Video & Transcript : 'zero tolerance' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty - Monday, April 13
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And in 2021, this bill, with a couple of things tweaked, went through the House with 156 yes, zero no
- , and also through the Senate with 35 yes and zero no.
- through the House, with a hundred and a couple of things tweaked with through the House with 156 yes zero
- no and also at the Senate with 35 yes and zero no and you know let let you know again you know 15.1
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/17/2026 - Senate Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Five ayes, zero nays, three not voting. You've given House Bill 2078 a do-pass recommendation.
- Those could be zero with this bill.
- So right now, those large structures, I'm going to have to make them zero because if I picked some number
- Seven ayes, zero nays, and one not voting.
Summary:
The committee first heard an informational presentation on transportation fuel supply in Arizona from Gordon Shemp of Nemecu Analytics. He described Arizona’s dependence on pipeline deliveries, limited terminal inventories, and the resulting vulnerability to outages and price spikes. He also discussed recent refinery closures in California, increased imports from overseas, and a proposed Kinder Morgan project that could add east-to-west capacity into Phoenix. Committee members asked about fuel formulations and how many fuel types move through the system; Shemp said the project would not change destination fuel specifications and that multiple fuel products already move through the pipelines.
The committee then took up House Bill 2758, which would allow groundwater transport from the McMullen Valley basin to an initial AMA and related uses, with provisions for eligible entities, transportation fees, and water improvement programs. Supporters, including Stan Barnes, Jim Downing, and Barry Arons, argued the bill follows the 1991 transfer-basin framework, provides needed water augmentation for urban Arizona, and includes local benefits and guardrails. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin, Devonna Sater, and Ed Curry, said the bill would worsen groundwater decline, subsidence, and well failures in Salome and Wenden and favored rural communities being used to solve urban water shortages. The committee approved HB 2758 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee also considered HB 2078, which clarifies that certain aggregate mining reclamation notice requirements apply only to new reclamation plans and new aggregate operations, not existing mines. The sponsor said the bill fixes confusion from prior legislation, and the committee passed it 5-0. HB 2031, extending the deadline for applying for a certificate of grandfathered right in the Wilcox AMA from 15 to 27 months, also passed after some members argued the extension was needed for affected applicants while others said it would delay needed protections. HB 2102, allowing county improvement districts in certain basins to use eminent domain for a well and standpipe site and to operate domestic water delivery systems, and HB 2103, allowing gifts and fee revenues to support water hauling and local water improvement programs, both passed 4-3 despite opposition that they were only partial fixes.
Later, HB 2117, which increases the annual distribution cap for conservation district education centers and shifts Environmental Special Plate Fund disbursements to the Natural Resource Conservation Board, passed 5-2 after supporters called it a technical cleanup and one member objected to changing the administering entity. HB 2261, revising agricultural property tax valuation terminology and requiring income-based valuation for agricultural real property, passed 4-3 after assessors and county representatives warned it would remove agricultural improvements from the tax rolls and shift costs to homeowners, while farm groups said it would clarify and stabilize agricultural taxation. Finally, HB 2262, transferring the Resource Analysis Division from the State Land Department to the Arizona Geological Survey and changing related geospatial advisory duties, was presented with State Land Department concerns that the bill left several duties and funding questions unclear; the transcript ends before any final action on HB 2262.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Five ayes, zero nays, three not voting. You've given House Bill 2078 a do-pass recommendation.
- Those could be zero with this bill.
- So right now, those large structures, I'm going to have to make them zero because if I picked some number
- Seven ayes, zero nays, one not voting. You've given House Bill 2428 a do-pass recommendation. Mr.
Bills:
HB2014 , HB2031 , HB2078 , HB2102 , HB2103 , HB2117 , HB2261 , HB2262 , HB2264 , HB2278 , HB2428 , HB2494 , HB2756 , HB2758 , HB2762 , HB2782 , HB2932 , HB2933 , HB2986
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
Keywords:
air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, water rights, groundwater, Willcox, active management area, certificate of grandfathered rights, Arizona legislature, aggregate mining, reclamation plans, environmental protection, public safety, land use, domestic water, improvement district, water delivery, water hauling
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There being 67 yeas and zero nays, Senate File 3623 is passed. Senator Port votes I.
- being</c><00:27:47.680><c> 67</c><00:27:48.680><c> eyes</c><00:27:49.440><c> and</c><00:27:49.800><c> zero
- </c><00:27:50.200><c> nays,</c><00:27:51.000><c> 36</c> There being 67 eyes and zero nays, 36 There being
- 67 eyes and zero nays, 36 Senate<00:27:52.240><c> File</c><00:27:52.480><c> number</c><00:27:52.720>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And in essence, the revenue impact is um, zero. be felt be felt um um um in<00:09:24.520><c> uh</c> in
- And in essence, the revenue impact<00:09:52.880><c> is</c> impact is impact is um,<00:09:54.280><c> zero
- </c> And the revenue estimate, the updated revenue estimate, um, indicates that it's zeros across for
- Nine ayes, zero nays, the bill passes. Mr.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- that we want to lowball, of course not, because if we lowball, I mean, we could just make a big fat zero
- So, like if we have zero dollars and we take $2 billion in corporate...
- Recommended positions are 92 unclassified, zero other charges positions, five non-TOFTEs, and 17 vacant
- You'll see that OTS is recommended at 884 positions: 863 classified, 21 unclassified, zero other charges
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration.
The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations.
Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- special session and that act had a net<00:21:21.039><c> had</c><00:21:21.280><c> a</c><00:21:21.440><c> zero
- impact</c><00:21:22.240><c> to</c><00:21:22.480><c> the</c><00:21:22.640><c> general</c> net had a zero
- impact to the general net had a zero impact to the general fund<00:21:24.400><c> and</c><00:21:24.640
- property tax modifications that my colleague Justin Cope highlighted, and those have negligible or zero
Bills:
HF9
Committee:
House Taxes
Keywords:
energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Numbers by about a five to zero, no two not voting. Senate Bill 1429 passes.
- Five ayes, zero no, two not voting.
- Members, by vote of five to zero, with two not voting, you passed Senate Bill 1536.
- Six ayes, zero no, one not voting.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1090. It then took up SB 1503, which would require pension fiduciaries and proxy advisory firms to base voting and advice solely on economic interests, prohibit ESG or ideological considerations except in limited circumstances, and authorize attorney general enforcement. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect investors and align with federal action; supporters argued proxy advisors lack transparency and can influence votes against shareholders’ financial interests. Arizona retirement system representatives said they were neutral but warned the bill would add major operational costs, create reporting burdens, increase litigation risk, and could narrow the market for proxy advisory services. The committee passed SB 1503 on a 4-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1293, which would bar GPLET abatements from applying to school-district revenue during the eight-year abatement period. Supporters said the bill would protect school funding and reduce the state aid backfill tied to GPLET projects, while opponents from Phoenix, Mesa, and economic development groups said GPLET is a key redevelopment tool that helps finance downtown and blighted-area projects and that the bill would weaken future investment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1293 on a 4-3 vote. It also heard and passed SB 1414, which gives insurers 30 days to review and respond to third-party settlement demands; insurers supported the bill as a reasonable commercial timeframe, while trial lawyers opposed it as too slow and urged a 15-day standard, with members indicating they expected a possible friendly amendment.
Next, the committee heard SB 1633, which would create an Arizona income tax subtraction for capital gains from the sale of a primary residence, after five years of occupancy. Opponents argued it would mainly benefit wealthy homeowners and could cost the state tens of millions annually, while the sponsor said it could help homeowners move without facing large tax bills and improve housing turnover. The committee passed the bill 4-2. It also adopted an amendment to SB 1429, which would have expanded Arizona Commerce Authority board ex officio membership, then held the bill for further consideration. Finally, the committee passed SB 1536, allowing temporary consolidation of street light improvement districts, and heard SB 1724, which clarifies when property splits or consolidations trigger limited property value recalculation, with county assessors supporting the measure as an anti-gaming reform.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Consumer and Public Affairs Jan 29th, 2026 at 02:04 pm
House Consumer & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The judge could order zero years incarceration under this legislation.
- And a murderer could get zero years. I've had murders get 10 years, you know, after a trial.
- Zero years. I've had murders get 10 years, you know, after a trial.
- All right, seeing none, you have a unanimous due pass six to zero. Thank you very much.
Committee:
House House Consumer & Public Affairs
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Human Services Subcommittee REVISED: Correction- Rm 5S2 Jan 20th, 2026 at 08:30 am
A&B Human Services Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- I want you to zero. And so, we have worked with, and I'm probably gonna get it wrong.
- We had zero in some other parts of the agency, zero and so my decision, and you can, you know, we can
- critique that, but I was more worried about the areas that were charged in doing activities that had zero
Committee:
House A&B Human Services Subcommittee
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We had 150 people sign in pro, zero con, and zero other. Thank you.
- We had 13 sign in pro, 220 con, and zero other. Thank you very much.
- We had 229 sign-in pro-8 and zero other. Thank you, Madam Vice Chair.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a hearing on several bills. SB 5904 would prohibit non-human entities from using nursing titles; the sponsor and nursing groups said it is meant to increase transparency around AI and ensure patients know when they are interacting with a real nurse. SB 5915 would change Health Technology Assessment Program review criteria and timelines, with supporters arguing it would better account for Medicare coverage and national guidelines, especially for rare and life-threatening conditions. SB 6025 would update the definition of fetal death to allow gestational age to be determined by the best clinically accurate method rather than last menstrual period, and medical professionals and the sponsor said this would reduce emotional, financial, and legal burdens on grieving families. SB 5933 would require near real-time sharing of overdose data into ODMAP; public health, local government, and recovery advocates said it would improve overdose response, while one witness asked that poison center data be included and clarified separately. SB 5990 would allow APRNs and physician assistants to serve as local health officers in counties under 100,000 population; rural county officials supported the added flexibility, while public health groups and naturopathic physicians raised concerns about qualifications and asked that naturopathic doctors be included as well. SB 5981 would restrict drug manufacturers from limiting 340B drug access through contract pharmacies or requiring data as a condition of discounts; safety-net hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, and patients said it protects access and reinvestment in care, while manufacturers, employer groups, and industry representatives argued it increases costs, lacks transparency, and may not ensure savings reach patients.
No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript; each bill was heard and testimony was closed. Sign-in counts were reported for several bills, including strong pro support for SB 5904, SB 5915, SB 5933, and SB 5981, and mixed or substantial opposition on SB 6025 and SB 5990.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- You see there's a zero governor's recommendation here.
- So that's why it's zero on page 33 in the governor's recommendation.
- And that's why it's zero in the department recommendation on page 35.
- we want to make sure because, you know, obviously general revenue is a scarce resource, and it's a zero-sum
Committee:
House Commerce
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 19th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Sometimes there are some offices that have had zero caseworkers at times.
- non-relative foster families leaving has essentially equaled the number of newly licensed for a net gain of zero
- We've literally gone from zero to zero ever since that started and ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, when the new fiscal note comes over, it will have a zero impact. All right. Thank you.
- I am trying to understand how this has a zero impact, to be honest with you.
- I am trying to understand how this has a zero impact, to be honest with you, because they changed it
- If I may, in my simpleton mind, the reason it has a zero note now is these are wells that have not been
Bills:
HB42
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay.
The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending.
Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably.
Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There being nine ayes and zero nays, the motion prevails.
- adoption and forced into homeschool under the name Etz Haim Yeshiva, which was a lie and contained zero
- It would say: provider billed $100, total cost allowed $120, plan paid $35.28, and you owe zero.
- In this scenario, with personal injury cases, there is no contract, so you face zero payment and significantly
Bills:
HB4806
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 35 yeas, zero nays, Mr. President.
- Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 37 yeas, zero nays, Mr. President.
- Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 37 yeas, zero nays, Mr. President.
- Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 37 yeas, zero nays, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders.
The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals.
Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There's two sections: there's zero population, zero customers, and then there is a clear definition of
- So that may be a point moving forward to the author to clarify what happens if you're not in zero population
- , zero customers, or you're in what is defined as well served.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 470, which would change California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules and allow a phased transition away from copper landlines in areas deemed well served by alternative phone options. The author and AT&T argued the bill would protect consumers, preserve 911 access, require public notice and CPUC review, and direct investment toward modern fiber and emergency communications. Supporters included a wide range of business, civic, tribal, and community groups, while opponents from TURN, rural counties, labor, digital equity organizations, and local governments warned the bill could let AT&T shed service obligations too quickly, weaken protections for rural and underserved households, and harm workers. After extensive member discussion about CPUC authority, rural carveouts, labor impacts, and reinvestment, AB 470 was passed do pass as amended to Appropriations, with one no vote and one not voting, and the roll left open.
The committee then took up AB 1532, a committee omnibus bill extending funding and surcharge authority for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program and the TNC Access for All program, while also adding CPUC accountability provisions. Chair Boerner Horvath explained the bill would not raise consumer costs and would require the CPUC to appear at hearings when requested and adopt rules for commissioner attendance. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was moved do pass and re-refer to Utilities and Energy, though the roll was left open because it had not yet reached the threshold for immediate transmission.
Finally, the committee heard AB 353, the Affordable Home Internet Act of 2025, which would establish an affordability floor for home broadband for low-income Californians after the expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Supporters said broadband costs remain too high and that families, students, and vulnerable communities need a state solution now; opponents from the wireless industry and rural county representatives argued the bill would amount to an artificial price mandate and could complicate existing rural broadband buildouts. Members generally supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on small ISPs and rural areas, and the bill was moved forward with a motion and second while discussion continued about possible exemptions and amendments.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We had a $10 million cut and then in the tails we had zero.
- million cut and then in the tales<00:26:11.600><c> we</c><00:26:11.760><c> had</c><00:26:11.919><c> zero
- > It</c><00:26:12.799><c> makes</c><00:26:12.960><c> it</c><00:26:13.200><c> very</c> tales we had zero
- It makes it very tales we had zero.
Bills:
HF2439
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the President's 2025 trade policy agenda. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope we'll see more negotiations that press for zero-to-zero barriers, but could you explain a little
- We have zero exports of the fresh and frozen U.S. pork to Australia.
- possible deal with Vietnam, because I know they've been first to the table to try to negotiate for a zero
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
Keywords:
tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls
Summary:
The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been in contact with, we're in the process of contacting all the LEAs that showed zero expenditures
- We've been in contact with, we're in the process of contacting all the LEAs that showed zero expenditures
- would say that, and we're in the process of contacting LEAs in the past month that showed up with zero
- expenditures on... ...the LEAs in the past month that showed up with zero expenditures on the first
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s education budget proposals for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Learning Recovery Block Grant, and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), followed by testimony from State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. On LCFF, Finance outlined the proposed 2.43% COLA, repayment of prior deferrals, and a trailer bill penalty for LEAs that fail to adopt Local Control Accountability Plans on time. The LAO said its COLA estimate was slightly lower and raised concerns that the Governor’s proposed TK staffing ratio increase may be more costly than estimated. Members also discussed whether the current COLA formula should better reflect California-specific or district staffing costs, and whether TK should be more clearly separated from the K-3 grade span adjustment to avoid larger K-3 class sizes. The chair asked staff to work with the LAO on both the TK/K-3 issue and alternative COLA calculations.
For the Learning Recovery Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring the first of three delayed payments, $378.6 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund, while the LAO recommended adopting the proposal but extending the expenditure deadline by at least a year. The LAO reported that districts had spent $1.6 billion of the $6.8 billion received through 2023-24 and said most districts were only now shifting from federal COVID relief to block grant spending. Members questioned whether the large state and federal investments were improving outcomes, citing declining reading and math trends, while Finance and the State Board president pointed to some signs of improvement, especially in math, attendance, and gains for some student groups. Darling-Hammond emphasized that student needs have grown, that recovery spending has gone to devices, ventilation, staffing, tutoring, summer school, and community schools, and that targeted interventions appear to be helping some districts recover faster than others.
On ELOP, Finance proposed adding $435 million to expand universal access by lowering the Tier 1 threshold from 75% to 55% unduplicated pupils, bringing ongoing funding to $4.4 billion. The LAO said the estimate was reasonable but recommended delaying implementation for a year, aligning ELOP with ASES to reduce overlap, moving toward funding based on participation rather than enrollment, and considering a fixed Tier 2 rate. Members and witnesses discussed staffing challenges, the use of funds for students with disabilities, and uncertainty in Tier 2 funding caused by unspent dollars and opt-outs. Darling-Hammond supported ELOP as part of California’s broader after-school and summer learning strategy, said most districts are now offering full-day TK and expanded learning, and urged the state to reduce fragmentation across categorical programs and build more unified systems for funding, reporting, and support.