Video & Transcript Research : 'mandatory minimum sentence'

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FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have PCS for HB 541 by Representative Chamberlain, Minimum Wage Requirements.
  • We have PCS for 41 by Representative Chamberlain, Minimum Wage Requirements.
  • We will now take up PCS for H.B. 541 relating to minimum wage requirements.
  • I don't see how we get the minimum wage.
  • But... ...we still have the baseline of the federal minimum wage.
Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up four bills. The first, HB 875 on educator preparation, would align teacher-prep programs under a uniform core curriculum, create a competency-based coaching program (CERT), standardize mentor and clinical educator requirements, allow certain certification waivers, and establish a Florida Institute of Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College subject to appropriation. Debate focused heavily on language in the bill related to systemic racism, identity politics, privilege, and historical distortion, with supporters saying the bill is about pedagogy and opponents warning it could limit discussion of important historical and social topics. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably, 12-4. The committee then considered PCS for HB 541 on minimum wage requirements, which would allow employees to knowingly and voluntarily waive the state minimum wage for up to 12 months in certain structured work-based training settings. Supporters argued it would expand access to training and career pathways for inexperienced workers and help address labor shortages, while opponents said it could depress wages, invite coercion, and conflict with the state constitution’s minimum wage provisions. Public testimony included opposition from workers and labor groups and support from NFIB. The bill was reported favorably, 12-4. Next, PCS for HB 681 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship program funding was presented as a transparency and accountability measure to improve funding reporting and address bargaining issues between education agencies and program providers. Support came from industry groups and the ranking member, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition, 16-0. Finally, PCS for HB 1105 on education and Bright Futures would broaden Gold Seal Vocational eligibility, align CTE diploma requirements with Bright Futures, add AP Capstone as an automatic qualifier, and remove barriers for certain military and public service families. The committee supported the bill, which was reported favorably, 15-0. The meeting ended after a correction to the record on one public comment card and adjournment.
NH
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/14/2026)

Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This will just be the minimum at this point in time, so. Okay.
  • >> Did read the sentence. They're both in the same sentence. >> This is the higher chapter here.
  • They're both in >> Did read the sentence.
  • the same sentence. the same sentence.
  • And they that was mandatory or more.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 29th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • And again, it's just following the kind of bare minimum best-practice standards. Thank you. Okay.
  • It's a bill. to the best of their ability, and again, it's just following the kind of bare minimum best
  • During the trial, the judge told me that she had sentenced people to what amounted to two and a half
  • I am a mandatory reporter.
  • I am a mandatory reporter.
Bills: HCR11, HB153, HB278, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB687, HB816, HB833, HB942, HB1053, HB1097, HB1147, HB1148, HB1190, SB75, SB85, SB197, SB200, SB217
Keywords: Camp Beauregard, Louisiana National Guard, Youth Challenge Program, military affairs, Pineville, National Guard training, emergency response, youth development, alternative education, high school equivalency, GED, at-risk youth, leadership training, job skills, citizenship, veterans, state military operations, mobilization, logistics staging area, public service
Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Commerce May 18th, 2026

Commerce

OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mandatory for those who are 18 to 64.
  • What this bill is asking is to make that mandatory, and that program, a mandatory employment program,
  • However, this bill goes farther and puts mandatory requirements on that population as well.
  • This bill goes farther and puts mandatory requirements on that population as well.
  • So this bill would require the department to shift to the mandatory E&T program.
Bills: SB1017, SB1149, SB1162, SB1192, SB1249, SB1253, SB1331, SB1333, SB1334
Keywords: informed consent, surgical procedures, healthcare professionals, patient rights, regulatory compliance, child welfare, dependency hearings, foster care, court procedures, parental rights, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing, monitoring, administrative burdens, basic first aid, good samaritan, medical licensing exemption, Arizona medical board, A.R.S. 32-1421
Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee opened with approval of the January 28 and 29 minutes and a welcome to Arizona Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol, including remarks from physical therapy advocates and students. The committee then took up several bills related to SNAP, health care oversight, child welfare, dementia planning, and safe haven newborn surrender. On SNAP, SB 1334 would bar DES from seeking or renewing federal waivers of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents unless authorized by law; it passed 4-1. SB 1333 would require DES to reduce the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030, with regular reporting, corrective action plans, and possible funding penalties; an amendment changed the reporting to quarterly and required a special audit, and the bill passed 4-1 as amended. SB 1331 would require able-bodied adults under 60 receiving SNAP to participate in mandatory employment and training unless exempt; testimony split between supporters citing work incentives and opponents warning of administrative burden and impacts on families and food banks, and it passed 4-2. The committee also advanced SB 1162, which clarifies DHS as the lead licensing and monitoring agency for health care institutions and, as amended, requires DHS and AHCCCS/Access to coordinate to identify duplicative oversight and report back periodically; it passed unanimously. SB 1017, requiring signatures on emergency informed consent forms for surgical procedures, passed 4-2. SB 1149, dealing with DCS periodic review hearings and notice/reporting requirements, including for tribal parties, passed 5-1. SB 1249, which designates DHS as the lead agency on Alzheimer’s and dementia planning and creates a dementia services program funded through lottery monies under the adopted amendment, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from advocates and family members. Finally, SB 1253, clarifying that a parent may surrender a newborn at the hospital of birth without leaving and returning, passed 5-0. The committee then adjourned.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The minimum wage that was passed in the fall of 2024 updates the minimum wage floors for nursing home
  • The minimum wage that was passed in the fall of 2024 updates the minimum wage floors for nursing home
  • We need the minimum wage increases set by the board.
  • <00:48:15.319> wage nursing homes raising the minimum wage nursing homes raising the minimum
  • <00:58:25.720> wage minimum wage minimum wage it's<00:58:27.079> only<00:58:27.359>
Bills: HF2367, HF2319, HF2523, HF1742, HF671, HF2331, HF2722, HF2406, HF1674
Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust
TX
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 11th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • These are individuals that have been sentenced to the state prison system and are waiting at the county
  • Once they have discharged their sentence and will release them back into the community.
  • What really those folks that have been, uh, presumably, Uh, charged, tried, convicted, sentenced, are
  • If a jail is failing inspections and at the 6 month mark, they're still not in compliance with minimum
  • I don't know if that's mandatory or I think that's a realty, a real estate law.
HI
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HLT/CPC Joint Public Hearing - Mon Feb 10, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rather, it did recommend mandatory licensure, and I wanted to point out that doctors who have mandatory
  • pending and it did not require mandatory pending and it did not require mandatory accreditation<
  • :25.360> have nurses who have mandatory lure also have nurses who have mandatory lure also have
  • <00:36:42.119> of still a basic minimum of still a basic minimum of qualifications<00:36:44.280
  • We believe that this shows that LURE, that is mandatory, does matter.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-01-28 (4:30PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , that the death penalty is mandatory.
  • You said it would be sentenced by the court.
  • As you also know, any case involving a death sentence, or even a potential sentence, has to go through
  • So in that circumstance, then, under this bill, it is a mandatory death sentence, and you've indicated
  • Today, an illegal alien can murder and rape a child and a judge can sentence them to just a prison sentence
Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B, the immigration bill, and members were told they would have one opportunity to question the sponsor on both the House version and the anticipated Senate changes. Representative McClure described the bill as a major immigration-enforcement package creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, a local law enforcement grant program, a state immigration council, and new penalties and enforcement tools. He also outlined anticipated Senate language, including stronger 287(g) participation requirements, enhanced penalties for unauthorized aliens, a mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses, and additional coordination with federal agencies. The bill drew extensive questioning from Democrats about due process, constitutional issues, school and workplace impacts, and the treatment of people whose immigration status changes over time. Members asked about birthright citizenship, TPS, asylum seekers, pretrial detention standards, the lawful basis for detaining someone based on suspected status, and whether teachers, social workers, school resource officers, and even children could be required to cooperate with immigration enforcement. McClure and Representative Garrison repeatedly said the bill would require cooperation with federal authorities, that status determinations would be handled under existing court procedures, and that the Senate death-penalty language was intended to fit within Hurst by requiring a jury finding beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was an unauthorized alien. They also said the bill did not provide DMV funding, did not address teacher shortages, and included appropriations such as $25 million for the local law enforcement participation incentive program and broader funding for enforcement and training. Several amendments were considered. Representative Chambliss offered an amendment to protect schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; supporters argued it would preserve trust in sacred and educational spaces, but the amendment failed. Representative Escamani offered an amendment to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers; supporters emphasized the educational and economic contributions of Dreamers and the hardship of higher tuition, but that amendment also failed. The debate ended with no bill vote in the excerpt, but the House completed the amendment votes and continued consideration of the immigration measure.
FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

House in Special Session B Jan 28th, 2025

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • that the death penalty is mandatory.
  • You said it would be sentenced by the court.
  • By adding it as a mandatory requirement for death?
  • Under that circumstance, then under this bill, it is a mandatory death... ...SENTENCE AND YOU HAVE INDICATED
  • Can murder and rape a child, and the judge can sentence them to just a prison sentence, and they will
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine restoring Boeing's status as a great American manufacturer, focusing on safety first. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 09:00 am

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • help us in our safety culture and they basically said that these were the important elements of a mandatory
  • I'm absolutely committed to a mandatory safety management system.
  • We're committed to moving to a mandatory SMS. Thank you. Thank you for that commitment.
  • think that was said to encourage me to be supportive, this is me putting my own motives into this sentence
  • design, and I believe that FAA must not delegate inspection authority back to Boeing until, at a minimum
Keywords: Boeing, aviation safety, safety management system, military aviation, air traffic control, transparency, oversight, accountability
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on significant safety concerns surrounding Boeing and its compliance with federal aviation standards. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the Army's failure to provide requested operational transparency regarding helicopter operations near Washington, D.C., amid recent incidents indicating a strained air traffic control situation. Several members called for reform in Boeing's oversight, emphasizing the need for a robust safety culture and mandatory safety management systems to prevent future disasters like the 737 MAX crashes. The discussions were passionate, with survivors and families impacted by past accidents present, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the issues at hand.
WV
WV

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 09:19 pm

West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • My amendment would modify the bill to make the use of E-Verify mandatory only for the state's public
  • that passage of E-Verify is going to hurt businesses, I have to tell you, again, it's currently mandatory
  • This person who emailed me gave an example of a Morgantown construction company owner who was sentenced
  • So since 1996, 30 years, the federal government's not made this mandatory. Is that correct?
  • The bill expires the penalty for not meeting the applicable minimum ratio of professional instructional
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The Senate considered and passed several measures, beginning with House Bill 4245, a Department of Revenue rules bundle covering 27 rules from six agencies. The Senate adopted an amendment changing two lottery rules and one tax rule related to pre-need cemetery companies, then passed the bill 30-1, adopted a title amendment, and made it effective from passage. The chamber also adopted a group of interim study resolutions, including studies on school finance transparency, divorce grounds, the Southern West Virginia water crisis, athletic trainer access in public secondary schools, the Eastern gray fox population, upland game bird stamps, and the PSC. Members then passed House Bill 5381, which reworked the Office of Energy’s role to develop a comprehensive energy development policy and grid stabilization plan, moved coalfield community development under that office, and expanded energy development planning authority. House Bill 5412, the Future Ready Education Act, was amended to require annual vocational and agricultural offerings unless not viable, and to require K-5 literacy teachers to complete science-of-reading training by the 2028-29 school year; it passed 33-0. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 845 on supplemental appropriations and the civil contingency fund, concurring in a House amendment that reappropriated funds and increased the fund from $15 million to $25 million, and made it effective from passage. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 4198, the E-Verify Safe Harbor Act. Senators discussed whether to require employers to use E-Verify, with one amendment narrowing the mandate to public employers and creating a permissive option for private employers, while preserving penalties for unauthorized hiring and recordkeeping violations. After debate over small-business impacts and federal-state law conflicts, the Senate adopted the amendment as amended, passed the bill 31-3, and amended the title. The chamber also passed House Bill 5453 to modify the school aid funding formula by adding weighted enrollment for certain special education students and adjusting staffing-related provisions, and House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program, which was passed and made effective from passage. Later, the Senate resolved several House amendment disputes by concurring in or receding from amendments on bills including House Bill 4009 on portable benefits, Senate Bill 587, Senate Bill 164 on long-term substitute teachers, House Bill 4606 on pretrial release for certain felonies, House Bill 4010, House Bill 5438, and House Bill 4765. Most of these measures passed with broad support, and several were made effective July 1, 2026 or from passage. The session concluded with the Senate adjourning sine die.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 12th, 2025

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, the DNA owner has no financial rights losing. and at a minimum, it could even be to a foreign
  • At a minimum, I would encourage drafters to include a complaint process so that victims could report
  • The screenings are mandatory and the states presume parental consent.
  • And so I think what you're pointing out is, in this evolving space, at a bare minimum, Texas should do
  • Yeah, if you could finish it up with one sentence, what would you say?
Bills: SB 53, SB53, SB125, SB315, SB379, SB457, SB541, SB599, SB896, SB921, SB963, SB1038, SB1084, SB1330, SB1461
Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery
TX
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Corrections Mar 12th, 2025

Corrections

Transcript Highlights:
  • As you can see the average sentence length for someone in prison is 20 years.
  • I'm going to talk shortly about what discretionary mandatory supervision is.
  • , they were released on mandatory supervision without the parole board voting.
  • So in 1996, the, the discretionary mandatory supervision originated.
  • And these are some of the numbers you're looking at in terms of discretionary mandatory cases.
CO
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 116 May 9th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the minimum standard for their safety. the minimum standard for their safety.
  • Do work at or near the minimum wage will receive about a $3 per hour increase.
  • The Senate amendments required a mandatory minimum of 364 days in jail as a condition.
  • The Senate amendments required a mandatory minimum of 364 days in jail as a condition.
  • <04:55:52.798> minimum amendments required a mandatory minimum amendments required a mandatory
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House opened with a quorum call, a Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal in a lighthearted exchange honoring Representative Bacon’s father. Members then announced upcoming committee meetings, including State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; Finance; and Appropriations. The chamber moved into third reading and took up a series of bills, with several laid over or moved on the calendar before votes began. The House adopted House Bill 1433 on firefighter behavioral health benefits, House Bill 1416 on transfers from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund, and House Bill 1431 on occupational licensure portability. It also adopted House Bill 1426, a Department of Law report bill, after a technical third-reading amendment correcting numbering errors. House Bill 1063, requiring an accessible list of secure transportation providers on certain department websites, also passed. In addition, the chamber adopted Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range Passenger Rail District, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 175 on experience modification factors in workers’ compensation, Senate Bill 131 on abusive practices in sports betting, Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 157 on a town with critical water infrastructure, Senate Bill 154 on Colorado Channel Authority Board appointments, and House Bill 1286 requiring a human present when an automated driving system operates a commercial motor vehicle. House Bill 1422, concerning security measures for certain governmental entities, drew the most extended debate. Representative Luck opposed it, citing concerns about creating a legislative police force, language affecting online speech and constituent conduct, and what she described as a workaround for TABOR. Representative Clifford explained the bill’s security provisions and sought a technical amendment to address local records language; the amendment and the bill both passed, though with notable opposition. House Bill 1424, increasing protections for persons engaged with transportation network companies, also prompted extensive testimony from Representative Wilford, who described her own assault by a rideshare driver and argued that Uber and Lyft have minimized and obscured sexual assault data while failing to protect riders; after a technical amendment, the bill passed. The House then continued with additional third-reading votes, including House Bill 1325 on natural medicine, which passed despite some opposition.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 3 - 03/19/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Chair, it relates to the revised sentence. Okay. Ms. Primo.
  • I'm sorry, members, would it be probably better if I just read the whole sentence?
  • certainly one of them, the mandatory certainly one of them, the mandatory detention. detention.
  • I would at minimum suggest a representative of the private defense bar as well.
  • Yeah, um, Senator Oumou Verbeten, repeat DWIs have a mandatory hold for court.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • gains revenues result in a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 24-25.
  • After... ...in the Governor's budget as a mandatory deposit.
  • After further review of the reserve language, no mandatory deposit would actually be required in 25-26
  • I think at minimum, the proposal, if it gets adopted, should have some sort of reporting mechanisms so
  • We recommend setting aside a minimum of $250 million in block grant funds specifically to fund training
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.