Transcript Highlights:

• As previously noted, DESE also uses Equity Labs for this purpose via the...
• You mentioned on slide 58 about the equity labs.
• to be done is equity labs, but we can't find any evidence that equity labs have happened.
• is equity labs, but we can't find any evidence that equity labs have happened.
• Staff will take care of putting all that in there.

Summary: The committee received a lengthy Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability systems, and adequacy requirements. Staff reviewed how state curriculum and standards have evolved from the 1997 Public Education Act through the 2003 Quality Education Act and the 2017 Educational Support and Accountability Act, including required coursework, standards for accreditation, career and technical education, graduation requirements, and recent additions such as computer science, personal finance, firearm safety, and fetal growth and development instruction. Members asked for a chart comparing the major laws and repeals over time, and staff agreed to provide one. The presentation then turned to federal ESSA requirements and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff explained Arkansas’s long-term goals for proficiency, English learner progress, and graduation rates, and reported 2025 ATLAS proficiency results, which remained below the 80% goal across student groups. They also reviewed English learner progress, graduation rates, school support and improvement, and equitable access to educators. Data showed gaps by subgroup and by school poverty/minority concentration, with Title I and high-poverty schools more likely to have emergency/provisional teachers and less experienced staff. Members questioned the lack of recent data for some ESSA measures, including equity labs and school index calculations, and asked staff to follow up with the Department of Education. The committee also discussed NAEP results, ACT scores, and teacher quality measures under the state accountability act. Arkansas’s NAEP performance remained below national averages in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math, and ACT composite scores and benchmark attainment were also reviewed. Members asked for additional information on historical highs and lows, the number of assessments students take by grade, dropout data, and comparisons with other states. No formal votes were taken; the main action was agreement to request additional information from DESE and to schedule department follow-up at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We say diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• DEI is how we make real our commitment to equity.
• You know, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just merely buzzwords.
• In cities and nations that intentionally foster diversity, ensure equity...
• I have a staff member... ...people stay silent. They say nothing.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Bills: SB843, SB1733, SB1476, SB1237, SB1410, SB1894, SB1272, SB1204, SB1721, SB1725, SB1735, SB1337, SB1339, SB1461, SB1975, SB1450, SB1458, SB1232, SB1238, SB1325, SB1209, SB1362, SB2072, SB1451, SB1540, SB1581, SB1535, SB1266, SB1927, SB1460, SB2084, SB2182, SB392, SB985, SB1265, SB1283, SB1441, SB1307, SB1425, SB1826, SB1365, SB1696, SB1870, SB1722, SB1639, SB715, SB716, SB182, SB609, SB169, SB134, SB1611, SB432, SB1407, SB2039, SB1356, SB1288, SB2019, SB1705, SB1878, SB2118

Keywords: school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, land office, land exchange, investment, education funding, real estate management, Teachers' Bill of Rights, education, teachers' rights

Bills: SB843, SB1733, SB1476, SB1237, SB1410, SB1894, SB1272, SB1204, SB1721, SB1725, SB1735, SB1337, SB1339, SB1461, SB1975, SB1450, SB1458, SB1232, SB1238, SB1325, SB1209, SB1362, SB2072, SB1451, SB1540, SB1581, SB1535, SB1266, SB1927, SB1460, SB2084, SB2182, SB392, SB985, SB1265, SB1283, SB1441, SB1307, SB1425, SB1826, SB1365, SB1696, SB1870, SB1722, SB1639, SB715, SB716, SB182, SB609, SB169, SB134, SB1611, SB432, SB1407, SB2039, SB1356, SB1288, SB2019, SB1705, SB1878, SB2118

Keywords: school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, land office, land exchange, investment, education funding, real estate management, Teachers' Bill of Rights, education, teachers' rights

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Rachel Franklin, along with several student pages and visiting groups in the galleries, including Catholic home educators, Leadership Moore, and ALS advocates. The ALS introduction highlighted the disease’s effects and the need for awareness and support. The chamber then took up several bills. Senate Bill 392 reestablished the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission through 2030 to support military installations and related planning, and it passed 47-0 with emergency status. Senate Bill 985 codified the local food for schools program and gave the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry more flexibility to administer it; members discussed its benefits for school nutrition and local producers, and it also passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1265 extended the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days due to the decline of daily and weekly newspapers, and it passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1283 updated probate law so out-of-state executors, administrators, or guardians must appoint an agent in Oklahoma rather than in the county where the case is heard, and it passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1441 made it unlawful to knowingly fly a drone over critical infrastructure below 400 feet or into the structure, with penalties aligned to physical trespass, and it also passed 47-0. The Senate then made several committee and devotional announcements before adjourning until Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The author and the author's staff and sponsors have reached out to us, and we're very, very...
• An increasing share of this money is flowing into private equity.
• They turned into private equity because of the appropriation attached to leveraged buyouts.
• They turned into private equity because of the appropriation attached to leveraged buyouts.
• Third is equity. SB 875 disregards the equity implications on low-income and rural communities.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , full state equity.
• I'm not talking about staff.
• We hear a lot of talk about equity in this building. A lot of people talk about equity.
• Homeless aid, that's an equity issue, right? Paid family leave, that's an equity issue.
• </c> lot of people talk about equity. lot of people talk about equity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Hurtado, and members of the subcommittee and staff.
• How quickly do you believe... ...you can hire staff?
• facilities of three, at least at the time of the staff report, 336— At least at the time of the staff
• So we have a race and equity manager, a racial equity action plan, and we use something called a decision
• I'm also a staff member of Aspire House in San Mateo County.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> communication access service for staff communication access service for staff and<01:02:17.119><
• To be clear, health equity is an issue that transcends politics.
• And I'm married to a member of the state of New Hampshire DCF staff.
• </c> of New Hampshire DCF staff. of New Hampshire DCF staff.
• </c><02:01:37.199><c> or</c> director of off of health equity or director of off of health equity or

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are rural facilities, and some of them are Owned by private equity parent corporate.
• Exceed 30% of the average staff salary and benefits.
• That my colleagues talked about, the first being private equity.
• But I think the real issue is the way in which private equity is set up, right?
• And of course, thank you to our staff. Thank you, presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• systems of care, relevant state agency staff, as well as staff from public housing authorities.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Allison Mandiola, committee staff.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Allison Mendiola, committee staff.
• And my question is for staff.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Allison Mandela, committee staff.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session focused on housing and services for youth and young adults, especially those exiting public systems of care. DCYF Assistant Secretary Vicki Ibarra described existing supports, including family reconciliation services and the youth and young adult housing response team, which coordinates with other agencies to help young people ages 12 to 24 avoid homelessness. Office of Homeless Youth Director Casey Hannawer Sutton outlined the office’s role in reducing youth homelessness, citing a 40% reduction since 2016, expansion of services to 37 counties, and ongoing work on prevention and “functional zero” efforts. Treehouse and the Mockingbird Society testified about education, transition, and housing barriers for foster youth and young adults, including funding cuts to Treehouse’s Graduation Success program, eligibility gaps, and the need for peer supports, financial literacy, and housing stability. A health impact review from the State Board of Health on a prior version of the extended foster care housing proposal found the bill would likely improve housing stability, health outcomes, and equity for some young adults in extended foster care. The committee then heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5911, which would stop DCYF from using Social Security benefits of young adults in extended foster care to reimburse the state for care costs. Sponsor Sen. Emily Alvarado said the bill would protect federal benefits that belong to the young person and help them meet basic needs; supporters from Partners for Our Children, TeamChild, Mockingbird Society, and a former foster youth testified that the current practice harms housing, education, and stability and urged the state to end it. Members discussed the need for financial literacy and the federal government’s recent direction discouraging the practice. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5940, a two-year extended foster care housing pilot that would provide rental assistance for up to 50 eligible youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with transition planning required before age 21. Sen. Wilson said the bill is intended to keep young people in care from having to choose between foster care support and housing assistance. Testimony from Mockingbird Society, current and former foster youth, and Communities in Schools supported the bill as a way to reduce homelessness and improve educational and health outcomes. The committee briefly heard Senate Bill 5942, which would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and shift its reporting structure while keeping its oversight role, and Senate Bill 5957, which would expand the Office of Homeless Youth Advisory Committee to include additional members with lived experience and representation from disproportionately affected communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are more staff getting more services?
• </c> defibrillator available and that staff defibrillator available and that staff is<00:04:05.120><c
• Um there are some assisted equity.
• that there's enough staff.
• </c><01:15:30.159><c> They're</c> pressuring to short staff. They're pressuring to short staff.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please note that Commission staff will follow up with you after the meeting if any of your issues or
• This is Cassidy, his staff director, on his behalf. He'll abstain. Thank you. Thank you.
• So a lot of things are happening at Social Security with staff internally.
• And it's going across many, many areas, including immigration and health equity and so on.
• that we realized that we need to learn about health equity.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting virtually and in person at the State House. The commission approved the March minutes and elected its officers by unanimous roll call vote: Denise Garlick as chair, Chris White as vice chair, Carl Richardson as treasurer, and Osmondahar as secretary. The meeting also welcomed several new commissioners, including Rep. Jay Livingstone, Rep. Vanna Howard, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Rep. John Marzi, and Leo Sarkisian, with brief introductions from the new legislative members. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the commission’s current work and the broader policy environment affecting people with disabilities. Commissioners and subcommittee leaders raised concerns about federal threats to Medicaid/MassHealth, Section 504 accessibility protections, DEI-related rollbacks, immigration policy impacts on the direct care workforce, and the loss of funding for youth employment and vocational rehabilitation programs. Members also discussed ableist language in public discourse and the need for stronger advocacy and communication in response to these developments. Subcommittee reports highlighted recent activity on disability employment, workforce supports, and long-term services and supports/health equity. Presentations included veterans with disabilities, employment programming for young adults with disabilities, immigration and labor protections, MassHealth’s PCA working group, and a health equity roundtable. The commission also discussed future plans to create an advisory board, develop successor and mentoring planning, and launch regional “meeting the moment” listening sessions across the Commonwealth to strengthen outreach and leadership development. The meeting ended with an open invitation for commissioners to share urgent information with staff for broader distribution and a unanimous motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• All members, guests, and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
• I think the biggest thing that came out of this conference report is the equity piece.
• So we want to thank. ...justice reform and now through access to equity and inclusion.
• Thank you to the staff. We could not do this without you.
• They can access them during passing time and lunch and when directed by a staff member.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first recognized several student athletes and teams, including East Bridgewater cheerleaders, Medway athletes and teams, and the Housatonic Valley basketball team, and adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition concerning an extension of a lease authorization for conservation land. The chamber then took up Senate 2581, as amended, a major education and youth technology bill. The bill was rewritten to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education, including restrictions on personal electronic devices in public schools and limits on social media access for children. Members debated whether the policy should be bell-to-bell or allow more local flexibility, and several amendments were offered. An amendment from Attleboro to preserve district-specific policies was rejected, while a consolidated amendment tightening social media restrictions and related protections was adopted. The House also considered and passed several other bills, including measures amending the Sandwich charter, authorizing Springfield to help certain residents with local tax obligations, authorizing charity alcohol auctions, and directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific police applicant. In addition, the House rejected concurrence on a Senate version of a higher education infrastructure bill and instead appointed a committee of conference. Later, the House accepted a conference report on modernizing cannabis laws after debate focused on regulatory streamlining, equity, ownership caps, and hemp regulation. The report was adopted by roll call, and the House then passed the amended education bill to be engrossed before adjourning to the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we don't have enough staff for that.
• The accrued leave of the retiring staff, which was $19,148.
• This next line item adds funds for competitive market salary equity.
• I mean, you guys provided an equity package last session. And Sheriff Lieben...
• And so, I mean, this equity is, again, I know it's a lot of money.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened to work through the amended version of Senate Bill 2025, beginning with a clarification from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the source of funds used to cover the commissioner’s salary equity increase. Commissioner Lonnie Wong explained that the money came from federal highly rural transportation grant administrative/salary funds, within the allowable 10% administrative cap, and that the department had not exceeded that limit. The committee then reviewed the major House changes to the veterans budget, including funding for a veterans benefits specialist FTE, salary equity increases for veterans service officers, additional operating funds, one-time funding for homeless veteran services and the Veterans Post-War Trust Fund, carryover authority for Fisher House and veterans transportation projects, accrued leave, and a document scanning project. Members also discussed a section changing governance authority for veterans affairs and the veterans home, with questions about the ACOVA board and the governor’s appointment authority. The committee debated the appropriateness of using federal grant administrative funds for salary adjustments and the broader shift in authority over veterans affairs, with some members emphasizing legislative control over salaries and budget decisions and others supporting the reorganization as a way to improve administration. After discussion, Amendment 25.092.0203 was moved, seconded, and adopted on an 8-0 roll call. The committee then moved SB 2025 as amended, and that motion also passed 8-0. The meeting then shifted to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget issues, where members reviewed FTE reductions, salary equity funding for correctional officers and parole/probation officers, and the status of federal ARPA dollars that had previously been used to backfill salaries and bonuses. DOCR officials described pay levels for correctional officers and compared them with county jail wages, arguing that the proposed equity funding was needed for retention and competitiveness. Members also discussed transitional facility costs, women’s treatment unit funding, and county jail overflow housing, including new or planned bed capacity in Grand Forks, Burleigh-Morton, Rugby, and other facilities. The committee agreed to continue refining the budget through a new long sheet and planned to request amendments for consideration in the following days before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the back over there, my staff, Maddie, and the senator's staff as well, Carol.
• In the back over there, my staff, Maddie, and the senator's staff as well, Carol.
• Secondly, in a more targeted way, just targeting the health equity issues, we do have a health equity
• Secondly, in a more targeted way, just targeting the health equity issues, we do have a health equity
• It's wonderful to be here in this town hall, and through you to your staff and to the staff that helped

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:21.200><c> without</c> saw raises throughout the staff without saw raises throughout the staff
• We staff evaluate it, my staff and I, and then we have the executive director evaluate it, and we take
• We staff evaluate it, my staff and I, and then we have the executive director evaluate it, and we take
• </c><00:37:46.839><c> determining</c><00:37:47.440><c> it</c> it's staff determining it it's staff determining
• </c> this program we can provide State Equity this program we can provide State Equity BAS<01:03:56.119

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With me to provide testimony is Adrian Tinnon, the Director of Race Equity and Legislative Policy at
• With me to provide testimony is Adrian Tinnon, the Director of Race Equity and Legislative Policy at
• I want to thank the chair and particularly the committee staff for working so diligently and closely
• I want to thank the chair and particularly the committee staff for working so diligently and closely
• and the Broadband and Digital Equity Commission.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met to adopt its 2025-2026 rules and hear three bills. The committee first adopted the rules on a roll call vote, then heard AB 1303 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would clarify that a Social Security number is not required to apply for California Lifeline and would restrict sharing subscriber information with immigration enforcement absent a court warrant or subpoena. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable Californians, including undocumented residents, domestic violence survivors, unhoused people, and identity theft victims, access essential communications services; there was no opposition. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary. The committee next heard AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta, which would require broadband providers to report pricing and speed-performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs and make the information publicly available, with privacy protections and a standardized reporting template. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and help consumers, local governments, and the state understand what broadband service Californians are actually receiving; testimony highlighted disparities in speed and pricing in low-income communities. The bill was amended in committee and passed on a due pass as amended motion to the Committee on Business and Professions. Finally, the committee heard AB 693 by the chair, Assemblymember Boerner, which would consolidate broadband and digital equity functions into a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity and create an 11-member commission with decision-making authority. Supporters said the current split between agencies creates delays and coordination problems, while members discussed governance, geographic representation, and whether the proposal would require follow-up constitutional or statutory changes. The bill passed 9-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Afterward, the committee added AB 1303 and AB 1271 as later add-ons, both of which were also reported out, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• generated by the fair share surtax, the Senate’s fair share supplemental budget prioritizes regional equity
• As usual, the gentleman from Westport and his staff were interactive with every member of this body.
• As usual, the gentleman from Westport and his staff were interactive with every member of this body.
• And I can see that he is turning to query his staff, even as the vice chair does damage to the desk over
• And through you to the members, like many of you during the week, I read and task my staff to read up

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up Senate House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill funded largely by surplus Fair Share revenues. The Ways and Means chair described the bill as a $1.28 billion package, with major investments in education and transportation, including special education circuit breaker aid, higher education deferred maintenance, career technical education capital grants, school construction relief, high-dosage tutoring, English language learning grants, MBTA reserve replenishment and safety training, commuter rail maintenance, Chapter 90 local road aid, regional transit authority support, ferry and micro-transit funding, and a small World Cup transportation appropriation. Members from both parties generally praised the bill’s one-time, regionally balanced approach while emphasizing fiscal discipline and the limited, surplus-based funding source. The minority leader and others questioned the fund balances and the use of the education and transportation innovation and capital fund, the Student Opportunity Act trust fund, and the transitional escrow account; the chair said the bill would zero out the innovation and capital fund, leave about $430 million in the SOA trust, and about $200 million in the escrow account. Several members highlighted specific priorities. Senator Cronin and Senator Feeney strongly supported the $100 million career technical education investment, arguing it would expand vocational opportunities in comprehensive high schools and help meet workforce needs. Senator Feeney also emphasized MBTA funding, special education, local road repairs, English language learning tied to workforce needs, and World Cup preparations in Foxborough. Senator Comerford praised the bill’s regional equity, higher education maintenance funding, special education support, and transportation investments, while also noting the need for broader future work on Chapter 70 and school finance. Senator Tarr supported the bill but repeatedly stressed that the spending was a unique one-time opportunity and that the Commonwealth should preserve fiscal reserves and continue to address school funding inequities and MBTA finances more broadly. The chamber then considered numerous amendments. Amendment 1 on tariff pricing transparency was withdrawn after brief remarks, and Amendment 14, proposing a DESE study on educational outcomes for young men and boys, was rejected. Amendment 182, funding Worcester Regional Transit Authority capital expenses, was adopted. Amendment 228, adding $500,000 for Free Period to expand access to menstrual products in schools, was adopted. Amendment 257, funding Springfield Public Schools communication and safety systems, was also adopted. Other amendments, including Tarr amendments on supplemental district aid, MBTA reporting, and the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were rejected. Amendment 308 concerning MBTA Communities and Milton was withdrawn, after which Senator Driscoll began a presentation arguing Milton was being misclassified under the MBTA Communities Act and should be treated fairly under the law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eighty percent of it is required to be spent on school staff.
• So we did have 122 arts organization staff who also completed the survey.
• existing staff.
• There's also an equity issue that we need to look at as well.
• And so that arts audit led into the hiring of significant staff: 56 certificated staff members, along

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism and the Assembly Education Committee held a joint informational hearing on implementation of Proposition 28, the 2022 voter-approved arts education funding measure. Chairs emphasized the goal of understanding how the roughly $900 million to nearly $1.1 billion annual funding stream is being used, whether it is supplementing rather than supplanting existing arts programs, and what reporting or guidance improvements may be needed. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reviewed the basic structure of Prop 28: funds are distributed 70% by enrollment and 30% by low-income student counts, 80% must generally be spent on staffing, districts may use up to 1% for administration, and annual local reports and audits are required. Members pressed the LAO on waivers, spending timelines, and whether smaller or rural districts face different challenges; the LAO said some waivers have been issued and that districts have three years to spend each allocation, but statewide data remain limited. WestEd, Create California, and the California County Superintendents described early implementation findings and concerns. Their testimony said schools are using funds for arts materials, staffing, expanded instruction, and field trips, and that many respondents saw positive effects on student access and engagement. At the same time, they reported confusion about allowable uses, supplement-versus-supplant rules, and the 80/20 staffing requirement, along with shortages of credentialed arts teachers and uneven access across districts. Create California argued that Prop 28 has generated optimism but also uncertainty, especially for community arts organizations that have seen reduced contracts as districts bring services in-house. County superintendents and researchers called for clearer statutory guidance, stronger technical assistance, better statewide data, and more support for teacher credentialing pathways. District and county officials then described local implementation. Long Beach Unified said it moved quickly to full implementation, using Prop 28 to expand elementary and secondary arts offerings, hire 56 certificated staff and more than 120 classified coaches, and develop a five-year arts strategic plan tied to equity goals. Butte County and other rural representatives said Prop 28 has enabled restored or expanded programs, including arts teachers, theater, and music offerings, but rural districts still struggle to recruit credentialed staff and to make small allocations workable across large distances. The California Music Educators Association echoed those themes, saying members report both new positions and supplies as well as confusion, fear of audit findings, and inconsistent district guidance. Committee members asked about arts definitions, credentialing, rural pooling of funds, and out-of-state teacher credentials; witnesses said media arts are included, multiple credential pathways exist, and recent legislation has eased some out-of-state credential barriers. The hearing ended with public comment beginning after the panel discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• All members, guests, and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
• I think the biggest thing that came out of this conference report is on the equity piece.
• So we want to thank. ...justice reform and now through access to equity and inclusion.
• Thank you to the staff. We could not do this without you.
• They can access them during passing time and lunch and when directed by a staff member.

Keywords: 1212, all