures were referred to suspense after presentation. AB 2084 (Bauer-Kahan) would give the Franchise Tax Board discretion to delay or review revocation of state nonprofit tax-exempt status when federal status is revoked, and AB 2167 (Macedo) would clarify that tribally chartered corporations are eligible for existing tribal conservation land return tax exemptions. Both drew support from nonprofit and tribal representatives and were sent to suspense. AB 2270 (Arambula) sought to improve farmworker housing access to low-income housing tax credits by adjusting scoring criteria to reflect rural agricultural realities. Supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages projects near farmland; the bill passed the committee 4-1 and was sent to Housing and Community Development. AB 2336 proposed excluding the first $25,000 of overtime pay and pension income from taxation; supporters framed it as affordability relief, while an opponent warned of major General Fund losses and a member raised the lack of an income cap. AB 2205 would reinstate the New Employment Credit to encourage hiring in high-unemployment areas, and AB 2222 would create refundable tax credits for local news organizations hiring journalists; both received strong support from business, labor, and media advocates and were referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 2186, which would exclude future reparations payments from state income tax, with supporters arguing reparations should not be reduced by taxation; it was sent to suspense. AB 2377 would accelerate depreciation deductions for manufacturing equipment, with a larger benefit in high-need areas, and AB 2641 would extend the sales tax exemption for people repurchasing their own property from pawnbrokers, with the author agreeing to a five-year sunset amendment. AB 2641 passed 4-0 and was sent to Appropriations. After taking up the remaining roll calls for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just, members, note the votes. No further comment. Okay, questions? Seeing none. Thanks.
• Madam Chair, I note the votes and we can move on. Okay, sounds good. Thank you.
• Let's note the vote. And is there money in those funds, Vicente? I'm sorry, can you?
• I will note that the members voted for this unanimously. Love it. Okay, thank you.
• We can note the vote. Okay, did you have a question?

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that part of it, the member voting, and they're voting digitally? Yes, exactly.
• And you use the token to vote?
• Very commonly, there are different mechanisms for voting.
• You have to then voting is one of the ways to demonstrate that.
• It's the group voting on that store of value...

Bills: HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Westrom votes I. Members, please vote.
• I report that Senator France votes I, Senator Latz votes no, Senator McEwen votes I, and Senator Port
• votes no.
• All Senators having voted who desires to vote, the secretary will close the roll.
• I report Senator Frentz votes I, Senator Latz votes I, Senator McEwen votes I, and Senator Port votes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote on it.
• Vote on it.
• Vote on it.
• Vote on it.
• Vote on it.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote. Um, I in favor of &gt;&gt; Uh, just here. I vote.
• Um, I vote yes, and I'm going to explain my vote.
• Senator Meredith voted aye. Senator Richardson voted aye. Senator Thomas voted aye.
• Representative Balman voted aye. Representative Mcool voted aye. Representative Rors voted aye.
• Representative Hart voted yes. Chairman Douglas voted aye.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• the vote?
• the vote?
• the vote?
• Chair votes I. Vice chair amendments. Chair votes I. Vice chair votes<00:24:42.240><c> I.
• ><02:06:34.480><c> votes</c><02:06:34.880><c> with</c> votes I, vice chair votes with votes I, vice chair

Bills: SB2709 , SB3154

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229. The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor. A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, SB 984 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 984 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for CS SB 494 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for SB 1252 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for SB 1654 is reported favorably.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and civil justice bills. Among the measures reported favorably were SB 984, which adds aggravating factors for capital sentencing when a murder occurs during religious, school, or public government gatherings; SB 1140, creating a Hillsborough County pilot program to address substance abuse among offenders on probation; SB 1180, expanding child pornography laws to cover lewd altered or filtered images and solicitation; SB 10, providing compensation to Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction; SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and training for missing children with autism; SB 1054, increasing penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; SB 1072, establishing an expedited DNA testing grant program; and SB 240, the Haven Act, which aligns domestic and dating violence protections and creates a feasibility study for a discreet emergency contact system for victims. Several bills were amended before passage, including funding for the Spectrum Alert program and technical changes to the DNA, juvenile justice, and other proposals. Members also advanced SB 494, creating a statewide FDLE animal abuse database and increasing sentencing consequences for aggravated animal cruelty, with strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials. SB 1422 was reported favorably to strengthen penalties for unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones, though members raised concerns about the bill’s “reasonable force” language. SB 1268 updated FDLE statutes and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. SB 1252 was amended into a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, and SB 1386 increased penalties for assaults and batteries on utility workers, drawing support from utility and industry groups. The committee also approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, which criminalizes dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, and SB 1654, which revises sexual offender and predator registration rules, including online reporting for certain in-state travel residences. SB 1650 expanded the vexatious litigant law, and SB 1652 created a public records exemption for stricken non-criminal court filings. Finally, SB 1284, expanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters called it a life-affirming measure, while opponents warned it could increase litigation, affect abortion-related care, and discourage physicians from practicing in Florida. The bill was heard with multiple public comments, but the transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on SB 1284.

Transcript Highlights:

• By chair for the vote. Members voting on House Bill 496, House Draft 1.
• </c><02:14:43.599><c> Bill</c><02:14:43.840><c> 978</c> vote members voting on House Bill 978 vote members
• Vice Chair, for the vote. Members voting on House Bill 463, House Draft 1.
• Vice Chair, for the vote. wish vote no any reservations seeing wish vote no any reservations seeing none
• </c><02:23:12.280><c> on</c><02:23:12.399><c> House</c> the vote right memb is voting on House the vote

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote no or refrain from voting. Thank you so much. All right, we have Me Toos.
• So please vote yes.
• So please vote yes.
• Can we get a roll call vote, please?
• Can we get a roll call vote, please?

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is ought to pass by vote of 4 to 0. is ought to pass by vote of 4 to 0.
• </c> The eyes have it by a vote of 15 to 8. The eyes have it by a vote of 15 to 8.
• rescind third reading vote on the ought to pass with amendment and vote on the floor amendment 1496.
• c> on</c> ought to pass with amendment and vote on ought to pass with amendment and vote on the<01:03
• We have to have a series of votes to do that. The first vote is to rescind the third reading.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Current vote is five ayes and no noes, with the Chair voting aye.
• Current vote is 2 to 2 with the chair voting aye. Cabaldon, Cortesi. Aye. Cortesi, aye.
• Current vote is three ayes, no noes, with the Chair and Vice Chair voting aye.
• Current vote is two ayes and no noes, with the Chair voting aye. Ochoa Bogh, Choi.
• Current vote is five ayes, no noes, with the Chair voting aye.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills. SB 1154 would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. The author and community college supporters argued it would give colleges flexibility similar to K-12, UC, and CSU and help avoid delays and costly change orders. Contractors and electrical subcontractors opposed the bill, saying its skilled-and-trained workforce requirement and safety provisions would narrow competition and disadvantage small and nonunion firms. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass vote and was placed on call. SB 1347 would clarify that stock albuterol may be stocked in all public schools, including preschool programs. The author and a physician testified that the bill would remove confusion in existing law and improve access to emergency asthma medication for students. School nurses, respiratory care advocates, and small school districts supported the measure, and there was no opposition. The bill passed unanimously on a due-pass to the floor vote and was placed on call. SB 1222 would create a pilot program to designate a lead county office to help regions struggling with career technical education implementation. Supporters said many students remain disconnected from school and work and that the bill would spread proven regional CTE practices. Some committee members questioned whether another pilot was needed, arguing existing CTE programs need more funding and fewer new structures, while the author and sponsor said the bill would build regional capacity and share successful models. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1378 would create a California Excellence in Service Learning Designation Program to recognize schools and districts with strong service-learning programs. Supporters said it would validate existing work and encourage civic engagement, while one member raised concerns about adding more designations and workload for schools. The bill passed as amended to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1048 would create a Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students demonstrating climate science knowledge through coursework and hands-on learning. Supporters, including the Department of Education and climate education groups, said it would align students with growing clean-energy careers; some members cautioned against adding more curriculum-related seals and noted equity and implementation concerns. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, SB 1101, the Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act, was presented. It would require CSU, community colleges, independent colleges, and request UC to notify students, faculty, and staff when their personal information is shared with federal agencies such as the Office for Civil Rights, and to limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters said recent federal investigations and subpoenas have created fear and a lack of transparency on campuses. Committee discussion focused on subpoena authority, constitutional limits, and whether notice should be required; one member said she would abstain because of legal concerns, while another said the bill would continue to be examined in the next committee. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1101 before a final vote is recorded.