Transcript Highlights:

• Al-Anise? Not voting. Al-Anise not voting. Chen? Al-Hawari? Aye. Al-Hawari, aye. I, Al-Hawari, aye.
• Al-Anise? Not voting. Al-Alanis not voting. Chen? Al-Hawari? Aye. Al-Hawari, aye.
• Al-Anise: Aye. Al-Alanese: Aye. Al-A-Hawari: Aye. Kalra: Aye. Lee: Aye. Ward: Aye. Those out?
• Al-Aeneis, aye. Al-Alanese. Aye. Al-A-Hawari. Aye. El-Hawari, aye. Calra, aye. Callra, aye. Lee.
• Al-Anneis. Al-Vos not voting, Chen. Chen not voting. El-Hawari. Aye. Al-Hawari, aye. Lee?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can tell you how many students are enrolled in ALE, or, excuse me, what the FTE for ALE is.
• But that number doesn't distinguish between site-based ALE and online and remote ALE, so the number that
• I think there are some ALE programs that operate for primary school.
• , and specifically on the subset of ALE that is remote, full-time online ALE.
• She said last year the district took a 33% reduction in its ALE funding due to the number of ALE students

Bills: SB6222, SB6263, SB6118, SB6261, SB6320

Keywords: public education, technology access, surplus hardware, digital divide, student resources, school district, public bidding, bid limits, procurement, public works, construction contracts, competitive bidding, lowest responsible bidder, small works roster, quotations, school purchasing, Washington-grown food, local food, inmate work programs, Department of Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• “I can tell you how many students are enrolled in ALE, or, excuse me, what the FTE for ALE is.
• But that number doesn’t distinguish between site-based ALE and online and remote ALE, so the number that
• I think there are some ALE programs that operate for primary school.
• , and specifically on the subset of ALE that is remote, full-time online ALE.”
• She said that last year they took a 33% reduction in their ALE due to the number of ALE students.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for Senate Bill 6320, then heard Senate Bill 6222, which would let school districts and educational service districts sell or grant surplus technology hardware such as laptops and tablets to public school students and recent graduates, with priority for low-income students. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would help students keep access to devices they need for homework, college, and work, while preserving existing surplus procedures. Testimony was generally supportive, including from district technology staff and students, though one question raised whether tribal compact schools would be included. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6263, which raises school district public bid thresholds to reflect inflation and reduce procurement costs. The sponsor said the limits had not been updated in about 20 years and should be aligned with other local governments. Supporters from school employees, finance officers, and school coalitions said the change would save time and money and reduce delays in maintenance and purchasing. Testimony on Senate Bill 6261, which would require parents of six- and seven-year-olds not enrolled in school to file annual declarations of intent about their child’s education, was overwhelmingly opposed by homeschool families and advocates. Opponents argued it would add bureaucracy, create privacy concerns, and burden families, while the superintendent of public instruction supported the bill as a way to improve enrollment data and planning. The sponsor said it was about knowing where children are and right-sizing school systems. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6118, requiring cardiac emergency response plans in schools and athletic facilities. The sponsor, who spoke about losing her brother to heart failure, said schools need faster, better-prepared responses to cardiac emergencies. Supporters, including parents, students, and community advocates, described personal experiences with sudden cardiac events and said the bill could save lives by ensuring AEDs, CPR training, and practiced response plans. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6320 on alternative learning experiences. The bill would restrict online and remote ALE providers to public or nonprofit entities and reduce levy equalization funding for remote/online ALE, with limited exceptions for medically fragile or severely bullied students. Supporters argued it would keep public education public and encourage in-person learning, while opponents—including superintendents, online program operators, students, and homeschool advocates—warned it would displace thousands of students, harm successful programs, and reduce family choice. No final votes were taken on the bills in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Al-A-A-A-A-A-A-Lanis? Aye, aye. Chen? Aye, aye. Al-Hawarii?
• Al-A-A-A-A-A-A-Lanis, aye, aye, Chen, aye, aye, Al-Hawarii, I, Al-Hawari-I, Al-Hawari-I, Colra, Lee,
• Al-Hawari? Aye. Al-Hawari, aye. I, Al-Hawari, aye. Kalra, aye. Lee? Aye. Lee, aye. Ward?
• Al-Anise? Not voting. Al-Alanis not voting. Chen? Al-Hawari? Aye. Al-Hawari, aye.
• Al-Aeneis: Aye. Al-Alanese: Aye. Al-A-Hawari: Aye. El-Hawari: Aye. Kalra: Aye. Lee: Aye. Ward: Aye.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on worker safety, wages, workforce training, and retirement savings. AB 2137 (Chen) would strengthen safety rules and certification for artificial stone fabrication shops to reduce silica exposure; AB 2499 (Gibson) would require Cal/OSHA to develop heat-illness protections for incarcerated workers and staff in correctional facilities; AB 2300 (Arambula) would streamline the disbursement of state and federal workforce funds; AB 2646 (Krell) would establish a minimum wage floor for certain agricultural workers; AB 2227 (Connolly) would tighten licensing and bond requirements for farm labor contractors and add default-judgment procedures for wage claims; AB 1869 (Haney) would create a reporting process for alleged REIT interference in hotel operations; AB 2650 (Pellerin) would expand CalSavers with emergency savings accounts and other updates; AB 2634 (Zbur) would prioritize labor-management partnerships in High Road Training Partnership grants; and AB 1888 would require skilled-and-trained workforce and prevailing wage standards for work under the Safe Home Grant Program. AB 1534 (Irwin) would create California’s approval process for short-term Pell-eligible workforce programs. The committee also took up several consent items, including AB 1904, AB 1980, AB 2550, AB 2078, and AB 2682. Most bills were described as aligning state programs with federal law or improving worker protections and program quality, while opponents generally raised concerns about costs, administrative burden, regulatory uncertainty, or reduced oversight. Testimony was largely split along labor and industry lines. Supporters included labor unions, legal aid groups, workforce boards, and affected workers or family members, who emphasized heat illness, wage theft, silica exposure, poor prison conditions, and the need for higher-quality training and retirement access. Opponents on several bills, especially those affecting agriculture, REITs, and workforce administration, argued the measures would increase costs, create uncertainty, or duplicate existing law. On AB 2227, committee members engaged in extended discussion about Labor Commissioner delays and whether the bill’s default-judgment and bond provisions would meaningfully help workers. On AB 1869, members and witnesses debated whether the bill created new standards or simply improved enforcement of existing REIT rules. The committee voted to pass all of the measures heard, generally with motions to do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations. Several bills were held open for absent members during the meeting, and later add-on roll calls recorded additional ayes, moving the bills out of committee. The meeting concluded after the consent calendar was approved and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, awareness of ALS has emerged.
• her mother was diagnosed with ALS.
• , Centralize all the research findings for ALS.
• And there's never a good ending to the ALS story. Never, never, never.
• . centralize all the research findings for ALS.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ALE courses may be delivered through online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses.
• ALE courses may be delivered through online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses.
• and may claim basic education funding for students enrolled in ALE courses.
• Is every ALE program either online or hybrid?
• Do we have some ALE programs that are neither hybrid nor online?

Summary: The House Education Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2142 would replace statutory references to “alternative learning experience” with “remote and hybrid learning.” Committee staff and the prime sponsor said the change is intended to reduce stigma and more accurately describe programs that may be online, hybrid, or site-based. Several members raised concerns that the terminology could unintentionally affect fully in-person programs; the sponsor and a retired principal testified that the bill is meant as a name change and would not materially alter current programs. The bill drew 52 pro, 4 con, and 0 other sign-ins. House Bill 2369 would create a Washington Local Food for Schools program in OSPI to help schools procure and distribute Washington-grown foods through existing USDA food distribution systems. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce logistical barriers for farmers and districts, support local agriculture, and improve the quality and appeal of school meals. Testimony came from school nutrition advocates, farmers, a school superintendent, students, and OSPI, with broad support and discussion of how the program would work through catalogs, ordering windows, and existing warehouses. The bill drew 455 pro, 64 con, and 1 other sign-in. House Bill 2432 would allow school districts and ESDs to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students and recent graduates at depreciated value, with priority for students with greater need. The sponsor said the goal is to help students transition to work, college, and other postsecondary opportunities. Committee members asked about whether the bill should address assistive devices and whether devices could be reserved for future graduating classes; staff noted existing law already covers transfer of assistive devices for students with disabilities. Testimony from district technology and finance staff supported the bill as a practical way to extend the life of devices and benefit students. The bill drew 57 pro, 5 con, and 0 other sign-ins. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced amendment deadlines for several bills scheduled for executive session later in the week and then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of approximately— 5,000 Texans living with ALS.
• My name is Yassar Hussain, I'm a neurologist and an expert in ALS.
• Also, I'm the director of the ALS Clinic based here in Austin.
• I've done the ALS book, but Maury has ALS. And it's so great, I'm sorry. Don't worry about that.
• The expenses that someone under 65 has to deal with ALS...

Bills: HB1464, HB1635, HB2516, HB3317, HB3502, HB4012, HB4268, HB4386, HB4877, SB916

Keywords: prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, awareness of ALS has improved...
• mother was diagnosed with ALS.
• So I've been on the board of ALS for many years on the advisory board.
• ... ...centralize all the research findings for ALS.
• And there's never a good ending to the ALS story. Never, never, never.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• ALE courses may be delivered through online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses.
• ALE courses may be delivered through online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses.
• and may claim basic education funding for students enrolled in ALE courses.
• Yes, Madam Chair, it's 188 school districts offered ALE programs as of December 2025.
• Is every ALE program either online or hybrid?

Bills: HB2142, HB2369, HB2432

Keywords: remote learning, hybrid learning, education reform, alternative education, student engagement, local food, public schools, nutrition, sustainability, agriculture, technology access, educational resources, surplus hardware, student support, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a neurologist and expert in ALS.
• There is another ALS book. Memorial has ALS and it's so great. I. Don't worry about that.
• ALS has two nicknames. Lou Gehrites.
• People with ALS don't have time.
• The expenses that someone under 65 has to deal with ALS.

Transcript Highlights:

• And why this is so important to me is that, if you don't know, my mom had ALS.
• We all know what happens when people living with ALS are given that diagnosis.
• And at that point, her life crumbled, our life changed forever. ...of ALS.
• There is no cure for ALS.
• So, we currently serve at the ALS Association about 400 people.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several aging-related bills, with most speakers focusing on housing stability, home-based services, and care transitions. Representative Badger and a commissioner testified in support of H4039, which would create a universal breakfast and lunch program at senior centers funded through a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, arguing it would reduce food insecurity and social isolation among older adults. Representative Lipper-Garabedian and multiple providers then supported H780/S495, the hospital-to-home partnership program, describing how embedded aging-services liaisons help older patients transition safely from hospitals to home, reduce readmissions, and avoid nursing facility placement; witnesses from Mystic Valley Elder Services and Mass Aging Access cited pilot results, including hundreds of patients served and examples of substantial cost savings and successful discharge planning. The committee also took testimony on S478, which would require continuing care retirement communities to disclose entrance-fee refund policies more clearly at enrollment. Senator Lovely and LeadingAge Massachusetts said the bill would improve transparency for residents and families, while a consumer witness said her family experienced delays and confusion in getting a refund after her mother left a CCRC. Members noted the issue is also being examined by a special commission on CCRCs. A large portion of the hearing focused on S475, a statewide bridge subsidy program for older adults facing housing instability. Advocates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Western Massachusetts, Somerville, Northampton, East Hampton, Old Colony Elder Services, and Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability described rising senior homelessness, long waitlists for subsidized housing, and cases where short-term rental assistance kept older adults housed while they waited for permanent housing. Somerville witnesses said the pilot program helped nine households remain housed and that some participants have since moved into permanent housing. Members asked about wait times, program design, and how to prioritize applicants; witnesses emphasized flexibility, emergency risk, and the need for a statewide expansion. The hearing also included testimony on S465, an ALS bill that would expand home care access regardless of age and bar the use of quality-adjusted life-year metrics in coverage decisions, with the sponsor and ALS Association arguing the measure would reduce discriminatory treatment and better center patient care. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Davis and a person with ALS.
• I have ALS and I support this bill. My name is Christopher Holtz.
• I'm a representative of the families of people with ALS.
• Erin Johnson, former caregiver and spouse of someone who had ALS, and representing the ALS Association
• My name is Mary Hooper, and I have ALS, and I support this bill.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just hate Al-Qaeda.
• As Jake Sullivan said to Hillary Clinton, "Al-Qaeda is on our side in Syria."
• , which is al-Qaeda's element there within East Africa.
• specifically was the biggest funder of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
• al-Qaeda, our president Is supporting al-Qaeda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, so the result... ...awareness of ALS.
• I've lost a cousin through ALS and got to see firsthand just really how terrifying and tragic that is
• will help their efforts in advocacy for ALS research, I think, and support.
• And ALS. I'm not afraid to die, but I'm certainly afraid of how to die.
• And ALS is a greatest fear I have.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other pharmacy options and criticized the resolution. No one testified in support or opposition, and the hearing on HCR 42 was closed. The committee then heard SB 878, a pharmacist practice act bill sponsored by Senator Fitzwater. The bill would make permanent several pandemic-era pharmacy practices, including pharmacist administration of certain vaccines, medication therapy plan authority, dispensing of some medical devices and supplies, over-the-counter availability of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with warning labels and standardized procedures, and nonprofit pharmacy emergency waivers. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Opponents raised concerns about vaccine authority shifting away from the governor, the safety of over-the-counter hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, and whether pharmacists should be treated as equivalent to physicians. The Missouri Pharmacy Association, Walmart, and Walgreens testified in support, and the hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also heard two resolutions. HCR 538, by Representative Hruza, would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research and advocacy. Members generally supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication supports; no opposition was presented. HCR 4661, also presented by Representative Hruza, would encourage awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients, and promote public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. Testimony emphasized the prevalence and cost of kidney disease and the value of early detection. The committee took no votes on these measures and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Britton Senator please Senator Al Britton Senator please Senator Al Britton Senator Carley Senator Coleman
• Al Al Britton Senator Britton Senator Britton Senator Carley Senator Coleman Senator gudger Carley Senator
• Britt what is the the store question Al Britt what is the the store question Al Britt what is the the
• one Senator Al one Senator Al Britton Senator Britton Senator Britton Senator Carley Senator Coleman
• Britton a second by motion by Senator Al Britton a second by motion by Senator Al Britton a second by

Bills: SB82, SB78, SB4, SB6, SB62, SB66, SB77, SB63, SB79, SB53, SB55, HB14

Keywords: SB82, warrant recall, outstanding warrants, stale warrants, misdemeanor warrants, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, municipal magistrate, circuit court clerk, criminal procedure, court administration, docket cleanup, warrant audit, law enforcement notification, domestic violence, sex offense, weapons offense, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, felony-related charges

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today with ALS advocate Dante Tomasoni via Zoom and by the director of the ALS program at the
• Almost no progress has been made as to finding a cure for ALS.
• And that is the best way to help anyone who was ever diagnosed with ALS.
• Our ALS team is applying technology developed at the university to advance ALS research in the brain,
• ALS research and care for Minnesotans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill No. 460, introduced by Senators Cannizzaro et al., revises provisions relating to education
• Senate Bill No. 207, introduced by Senator Taylor et al., requires the establishment of a program of
• Senate Bill No. 229, introduced by Senators Dondero Loop et al. and Assembly Members Wynn et al., revises
• Senate Bill No. 233, introduced by Senator Gurr et al., revises provisions relating to agriculture.
• Senate Bill No. 280, introduced by Senators Wynn et al. and Assembly Members Torres-Fossett et al., makes

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With ALS, you lose the ability... ...to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe.
• Because the care of an ALS patient—ALS patients have a motor neuron disease...
• ALS patients live, on average, two to five years from when they are diagnosed.
• ALS takes away a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and breathe.
• For Texans with ALS, it's a lifeline.

Bills: HB107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655, HB107

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records

Transcript Highlights:

• With ALS, you lose the ability to walk.
• Morrie has ALS. It is not about the ALS. It's a friendship and compassion. Compassion.
• ALS doesn't have the...
• Because the care of an ALS patient, ALS patients, it's a motor neuron disease, you lose the ability to
• For Texans with ALS, it's a lifeline.

Bills: HB 107, HB742, HB1639, HB1700, HB2071, HB2187, HB2402, HB2516, HB3211, HB4529, HB5342, HB694, HB923, HB4655

Keywords: sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of health and human services bills and left each one pending after public testimony. HB 4655 would expand financial literacy instruction for youth aging out of foster care to include credit scores, predatory lending, scams, banking, budgeting, and related consumer topics; the sponsor and Buckner International described the need to protect foster youth from financial pitfalls. HB 923 would add three public members and one physician to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel; supporters said it would improve informed consent and patient voice, while a witness raised concerns about a House amendment requiring a physician majority for decisions and senators questioned scope-of-practice limits. HHSC said the panel is an independent body and the bill expressly bars it from changing scope of practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an assistant professor of mineralogy at UC Davis and a person with ALS, on behalf of the ALS Association
• I have ALS and I support this bill. My name is Christopher Holtz.
• I'm a representative of the families of people with ALS.
• Erin Johnson, former caregiver and spouse of someone who had ALS, representing the ALS Association, in
• My name is Mary Hooper, and I have ALS, and I support this bill.

Summary: The Senate Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, research funding, consumer protection, and insurance administration. SB 895 by Sen. Wiener would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support scientific and health research in California; supporters from UC, labor, and patient groups said it would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership amid federal funding cuts, while the committee later voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Natural Resources and Water. SB 944 would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds; acupuncture providers, patients, health systems, and API community advocates testified in strong support, and the committee voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 987, which would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes under H.R. 1 reduce Medi-Cal enrollment and redirect those funds to care for people who lose coverage and to reimburse safety-net providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, hospital, and reproductive health groups; members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and safety-net needs, and the bill was moved on a unanimous vote to Appropriations. SB 964 would let a licensed provider adjust the dose or frequency of an already covered medication up to two times without prior authorization when clinically appropriate, with Crohn’s and Colitis advocates describing delays that harmed patients and insurers warning about safety and cost concerns; after committee discussion about off-label use and clinical safeguards, the bill passed 11-0 and was sent to Appropriations. Later, SB 1099 clarified local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA, with city and county counsel and local officials saying it would preserve flexibility for homeless outreach, street medicine, crisis lines, and other low-barrier services; it passed 11-0 and was re-referred to Human Services. SB 1033 would require protein product manufacturers to test for heavy metals and disclose results, prompted by Consumer Reports findings and supported by consumer, health, and women’s health groups; industry witnesses asked for narrower scope and source-level testing, and the committee voted 11-0 to pass it as amended and send it to Environmental Quality. The committee then began SB 1049, which would give providers a 90-day window after a plan’s latest action to correct certain claim errors and prevent denials based solely on missed filing deadlines; the author said it would address honest billing mistakes and recoupments, and the bill was introduced with support from medical groups and ongoing discussions with health plans.