Transcript Highlights:

• local education groups and throughout the state agencies throughout the state offer full-day TK kindergarten
• We stand ready to support our leadership in making sure that these things come to reality.
• I wasn't quite ready, getting my notes together, but I don't want to miss my opportunity.
• that position thank you very much other comments questions so remember great thank you I wasn't quite ready
• Thank you very much for your support of the universal preschool-to-kindergarten funding for county offices

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so these ladies up here, I found out one of them went to kindergarten with my son, and I got to
• read to her when she was... ...kindergarten with my son.
• And I got to read to her when she was in kindergarten. She's getting older. I'm not.

Bills: HB3840 , HB3431 , HB4422 , HB4117 , HB4300 , HB4298 , HB2984 , HB3344 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3662 , HB4107 , HB3082 , HB2997 , HB3083 , HB3055 , HB2951 , HB3469 , HB3173 , HB3287 , HB2947 , HB3784 , HB3901 , HB4275 , HR1031 , HB4359 , HB4115 , HB3467 , HB2978 , HB3026 , HB3032

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Littrell. The chamber then heard several introductions and recognitions, including guests from members’ districts, the Lady Hornets championship team, and Doctor of the Day Dr. Ahmed Aziz, an internal medicine hospitalist from the Edmond/Deer Creek area. The main legislative action was consideration of House Joint Resolution 1031 by Representative Tammy West, a resolution recognizing Rose Day 2026 and honoring the sanctity of life. West moved adoption of the resolution, and the House approved it by recorded vote, 72-16. After the resolution passed, the body moved to announcements and introductions. The floor leader then offered a motion to adjourn, and the House agreed to adjourn until Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Jamaica Gray and I'm a kindergarten teacher at Kennedy Powell Elementary in Temple ISD.
• Right, so in your example, you've got a 30-year-old. teacher who's ready to, but the TIA helped her.
• Keep in mind, I'm just in kindergarten.
• Don't ever say. just kindergarten. I know. I've seen what you do with kids in kindergarten.
• I also teach AP chemistry for college board readiness and getting college credit.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Bills: SB710 , SB843 , SB1317 , SB1338 , SB1410 , SB1477 , SB1489 , SB1593 , SB1614 , SB1630 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1670 , SB1726 , SB1734 , SB1725 , SB1735 , SB1894 , SB1975 , SB346 , SB2045

Committee: House Education Oversight

Keywords: teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• bill on the agenda, and let's get our kids graduated with a standard high school diploma and get them ready
• So we are prepared and ready to execute when we get some uniform data about how we can help with some
• So I really want to caution because it doesn't transcend the FEFP, but career readiness and preparing
• the use of the funds to provide that level of rigor in the certifications for students to be career ready
• , ready, set, go.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met during Budget Week and first considered three member bills. House Bill 1111, by Rep. Valdes, would eliminate the option for students to leave high school with a certificate of completion instead of a standard diploma. Valdes said the bill was inspired by students who met credit requirements but could not pass a required assessment, and argued the certificate does not provide access to college, trade school, or military service. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. CS for House Bill 127, by Rep. Kendall, would support students with disabilities by using existing Florida Department of Education curriculum to create micro-credentials and coordinating with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA on workplace safety. Goodwill, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Florida PTA, and others supported the bill, which also passed unanimously, 15-0. House Bill 1367, by Rep. Booth, addressed chronic absenteeism by requiring statewide definitions and more uniform attendance reporting, along with rules for excused and unexcused absences and early identification of chronically absent students. Testimony emphasized inconsistent district policies and the need for clearer data and interventions. The bill passed 13-0, with some members noting concerns about implementation details and future rulemaking. The committee then took up PCB-P-PKB-2501, the proposed conforming bill for the fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget. The chair said the bill was designed to align statutes with budget and scholarship funding procedures, especially around the Florida Education Finance Program and scholarship payments. The PCB would require Florida student ID numbers for scholarship students, standardize cross-checking against FTE survey data, set quarterly payment dates, and use one data source for both reporting and withholding scholarship-related FFP amounts. It also would reduce certain add-on weights by 50%, remove the budget stabilization program, and repeal the educational enrollment stabilization program. Several members raised concerns that the add-on weight reductions could hurt career and technical education, AICE, IB, and CAPE programs, while the sponsor argued the data showed too much spending in an “other” category and that the reductions were aimed at aligning funding with actual program costs. Public testimony was mixed: some supported tighter accountability and clearer payment rules, while others warned against undermining expensive career-readiness programs. The PCB passed 11-2. After the conforming bill, the chair presented the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 Pre-K through 12 budget, totaling just under $21 billion, about $400 million below the current year. She said the budget reflects a need to slow spending growth and includes $20 million for New Worlds Scholarship Accounts, $7 million for security grants at Jewish day schools and preschools, $14 million for public school transportation stipends, an overall FEFP increase of about $747.7 million, $100 million for teacher salary increases, and increases in the base student allocation and funds per student. The committee did not vote on the budget recommendation at this meeting; it was distributed for review and will move to the Budget Committee next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• woman of strong faith, Helen volunteered and supported many charitable organizations and was always ready
• She had a passion for literature and enjoyed many ...ready to help people in need.
• one of her children and later grandchildren, along with their many graduation ceremonies from kindergarten

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized an intern in the chamber, and adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Helen Riley Curtin of Salem, with a moment of silence held in her honor. The body also welcomed former Senator Richard Moore to the chamber. The Senate then took up several local and special bills for final action. It passed to be enacted House No. 3898, amending the charter of the town of Natick, and House No. 4502, amending the town manager act for the town of Arlington. It also passed to be engrossed House No. 2275, authorizing the City of Revere to pay a sum of money to Denise Matera Condelli, widow of former school committee member Anthony Matera. Additional measures were advanced without objection: House No. 4292, amending the Hopkinton charter to address appointment powers of the board of library trustees, was passed to be engrossed; House No. 4143, authorizing Wellesley to amend the income threshold for senior real property tax deferments, was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also suspended rules to advance House No. 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRogers of the Department of Correction, and House No. 4763, validating the results of a Bourne annual election, both to third reading. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am now serving more two and three. into transitional kindergarten.
• Please go ahead when ready. Thank you. This is file item 2. Thank you, Chair, and the members.
• Ready? Okay, good. Okay. I am here to present. Ready? Okay, good? Yes, go ahead. Let's go.
• When ready, go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members.
• I think we're about ready.

Summary: The committee first adopted a 4-0 consent calendar for SB 1345, SB 1410, and SB 1421. It then heard SB 1200 on child care, which would redefine infant and toddler age categories so providers could count 18- to 24-month-olds as toddlers without changing ratios. The author and family child care providers said the bill would better reflect child development, improve reimbursement, increase capacity, and help keep family child care businesses open; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. The committee next approved SB 971, a permissive framework for counties to offer senior education and technology training through local public health systems and community partners. Supporters said it would help older adults with digital literacy, fraud awareness, health, and social connection, while remaining optional and locally tailored. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-0 to the floor. The committee also passed SB 1234, which requires fentanyl to be included in court-ordered drug testing in dependency cases when drug testing is already ordered. The author, an angel family member, and a sheriff’s office witness described child deaths and fentanyl exposure risks; the bill passed 4-0 to the floor. SB 1109, dealing with oversight of short-term residential therapeutic programs in small rural counties, drew substantial testimony. Supporters from Alpine County argued that two facilities there strain local emergency response and that annual review should be triggered by repeated serious citations or placement in counties lacking basic infrastructure. Opponents said the bill was too broad and could destabilize needed placement capacity. After discussion, the author accepted committee amendments, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations as amended. The committee also passed SB 961, which would notify financial aid applicants that they may be eligible for CalFresh; students and advocates said it would reduce food insecurity and improve college success, with no opposition, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. Later, SB 1099, clarifying local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under federal PRWORA exemptions, was heard and supported by local government attorneys; it was held on call after a 2-0 roll. SB 1190, creating licensing and safety rules for youth transport companies used in out-of-state residential placements, was supported by survivors and advocacy groups, with some support-if-amended testimony; it passed 4-0 to the Public Safety Committee. Finally, SB 1325, a narrow San Diego County measure to allow Feeding San Diego to participate in Cal Food under specific conditions, drew support from the author and Feeding San Diego but opposition from the California Association of Food Banks, which argued it would shift limited resources and add administrative burden. The transcript ends during committee discussion on SB 1325, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• As present, the committee is ready for business. Welcome to JFAC. First up, Mr.
• But I thank you, and I'm ready for questions. Yes, thank you.
• Ready for questions. Yes, thank you.
• If you take this test, we believe you are now ready to come here.
• That will impact the Idaho Career Ready Students Fund.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation on the K-12 public school support budget, including how support units, career ladder funding, health insurance, discretionary funding, transportation, facilities, and the Public Education Stabilization Fund (PSIF) work. Legislative Services explained that FY 2026 support units were revised downward, creating a $22.3 million ongoing general fund reduction, and walked through the FY 2027 agency request and governor’s recommendation. The governor recommended no increase for population forecast adjustments, but did recommend some statutory and policy changes, including shifting certain interest earnings to the general fund and reducing funding for some virtual school and IDLA-related items. The agency request also included one-time proposals for a high-needs special education fund and a regional service model for related services. Members asked extensive questions about how career ladder dollars are distributed, how health insurance and discretionary funds interact, why the health insurance increase in the budget differed from current plan estimates, and how facilities money under House Bill 292 is used. There were also questions about the size and use of the Idaho Career Ready Students fund, the maintenance-of-effort implications of special education funding, and whether some special education costs are being used for student housing or other noninstructional expenses. The superintendent and budget staff emphasized that many of the budget lines are formula-driven or statutorily required, that local districts determine actual staffing and spending within those formulas, and that special education costs continue to outpace available funding. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield then framed the budget request around enrollment trends, shifting demographics, and the need for more flexibility in how districts use existing dollars. She highlighted proposed categorical flexibility for some funds, changes to digital content and curriculum distribution, continued literacy gains, growth in career technical education programs funded through Idaho Career Ready Students, and the importance of endowment and Millennium Fund support. She also described the special education proposals as a temporary bridge while the state considers larger formula changes and noted a near $100 million gap between special education spending and funding. She further outlined planned federal waiver requests on assessments and flexibility, and said the department is seeking more state control over testing and reporting requirements. The committee did not take final action on the budget during this portion of the meeting. Members raised concerns about interest transfers from dedicated funds, the complexity of the funding formula, special education accountability, and whether the state should revisit the overall school funding model. Several follow-up data requests were made, including information on health insurance participation, regional special education service needs, and school contingency fund balances.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 42 by Zaffirini, relating to providing free full-day... pre-kindergarten for certain children
• assistance to Health and Human Services. and Endez et al., relating to funding for full-day pre-kindergarten
• Senate Bill 175 by Menendez relating to providing free pre-kindergarten for certain children to education
• and implementation by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs of the Texas Tenant Readiness

Bills: SJR36 , SB2 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR6 , SJR7 , SJR8 , SJR9 , SJR10 , SJR11 , SJR12 , SJR13 , SJR14 , SJR15 , SJR16 , SJR17 , SJR18 , SJR19 , SJR20 , SJR21 , SJR22 , SJR23 , SJR24 , SJR25 , SJR26 , SJR27 , SJR28 , SJR29 , SJR30 , SJR31 , SJR32 , SJR49 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SB9 , SB41 , SB42 , SB43 , SB44 , SB45 , SB46 , SB47 , SB48 , SB49 , SB50 , SB51 , SB52 , SB53 , SB54 , SB55 , SB56 , SB57 , SB58 , SB59 , SB60 , SB61 , SB62 , SB63 , SB64 , SB65 , SB66 , SB67 , SB68 , SB69 , SB70 , SB71 , SB72 , SB73 , SB74 , SB75 , SB76 , SB77 , SB78 , SB79 , SB80 , SB81 , SB82 , SB83 , SB84 , SB85 , SB86 , SB87 , SB88 , SB89 , SB90 , SB91 , SB92 , SB93 , SB94 , SB95 , SB96 , SB97 , SB98 , SB99 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB104 , SB105 , SB106 , SB107 , SB108 , SB109 , SB110 , SB111 , SB112 , SB113 , SB114 , SB115 , SB116 , SB117 , SB118 , SB119 , SB120 , SB121 , SB122 , SB123 , SB124 , SB125 , SB126 , SB127 , SB128 , SB129 , SB130 , SB131 , SB132 , SB133 , SB134 , SB135 , SB136 , SB137 , SB138 , SB139 , SB140 , SB141 , SB142 , SB143 , SB144 , SB145 , SB146 , SB147 , SB148 , SB149 , SB150 , SB151 , SB152 , SB153 , SB154 , SB155 , SB156 , SB157 , SB158 , SB159 , SB160 , SB161 , SB162 , SB163 , SB164 , SB165 , SB166 , SB167 , SB168 , SB169 , SB170 , SB171 , SB172 , SB173 , SB174 , SB175 , SB176 , SB177 , SB178 , SB179 , SB180 , SB181 , SB182 , SB183 , SB184 , SB185 , SB186 , SB187 , SB188 , SB189 , SB190 , SB191 , SB192 , SB193 , SB194 , SB195 , SB196 , SB197 , SB198 , SB199 , SB200 , SB201 , SB202 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB206 , SB207 , SB208 , SB209 , SB210 , SB211 , SB212 , SB213 , SB214 , SB215 , SB216 , SB217 , SB218 , SB219 , SB220 , SB221 , SB222 , SB223 , SB224 , SB225 , SB226 , SB227 , SB228 , SB229 , SB230 , SB231 , SB232 , SB233 , SB234 , SB235 , SB236 , SB237 , SB238 , SB239 , SB240 , SB241 , SB242 , SB243 , SB244 , SB245 , SB246 , SB247 , SB248 , SB249 , SB250 , SB251 , SB252 , SB253 , SB254 , SB255 , SB256 , SB257 , SB258 , SB259 , SB260 , SB261 , SB262 , SB263 , SB264 , SB265 , SB266 , SB267 , SB268 , SB269 , SB270 , SB271 , SB272 , SB273 , SB274 , SB275 , SB276 , SB277 , SB278 , SB279 , SB280 , SB281 , SB282 , SB283 , SB284 , SB285 , SB286 , SB287 , SB288 , SB289 , SB290 , SB291 , SB292 , SB293 , SB294 , SB295 , SB296 , SB297 , SB298 , SB299 , SB300 , SB301 , SB302 , SB303 , SB304 , SB305 , SB306 , SB307 , SB308 , SB309 , SB310 , SB311 , SB312 , SB313 , SB314 , SB315 , SB316 , SB317 , SB318 , SB319 , SB320 , SB321 , SB322 , SB323 , SB324 , SB325 , SB326 , SB327 , SB328 , SB329 , SB330 , SB331 , SB332 , SB333 , SB334 , SB335 , SB336 , SB337 , SB338 , SB339 , SB340 , SB341 , SB342 , SB343 , SB344 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB348 , SB349 , SB350 , SB351 , SB352 , SB353 , SB354 , SB355 , SB356 , SB357 , SB358 , SB359 , SB360 , SB361 , SB362 , SB363 , SB364 , SB365 , SB366 , SB367 , SB368 , SB369 , SB370 , SB371 , SB372 , SB373 , SB374 , SB375 , SB376 , SB377 , SB378 , SB379 , SB380 , SB381 , SB382 , SB383 , SB384 , SB385 , SB386 , SB387 , SB388 , SB389 , SB390 , SB391 , SB392 , SB393 , SB394 , SB395 , SB396 , SB397 , SB398 , SB399 , SB400 , SB401 , SB402 , SB403 , SB404 , SB405 , SB406 , SB407 , SB408 , SB409 , SB410 , SB411 , SB412 , SB413 , SB414 , SB415 , SB416 , SB417 , SB418 , SB419 , SB420 , SB421 , SB422 , SB423 , SB424 , SB425 , SB426 , SB427 , SB428 , SB429 , SB430 , SB431 , SB432 , SB433 , SB434 , SB435 , SB436 , SB437 , SB438 , SB439 , SB440 , SB441 , SB442 , SB443 , SB444 , SB445 , SB446 , SB447 , SB448 , SB449 , SB450 , SB451 , SB452 , SB453 , SB454 , SB455 , SB456 , SB457 , SB458 , SB459 , SB460 , SB461 , SB462 , SB463 , SB464 , SB465 , SB466 , SB467 , SB468 , SB469 , SB470 , SB471 , SB472 , SB473 , SB474 , SB475 , SB476 , SB477 , SB478 , SB479 , SB480 , SB481 , SB482 , SB483 , SB484 , SB485 , SB486 , SB487 , SB488 , SB489 , SB490 , SB491 , SB492 , SB493 , SB494 , SB495 , SB496 , SB497 , SB498 , SB499 , SB500 , SB501 , SB502 , SB503 , SB504 , SB505 , SB506 , SB507 , SB508 , SB509 , SB510 , SB511 , SB512 , SB513 , SB514 , SB515 , SB516 , SB517 , SB518 , SB519 , SB520 , SB521 , SB522 , SB523 , SB524 , SB525 , SB526 , SB527 , SB528 , SB529 , SB530 , SB531 , SB532 , SB533 , SB534 , SB535 , SB536 , SB537 , SB538 , SB539 , SB540 , SB541 , SB542 , SB543 , SB544 , SB545 , SB546 , SB547 , SB548 , SB549 , SB550 , SB551 , SB552 , SB553 , SB554 , SB555 , SB556 , SB557 , SB558 , SB559 , SB560 , SB561 , SB562 , SB563 , SB564 , SB565 , SB566 , SB567 , SB568 , SB569 , SB570 , SB571 , SB572 , SB573 , SB574 , SB575 , SB576 , SB577 , SB578 , SB579 , SB580 , SB581 , SB582 , SB583 , SB584 , SB585 , SB586 , SB587 , SB588 , SB589 , SB590 , SB591 , SB592 , SB593 , SB594 , SB595 , SB596 , SB597 , SB598 , SB599 , SB600 , SB601 , SB602 , SB603 , SB604 , SB605 , SB606 , SB607 , SB608 , SB609 , SB610 , SB611 , SB612 , SB613 , SB614 , SB615 , SB616 , SB617 , SB618 , SB619 , SB620 , SB621 , SB622 , SB623 , SB624 , SB625 , SB626 , SB627 , SB628 , SB629 , SB630 , SB631 , SB632 , SB633 , SB634 , SB635 , SB636 , SB637 , SB638 , SB639 , SB640 , SB641 , SB642 , SB643 , SB644 , SB645 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB649 , SB650 , SB651 , SB652 , SB653 , SB654 , SB655 , SB656 , SB657 , SB658 , SB659 , SB660 , SB661 , SB662 , SB663 , SB664 , SB665 , SB666 , SB667 , SB668 , SB669 , SB670 , SB671 , SB672 , SB673 , SB674 , SB675 , SB676 , SB677 , SB678 , SB679 , SB680 , SB681 , SB682 , SB683 , SB684 , SB685 , SB686 , SB687 , SB688 , SB689 , SB690 , SB691 , SB692 , SB693 , SB694 , SB695 , SB696 , SB697 , SB699 , SB700 , SB1047 , SB1048

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is that every student, without exception, graduates college- or career-ready.
• They serve their time, and then they're ready to come to school.
• So if they have served their time and is ready to get back into school...
• Are you ready to do this if I start? Ah, here he is. The time's done, I will be ready. Okay.
• Okay, ready? Yeah.

Bills: SB1074 , SB1327 , SB1475 , SB1582 , SB1583 , SB1598

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: student discipline, classroom management, temporary removal, administrative action, education policy, foreign relations, university governance, research security, international agreements, Arizona Board of Regents, interscholastic activities, student eligibility, criminal offenses, school district, youth sports, academic participation, conduct, planned communities, homeowners association, HOA

Transcript Highlights:

• I born till they start kindergarten. I born till they start kindergarten.
• . kindergarten. kindergarten.
• PreK just pre-K and kindergarten. No, PreK just pre-K and kindergarten.
• , every month they get an kindergarten, every month they get an kindergarten, every month they get an
• , uh we started it through kindergarten, uh we started it through kindergarten, uh we started it through

Transcript Highlights:

• And CDSS, you may begin when you are ready. And CDSS, you may begin when you are ready.
• So, CDSS, you may begin when you're ready.
• CDSS, you may begin when you're ready.
• More students are ready for kindergarten and graduating and going to college.
• In Hayward, we've just seen our greatest results in 15 years, double-digit gains in kindergarten readiness

Transcript Highlights:

• And CDSS, you may begin when you are ready. And CDSS, you may begin when you are ready.
• So, CDSS, you may begin when you're ready.
• CDSS, you may begin when you're ready.
• More students are ready for kindergarten and graduating and going to college.
• In Hayward, we've just seen our greatest results in 15 years: double-digit gains in kindergarten readiness

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:

• And please begin when you're ready.
• It brings us to book three, Office of College and Career Readiness.
• It brings us to book three, Office of College and Career Readiness.
• And I believe we're ready to start in Book 3. Yes, I believe we're ready to begin in Book 3.
• Yes, so I believe we're ready to begin in Book 3. Book 3 is Office of College and Career Readiness.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee first heard the Secretary of State’s FY27 budget presentation. Secretary Denny Hoskins described his office’s work on business filings, elections administration, securities enforcement, archives, libraries, and Safe at Home, and said the office had cleaned up voter rolls by removing more than 200,000 ineligible voters. Members questioned him closely about deceased voters, voter registration through DMVs, information sharing with the federal government, and whether any personal identifying information would be released; Hoskins said only publicly available information had been shared and that PII would not be released absent a court order. He also said his office had 10 pending lawsuits handled by the Attorney General’s office, and discussed budget lapses, staffing levels, and the need to spend federal and other funds before general revenue when possible. A major portion of the discussion focused on election-related funding requests. Hoskins defended funding for ballot publication in newspapers, saying the constitution and state law require publication of statewide ballot measures and that the cost could rise sharply if many petitions or a referendum reach the ballot. Several members questioned whether the newspaper notices are still effective, while others emphasized that many Missourians still rely on print and that the requirement remains constitutional. The committee also discussed the technology services NDI tied to the sunset of the $5 business filing fee that funds IT operations, with Hoskins saying the office would need general revenue if the sunset is not extended. Other topics included absentee ballot postage reimbursement, election cost transfers, and the library networking fund, which Hoskins said has not historically been funded at the full 10 percent level. Members also raised broader budget and policy concerns, including the office’s FTE count, the restoration of some previously cut archives/local records positions, and the need for a new voter registration system and election-night reporting system. Some members pressed Hoskins on whether his budget requests were consistent with his past calls for smaller government, while he responded that election-year obligations, cybersecurity risks, and outdated systems require investment. The committee did not take a vote on the Secretary of State items during this segment. The committee then began the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education presentation from Commissioner Carla Eslinger. She outlined the FY27 request for the foundation formula, transportation, child care, literacy, educator workforce, and strategic planning. Eslinger said the formula increase is driven by policy changes such as enrollment-based funding and higher special education and virtual education costs; transportation needs a modest increase; child care needs general revenue to replace expiring federal funds; and literacy efforts continue to expand through science-of-reading training and state-approved assessments. She also highlighted through-year testing, grade-level descriptors, teacher recruitment and retention, and work with a new Transforming Schools group. The presentation was cut short when the committee recessed for floor activity, with no votes taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and meaningful ...of learning opportunities, universal school meals, and universal pre-kindergarten
• But the state is not ready to lose support structures for county coordinators.
• They are proven investments in workforce readiness, economics, ability, and long-term growth.
• They are proven investments in workforce readiness, economics, ability, and long-term growth.
• When students have access to tutoring, readiness, economics, ability, and long-term growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• woman of strong faith, Helen volunteered and supported many charitable organizations and was always ready
• She had a passion for literature and enjoyed many... ...ready to help people in need.
• one of her children and later grandchildren, along with their many graduation ceremonies from kindergarten

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, there are some efforts around career exposure for really younger kids starting as early as kindergarten
• Younger kids starting as early as kindergarten or first grade, which I feel very strongly is exactly
• And also to make sure that the department has the time it needs to get ready for the implementation,

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no. The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A majority being present, the House is now ready for business.
• section, 33-16-39, Idaho Code, to require public schools to provide daily recess for students in kindergarten
• section 33, 16, 39, Idaho Code, to require public schools to provide daily recess for students in kindergarten

Transcript Highlights:

• Instruction: And so what that would look like is, let's say in a kindergarten classroom that typically
• So I have my lists ready. Remember, folks, you'll have up to two minutes to talk with us. So...
• She's been there since kindergarten. ...there since kindergarten.
• I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and when my daughter approached kindergarten age, my family seriously
• I'm ready. Thank you. Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• you recall, 626 had a number of savings to the K-12 program for Running Start, the transition to kindergarten
• provisions mostly the same, except that it does specify that OSPI has to prioritize transition to kindergarten
• teachers in my district all the time about the great benefits of the TK programs the transition to kindergarten
• programs that we have in our schools Representative Couture: The TK programs, the transition to kindergarten
• And, of course, we've already discussed taking cash away from our youngest learners, our TK pre-kindergarteners

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met in executive session on three bills. For Second Substitute Senate Bill 6182, staff explained it would create an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers to support grants for abortion clinical care access. Representative Marshall offered amendments to limit grants to Washington residents, expand eligibility to IVF and fertility providers, prioritize medically underserved areas, and add a 2031 sunset; all were rejected or withdrawn. The committee then voted 18-10 to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. For Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6260, staff briefed a striking amendment that would reduce savings in K-12 spending by changing local effort assistance and Running Start limits, prioritizing some transition-to-kindergarten funding, and eliminating inflation increases for National Board bonuses. Members debated a series of amendments on bus depreciation, charter school LEA payments, transition-to-kindergarten funding, and Running Start. Some amendments were adopted, including a bus depreciation change and a Running Start adjustment, while others were rejected. The committee then adopted the striker as amended and reported the bill out 17-12 with a due pass recommendation. For Substitute Senate Bill 6355, which would establish the Washington Electric Transmission Authority and related board and advisory structures, members considered amendments on rural land-use expertise, eastern Washington board representation, corridor review standards, tribal workgroup removal, and payments in lieu of taxes for transmission facilities. One amendment was withdrawn and the others were rejected except for a landowner/rural expertise amendment that passed. The committee then reported the bill out 18-11 with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, members exchanged closing remarks thanking staff and colleagues, and the committee adjourned.