Transcript Highlights:

• from my teacher and school nurse.
• It's true that when I went to school, I have no way of knowing that if I went to school or I went to
• This bill applies to every daycare, school, employer, and business in Arizona. It prohibits...
• This bill applies to every daycare, school, employer, and business in Arizona.
• He goes to radiology school.

Committee: House House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee met for its first hearing of the session, took roll, introduced members and staff, and reviewed committee rules and amendment deadlines. The chair also announced that video recording would not be allowed in the room and set the order and speaking limits for the day’s bills. The committee heard HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has or has not received a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy, parental rights, and freedom from medical discrimination. Opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could undermine vaccination policies, school and child care illness controls, and protections for immunocompromised people. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote. The committee then heard HB 2086, which would prohibit governmental entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with limited exceptions for workplace safety and infection control. Supporters said it would prevent government coercion and protect individual liberty and business freedom; opponents warned it would interfere with private business decisions and public health measures. After testimony and debate over the scope of the bill and the relevance of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the committee approved HB 2086 on a 3-2 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 2688, which would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget positions vacant for at least 150 days and direct budget units to eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as Corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while critics raised concerns about hard-to-fill specialized roles. The committee passed HB 2688 on a 3-2 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• for my teacher and school nurse.
• It's true that when I went to school, I have no way of knowing that if I went to school or I went to
• This bill applies to every daycare, school, employer, and business in Arizona. It prohibits...
• This bill applies to every daycare, school, employer, and business in Arizona.
• He goes to radiology school.

Bills: HB2086 , HB2248 , HB2688

Committees: House Regulatory Oversight , House House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference

Keywords: vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions

Transcript Highlights:

• at FHSAA member public and private schools if the school doesn't offer the sport.
• by a school district.
• They can already authorize a charter school, which obviously a school of hope is a charter school.
• of hope as a charter school.
• Specifically, is this a private school? Is this a charter school?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> School of the University of Minnesota. School of the University of Minnesota.
• </c> daycare before entering public school. daycare before entering public school.
• </c> supposed to be finishing high school supposed to be finishing high school virtually,<00:23:22.040
• I managed to get my attendance at school I managed to get my attendance at school back<00:25:43.400><
• </c> And I was also able to stay in school And I was also able to stay in school and<00:26:09.600><c>

Bills: HF3665 , HF3002 , HF4217 , HF4125 , HF4174

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing improvements in our K-12 schools.
• the 2025-26 school year.
• There are situations where, at smaller schools or even at larger schools, a student can't appeal and
• Louisiana High School Athletic Association.
• It's an award for how well you did in high school.

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Transcript Highlights:

• private schools across Arizona and already rake in...
• Lewis: ...school tuition organizations that serve private schools across Arizona and already rake in
• Lewis: We have never seen a tax credit for public schools or private schools that was equitable in any
• While public schools are not going to do that, there is no tuition.
• or decrease funding for public schools.

Summary: The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would align Arizona tax law with the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, including some retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills would exclude three federal provisions: the higher federal SALT deduction, the new senior deduction as written in H.R. 1, and the deduction for interest on new car loans. They would instead include a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers age 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. JLBC estimated the package would reduce general fund income tax revenue by about $441.3 million in FY 2026. Members also discussed that the Department of Revenue’s forms had been issued assuming full conformity, and staff and supporters argued the bills were needed quickly to avoid confusion and amended returns during filing season. Committee members and sponsors largely framed the bills as tax relief and a way to provide certainty for taxpayers and preparers. Supporters said the package would help families, seniors, and workers, and noted that the Arizona version was negotiated to keep the overall tax relief roughly comparable to full conformity while shifting benefits away from the SALT deduction and toward child credits, retirement income, and child care. The sponsors also criticized the governor’s executive action and urged prompt passage so taxpayers would know how to file. Opponents argued the bills would reduce state revenue, worsen the budget outlook, and disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Several witnesses and members also raised concerns about the child care deduction, the retirement-income deduction, and the business expensing provisions, while supporters responded that the bill was designed to help working families and encourage saving and investment. Public testimony was mixed. The Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing early conformity, filing certainty, and reduced confusion for taxpayers and software providers. Opponents included Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, who argued the package would deepen budget problems and favor the wealthy. One witness objected to a federal school-choice-related provision she said was being tied to the bill, though committee members said the measure before them was a tax conformity bill and not a school finance bill. The hearing included extended debate over the fiscal impact, the governor’s prior requests for some of the same tax changes, and whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the legislature later changed course. The transcript ends during testimony from NFIB, with no final committee vote or action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• private schools across Arizona and already rake in...
• School tuition organizations that serve private schools across Arizona and already rake in hundreds of
• We have never seen a tax credit for public schools or private schools that was equitable in any way,
• While public schools are not going to do that, there is no tuition.
• or decrease funding for public schools.

Summary: The joint House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees met to hear identical Arizona tax conformity bills, HB 2153 and SB 1106, which would conform state tax law to the federal Internal Revenue Code as of Jan. 1, 2026, with some provisions applied retroactively to tax year 2025. Staff explained that the bills exclude the federal senior deduction for those 65 and older, the higher state and local tax deduction, and the new car loan interest deduction, while including a $6,000 retirement-income deduction for taxpayers 60 and older, a $6,000 Roth IRA contribution deduction, a higher dependent tax credit, and a deduction for child and dependent care expenses above the federal credit. The JLBC fiscal note estimated a $441.3 million general fund revenue loss in FY 2026, and members discussed that this was roughly the same as full conformity because the bill’s adjustments offset some of the federal changes. Bill sponsors and supporters argued the measure should be enacted early to give taxpayers and tax preparers certainty before filing season, noting that the Department of Revenue had already issued forms assuming conformity and that delay could force amended returns. They said the bill reflects a negotiated package that preserves most of the federal tax relief while tailoring it for Arizona, especially by lowering the senior deduction age to 60 and replacing the auto loan deduction with family-focused provisions such as the higher child credit and child care deduction. The Arizona Society of CPAs and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club supported the bills, emphasizing the need for early conformity and fewer filing complications. Opponents, including Save Our Schools Arizona, the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Opportunity Arizona, and several individuals, argued the package would reduce state revenue, worsen the structural deficit, and mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations. Some witnesses criticized the inclusion of federal school-choice-related provisions and warned about uncertainty around future federal guidance, while others said the bill should not move ahead before the budget process. Members also debated whether taxpayers would need to file amended returns if the state later diverged from the Department of Revenue forms, and whether the senior and child care provisions were targeted or equitable. The transcript ends during public testimony, with no final committee vote or action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, he went to Pearl City and not Waiākea High School.
• And with her is her daughter Cari, who's a senior in high school at Kauaʻi High School this year.
• </c><00:54:08.880><c> this</c><00:54:09.040><c> year</c> school at Kawai High School this year school
• At Waiākea High School, she chose to stay two more years.
• She would be involved in other after-school activities.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> easier just to eliminate the school easier just to eliminate the school effect<00:10:43.120><c>
• ,</c> &gt;&gt; from the whole area or a high school, &gt;&gt; from the whole area or a high school, &
• </c> school then? school then?
• Your district to which elementary school you can go to. Another elementary school you can go to.
• </c> agenda is HP 1713 relating to school agenda is HP 1713 relating to school impact<01:47:37.679><c

Bills: HB1604 , HB1713 , HB1722 , HB2270 , HB2401 , HB2515 , HB1979 , HB1593 , HB1743 , HB2122 , HB1756 , HB1837 , HB1729

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a high school degree from Sundance High School.
• I have a high school degree from Sundance High School.
• I have a high school degree from Sundance High School.
• </c> high school student from Park County 6. high school student from Park County 6.
• </c> schools the parents of high school schools the parents of high school students students students

Bills: HB0066 , HJ0005 , HB0010

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> break away from with our school break away from with our school nutrition,<00:45:33.599><c> with
• </c> I'm wanting to sell it to the school. I'm wanting to sell it to the school.
• in Martin County Middle School to do after-school programming where she brings hands-on experiences
• </c> preschool all the way up to high school. preschool all the way up to high school.
• in this current school year.

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” work from Kentucky Hospital Association and Kentucky Department of Agriculture leaders, including Jim Muser, Holly Harris, and Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The chair framed the discussion around personal wellness, injury prevention, and the broader goal of improving health through better sleep, nutrition, and activity, then asked the presenters to describe current initiatives and any policy changes needed. The witnesses described a partnership linking hospitals and Kentucky farmers to improve health outcomes while supporting rural agriculture. They said the effort has moved beyond the pilot stage and now includes more than 40 hospitals statewide, with programs such as healthier hospital cafeterias, grab-and-go options, farmers markets at hospital sites, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and medically tailored meals or groceries for patients with chronic conditions. ARH was highlighted as a leading model, with local food procurement, employee wellness efforts, and measurable outcome pilots, including a Russell County Hospital project focused on diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also emphasized barriers to scaling the model, including fragmented short-term funding, lack of reimbursement for food-as-medicine programs, and burdensome procurement and testing requirements that can make it difficult for small farmers to participate. The presenters said hospitals are using their own funds or temporary grants to sustain programs and argued that policy changes are needed to simplify sourcing, expand reimbursement pathways, and support clinical measurement of outcomes. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Public Schools, nine years with Minneapolis Public Schools, and four years in partnership with a
• Paul Public Schools and St.
• n years with Minneapolis Public Schools n years with Minneapolis public<01:33:55.080><c> schools</c>
• </c> University Partners multiple school University Partners multiple school districts<01:37:02.360><
• </c><01:42:25.560><c> um</c> teacher principal school um teacher principal school um superintendent<01

Bills: HF1538 , HF1965 , HF2251 , HF2838

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> were scared to go to school. were scared to go to school.
• I take my kids to school. Should I take my kids to school? >> Mr.
• And it wasn't just the big regular public schools. It was the charter schools.
• It was the charter public schools. It was the charter schools. schools. schools.
• </c> schools with binoculars. schools with binoculars.

Transcript Highlights:

• This school year, Kula Kauni Ki Okapo opened its doors at Capo High School, marking the establishment
• </c><00:15:03.600><c> community</c> committed and united school community committed and united school
• .<00:15:24.160><c> Aola</c> school.
• Aola school.
• </c> school children through the school school children through the school lunches,<00:20:40.400><c>

Bills: HCR1 , HCR2 , SB2001 , SB2002 , SB2003 , SB2004 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB2007 , SB2008 , SB2009 , SB2010 , SB2011 , SB2012 , SB2013 , SB2014 , SB2015 , SB2016 , SB2017 , SB2018 , SB2019 , SB2020 , SB2021 , SB2022 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2025 , SB2026 , SB2027 , SB2028 , SB2029 , SB2030 , SB2031 , SB2032 , SB2033 , SB2034 , SB2035 , SB2036 , SB2037 , SB2038 , SB2039 , SB2040 , SB2041 , SB2042 , SB2043 , SB2044 , SB2045 , SB2046 , SB2047 , SB2048 , SB2049 , SB2050 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2053 , SB2054 , SB2055 , SB2056 , SB2057 , SB2058 , SB2059 , SB2060 , SB2061 , SB2062 , SB2063 , SB2064 , SB2065 , SB2066 , SB2067 , SB2068 , SB2069 , SB2070 , SB2071 , SB2072 , SB2073 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2079 , SB2080 , SB2081 , SB2082 , SB2083 , SB2084 , SB2085 , SB2086 , SB2087 , SB2088 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2091 , SB2092 , SB2093 , SB2094 , SB2095 , SB2096 , SB2097 , SB2098 , SB2099 , SB2100

Transcript Highlights:

• high school.
• But when I was in high school... A little more liberal of that. Oh, okay.
• When I was in high school... A little more liberal of that. Oh, okay. Okay. Thank you.
• They've all got plans, and maybe they're not sure yet where they're going to school after high school
• There are a lot less dairies now than there were when I was in school.

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, including approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages transmitting House Bill 73 and Second Substitute House Bill 1784, and referring Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. It then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and acknowledging the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, drew extensive remarks in support from several senators. Speakers emphasized the injustice of the internment, the contributions of Japanese American veterans and civil rights activists, the importance of remembrance, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 8688, recognizing Washington’s dairy farms and the role of dairy producers in the state’s economy and communities. Senators shared personal ties to dairy farming and praised the hard work of family farms, dairy workers, and industry representatives. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and visiting members of the Washington State Dairy Council, Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors were recognized in the gallery. At the close of business, the Senate agreed to adjourn until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a junior at Pedmont High School, Alabama.
• I'm a junior at Pedmont High School,<00:09:42.800><c> Alabama.
• I go to Gaston Middle School. &gt;&gt; Perfect. &gt;&gt; Perfect.
• </c> to Marcel Middle School. to Marcel Middle School.
• I go to Gaston Middle School. >> Thank y'all for being here.

Bills: SB183 , SB160 , SB183 , SB160

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: tribal police, law enforcement, reservation safety, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, indigenous rights, sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax, local tax exemption, county tax, municipal tax, county commission, municipal ordinance, resolution, Alabama Department of Revenue, tax administration, fiscal year, September 1 effective date, local government, tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• AND MENTORING BRIGHT YOUNG EMPLOYEES WHO COME FROM A WIDE RANGE OF UNIVERSITIES AND EVEN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS
• TO TELL HIM WHAT I WOULD DO AND I THOUGHT IN A MINUTE AND I SAID IT WOULD BE FOCUSED TO HELP EACH SCHOOL
• FOCUS ON IMPROVING ITS CARE AND MAKING SURE THERE'S AGREEMENT BETWEEN ALL SCHOOLS.
• TWO OF MY THREE KIDS WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ALL THREE WENT TO STATE SCHOOLS, ONE TO FSU, ONE TO EGA
• TO GET THE TOP OUT-OF-STATE TUITION WE'VE GOT TO CONTINUE TO MARKET OURSELVES AGAINST THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Transcript Highlights:

• Workforce training programs for school-aged Black and brown girls. Please welcome Ray Naletz.
• years, serving as both a teacher and principal at Sioux of San Jose's local high schools.
• She graduated from Tulare Union High School and Fresno State University.
• She graduated from Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School. Thank you.
• Regina Donahue serves on the TLC board and the Downey Unified School District.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then moved through routine procedural business. A motion to suspend the rules for AJR 28, urging Congress to pass the Department of Homeland Security funding bill, failed on a 43-16 vote. The body then proceeded to the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. The main floor action centered on House Resolution 81 recognizing Women’s History Month. Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry opened on the resolution, and members from several caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the contributions of women in California history and current public life, as well as ongoing issues such as violence, discrimination, wage gaps, and representation. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 74 coauthors, and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also held a lengthy Women of the Year ceremony, recognizing honorees from across the state for community service, advocacy, education, health care, public safety, housing, labor, and civic leadership. Later, the Assembly took up ACR 153 designating March as Irish Heritage Month. Members spoke about Irish American history, immigration, labor, public service, and California’s ties to Ireland. The resolution received 70 coauthors and was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then approved consent calendar items, including AB 1597 and AB 1549, both by 69-0 votes. The Assembly announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, March 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in California alone, there are close to 600 public and private Montessori schools.
• There are Montessori charter schools serving approximately 40,000 students.
• at six schools in the greater Sacramento area.
• In my own school that I attended, I saw schools on one side of town that had better science labs, you
• We had to go to other schools to practice because our schools didn't have the sufficient facilities to

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the corrected journals, and then took up gubernatorial appointments. The chamber confirmed four reappointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove, supported by colleagues, and approved by roll call votes; the first three were confirmed 37-0 after calls were lifted, and Wells was also confirmed 37-0. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 69, designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortage and credentialing issues, while several members spoke in support. The resolution passed unanimously, 37-0, and the gallery included Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project. The major floor action was Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 honoring Black History Month and the centennial of Black history observances. Senator Weber Pearson and many colleagues from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and the need to protect truthful education and civil rights. After extensive remarks and a presentation of Black History Month “Unsung Hero” honorees in the gallery, the resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also adjourned in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward and Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson. Multiple senators offered tributes to Ward’s service, leadership, and family, and to Jackson’s civil rights legacy, coalition-building, and influence on voting rights, economic justice, and public service. The body announced its next session for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• identity, disability, citizenship, by funding and supporting our neighborhood. neighborhood public schools
• Dino Gomez, and School Board President, Raymond Mesa.
• But we've got mayors and city councilmen and school board members and superintendents and a bunch of
• HB 4411 by comments ruling the school district hearings regarding complaints before the committee on
• , junior high school, and high school students before the Committee on Public Education.

Bills: HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135 , HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392