Transcript Highlights:

• While the program does not define underserved by race or gender metrics, it reaches certain populations
• black indigenous people of color, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, and others with various sexual and gender
• identities, immigrants.
• My practice was packed and I wonder where to refer individuals seeking support based on identity affinity
• existence and that cultural competency that comes from working with providers that have shared identities

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our education equity team serves many students of color, students with disabilities, and gender-expansive
• youth experiencing racial, gender, or disability discrimination in school.
• that students often fall into more than one protected class and ensures the coordinators for race, gender
• every student who is able to learn in a safe and supportive learning environment, no matter their gender
• identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or background.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't care about your race, your creed, your color, your gender. I don't care.
• I do, and they are identical.
• They are identical.
• They are identical.
• They are identical.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman outlining Democratic priorities such as education, health care, environmental protection, and opposition to rollbacks on child labor, book access, and gun safety. The chamber also recognized military guests and an intern before moving to the special order calendar. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight at one point in the flow, and mammogram coverage, though the Medicaid oversight bill was later taken up and passed. The Senate passed a series of bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the major measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), which tightened penalties and procedures after fatal attacks; a local government land regulation bill that streamlined comp plan review and defined impact-fee circumstances, though members raised concerns about quasi-judicial hearing limits and local costs; a vessel-related bill combining boating safety and voter-freedom provisions; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act; fleeing and eluding penalties; concealed carry and firearm possession rules for certain officers and service members; timeshare management reforms; and public education on background screening requirements. The chamber also approved bills on disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and a related fee bill, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds. The disability instruction bill drew extended debate about the use of the term “disability,” inclusion, and whether the measure was consistent with broader DEI debates; it passed unanimously after emotional testimony from the sponsor and families. The manufacturing and utility bills focused on statewide economic policy and preemption of local restrictions, while the military children bill was presented as a student-driven proposal. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to 33-3 on the firearm bill and 26-8 on the land regulation bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• and simultaneously our American identities.
• and simultaneously our American identities.
• These are unifying symbols that reflect our shared values and identity.
• He did this to emphasize the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in this rainbow of humanity.
• He did this to emphasize the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in this rainbow of humanity in

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m thinking about HIV/AIDS or impacts or things that adversely affect a community based on race, gender
• Our world demands the ability to collaborate across the aisle, across genders, across sexual preference
• About one another, no matter where we come from, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
• identity.
• identity.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first considered CS/HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen OIR’s tools to oversee property insurance, including market conduct and solvency exams, claims handling oversight, mandatory discounts for certain mitigation measures, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer authority over pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others. Members then heard CS/HB 527, which would require a human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence or automated systems are used. After an amendment removing the term “algorithm” was adopted, the bill drew opposition from several insurance industry groups, while consumer and labor witnesses supported it. The sponsor argued the measure was needed after reports of AI-driven claim denials, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” protections, with an amendment clarifying who qualifies as a consumer, refund rights, repair timelines, and an effective date. The committee next took up CS/HB 1007 on data centers, which would create a regulatory framework for siting and operating large data centers, limit NDAs in some circumstances, set PSC tariff requirements, and restrict certain locations near homes and schools. After an amendment narrowing the five-mile buffer to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements, the bill drew mixed testimony from business, consumer, and local-government groups, with supporters emphasizing guardrails and opponents warning about competitiveness and site restrictions. The bill passed favorably despite several no votes. Later, the committee approved CS/HB 1291 on the NICA birth-related neurological injury compensation program after a strike-all amendment revised reimbursement and assessment provisions; testimony included support from NICA and concerns from the Florida Justice Association and a family affected by the program. The committee also passed CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on a historic African-American cemetery preservation program, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS agency package. The final bill discussed was CS/HB 1001, which would restrict county and municipal DEI-related actions and contracting; the sponsor explained the strike-all, and members began questioning its definitions and exceptions, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• We opt to use Latine instead of Latinx, Latino, or Latina, in order to reflect the most gender-inclusive
• identities or expressions.
• We have Two-Spirit relatives whose identities and experiences deserve to be seen and heard.
• Our identities overlap, and any real effort to close gaps in care must honor that.
• They're also individuals who identify as birthers or have other gender identities.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities opened with remarks framing the discussion around reproductive and maternal health disparities affecting Latina, Black, and Indigenous women in California. Members emphasized the need to connect state data with lived experience, and the committee heard historical context on coercive sterilization, language access, and the ways immigration status, poverty, and racism continue to shape reproductive health care. The first panel featured Clarissa Ramirez of California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Sophia Pedrosa of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and Kim Robinson of Black Women for Wellness, who described reproductive justice principles, the legacy of eugenics and forced sterilization, community education efforts, promotoras, and the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive care. They also raised concerns about federal funding cuts, fear related to ICE and public charge, and the loss of education and outreach programs that support patients and families. The second part of the hearing focused on maternal health. Matt Green of the California Department of Public Health described persistent racial disparities, including Black birthing people being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and outlined state efforts such as the Black Infant Health Program, the Perinatal Equity Initiative, the Centering Black Mothers in California report, and a new Black birth equity action plan. Chris Esgera of the Department of Health Care Services explained the state’s birthing care pathway, postpartum care pathway, and Transforming Maternal Health model, including policy changes to support doulas, community health workers, transitional care, and postpartum coverage. He said the department is working through policy updates and payment reforms, with Medi-Cal coverage for pregnant people and 12 months postpartum remaining protected. The final panel included Dr. Nicole Economo and Dr. Kelly McHugh of ACOG, who discussed provider education, anti-racism and implicit bias training, and the need for quality improvement projects focused on closing equity gaps at individual hospitals. They highlighted tools such as the CLEAR Initiative, the Elevate Toolkit, and use of CMQCC data to track outcomes by race and ethnicity. Across the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that community-led solutions, sustained funding, better data, and accountability are needed to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve reproductive health outcomes. No formal votes or bill actions were taken during the hearing, though several policy priorities and ongoing legislative efforts were referenced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh ensuring that they receive gender uh ensuring that they receive gender affirming<00:55:08.640
• On the gender-affirming care case, he said they only had Minnesota, Washington, and Oregon at first,
• On the gender-affirming care case, he said they only had Minnesota, Washington, and Oregon at first,
• </c> the way state agencies manage identities the way state agencies manage identities of<01:37:32.239
• </c> for a program using uh identity for a program using uh identity verification<01:37:40.639><c> capabilities

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Is gender identity a protected class for purposes of employment law in this?
• identity.
• identity?
• identity.
• Yeah, gender identity into that via regulation, which if you go to the website and click on it the website

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, in fundamental responsibility we hold as were compromised by the policies that protect identity

Bills: HB4319 , HB4317 , HB1225 , HB3076 , HB3081 , HB4226 , SCR17 , HB4432 , HB3304 , HB3411 , HB3435 , HB4339 , HB4331 , HB4341 , HB4342 , HB1770 , HB1016 , HB4113 , HB2950 , HB4141 , HB3277 , HB2988 , HB3029 , HB3338 , HB1889 , HB3834 , HB3831 , HB2939 , HB3045 , HB3657 , HB1739 , HB3759 , HB3755 , HB4484 , HB4486 , HB4108 , HB1250 , HB2961 , HB1219 , HB3025 , HB1782 , HB1907 , HB3718 , HB4459 , HB2976 , HB3548 , HB3545 , HB2952 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2973 , HB3055 , HB3086 , HB3040 , HB3794 , HB4336 , HB3151 , HB1590 , HB3581 , HB3313 , HB3429 , HB3448 , HB1752 , HB2650 , HB3584 , HB4202 , HB3586 , HB4321 , HB4280 , HB3650 , HCR1020 , HB2116 , HB2206 , HB4301 , HB3625 , HB3147 , HB3403 , HB3498 , HB3970 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3980 , HB4265 , HB4266 , HB3638 , HB3880 , HB3930 , HB3942 , HB3944 , HB4191 , HB3242 , HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Bills: HB145 , SB37 , HB279 , HB292 , SB35 , SB48 , SB20 , SJR1 , SB38 , SB41 , SB73 , SB100 , SB111 , SB132 , SB152 , SJR7 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM30 , HM52 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB2 , HB70 , HB180 , SB151 , SB240 , SB273 , HB95 , HB247 , HB332 , HB8 , HB253 , HB4 , HB96

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education

Transcript Highlights:

• The real identity. they can only answer so much and they can only provide information that they have.
• It bans granting preferences or imposing disadvantages based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender
• identity, or national origin in Medicaid-funded environments.
• they not able to be somewhat selective in that hiring process to ensure that they have the right gender
• Some people, as was mentioned before, prefer to have a doctor of their same gender, maybe their same

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has already ruled that discrimination based on sex includes gender identity.
• I believe every human being bears inherent worth, not because of performance, not because of identity
• They would medal differently, score differently based on their gender, but they were all on the track
• They would meddle differently, score differently based on their gender, but they were all on the track
• She entered politics in order to fight for gender and racial equality.

Summary: The Missouri House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 113-0 roll call vote. Members then offered several points of personal privilege recognizing military history, student heroes who responded to a medical emergency at South Tech High School, Black History Month remarks on Maya Angelou, student athletic achievements, and a moment of silence for former Fire Chief Henry Williams. The House also welcomed special guests, including a student shadowing a member and former Rep. Ben Baker in his role with USDA Rural Development. The chamber then took up several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026, was debated at length over constitutional concerns about MODOT funding and the need for disaster relief, Medicaid, and mental health appropriations; it passed 130-11. House Bill 2189, allowing five-year vehicle registrations and removing the even-odd model-year restriction, passed 143-0 after members discussed county clerks, tax payment verification, and the bill’s lack of fiscal impact. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1790, which changes ballot language requirements including Hancock Amendment-related wording and levy examples, passed 114-24. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2178, dealing with property tax assessment limits and appeal procedures, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it would cap annual increases and help taxpayers, while opponents argued a floor amendment was not vetted, could shift burdens to schools and fire districts, and might harm local revenues; it passed 86-53. House Bill 1844, the athletic trainer compact, passed 117-27 with support framed around workforce mobility and rural health access. The House also perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1663, which removes the sunset from Missouri’s Save Women’s Sports Act; debate centered on fairness in women’s athletics versus concerns about discrimination, local control, and the lack of a broader policy review, and the chamber adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements, including a blue alert and the death of a Christian County deputy, committee meeting notices, and adjournment until February 24, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender
• identity.
• Realtors shall not— Familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• The sexual orientation and gender identity piece of 10.5 is what they looked at.
• When you take away our right to choose our own identity and our destiny, the fire is coming.

Bills: HB256 , HCR19 , SB2101 , SB2334 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2713 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB3059 , HB 1130

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Survivors brought with them their culture, faith, and identity to new lands, including here in California
• During the Armenian Genocide, women and children were targets of gender- During the Armenian Genocide
• , women and children were targets of gender-based violence, stripping them of their dignity, culture,
• and identity.
• This measure was modeled off an identical bill I introduced earlier this year, and I'm pleased to see

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims. On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes. The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will there be gender verification trainings?
• ><c> their</c><00:23:18.559><c> gender</c><00:23:18.799><c> or</c> question their ident their gender
• or question their ident their gender or their<00:23:19.520><c> identity</c><00:23:20.080><c> or</c><00
• So, it brings us to the identity.
• identity and sexual orientation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't care about your race, your creed, your color, your gender. I don't care.
• I do, and they are identical.
• They are identical.
• They are identical.
• They are identical.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed. Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0. The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, since gender patients received the same care in higher numbers than trans people and people who
• Also, since gender patients received the same care in higher numbers than trans people and people who
• Senate Bill 1014 requires coverage for gender detransition procedures by health insurers that cover gender
• Senate Bill 1177, I am opposed to it because the medical procedures described in this bill for gender
• The Department of Homeland Security says that officers are allowed to hide their identity to protect

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and received House messages and first-read bills. The chamber moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a range of measures on solar energy, public safety, insurance, health care, agriculture, gaming, education, child welfare, and real property. Several bills were retained on calendar, while many others were advanced with committee amendments and floor amendments. On Calendar 2, SB 1419 on solar energy inspection contractors drew the most debate. A floor amendment by Sen. Sundareshan sought to require utilities to protect ratepayers from costs associated with large energy users such as data centers; supporters argued it would help keep electricity affordable, while opponents called it a hostile amendment. After a division vote, the amendment failed 12-15, and SB 1419 was reported do pass as amended. SB 1498 (DPS appropriation) and SB 1502 (unlawful flight/reckless endangerment) also advanced. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, but a later attempt to add the failed Sundareshan amendment to the report on SB 1419 was defeated 13-14. On Calendar 1, the Senate advanced SB 1165, SB 1206, SB 1212, SB 1215, SB 1290, SB 1291, and SB 1347, mostly with committee amendments. SB 1178 on naturopathic physicians and prescription drug pricing saw a contested Sears floor amendment aimed at stopping price gouging on essential generic drugs; supporters said it would lower drug costs, while the sponsor objected that it was not germane. The amendment failed, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1186 on document retention and donations also drew a Sundareshan amendment on transparency and implementation; it failed, and the bill passed as amended. SB 1286 on veterinary visits and electronic prescriptions advanced after a proposed Kavanagh floor amendment was defeated on division. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and moved on to additional calendars. On Calendar 4, the chamber passed SB 1004 on ESA students and interscholastic activities, SB 1116 on AHCCCS access/behavioral health, SB 1162 on health care institution licensing complaints, SB 1179 on developmental disability/health monitoring, SB 1475 on school district governing boards and eligibility, SB 1821 on DCS training and child placement, and SCR 1012. A request to hold SB 1475 for a reinstatement process was rejected. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1077, SB 1479, and SB 1566; SB 1077 advanced with a Payne floor amendment, SB 1479 advanced with a Carroll amendment classifying certain forged real-property recordings as a class five felony, and SB 1566 began consideration with a Petersen amendment to remove part of a prior amendment. Throughout, the chamber repeatedly adopted committee reports and advanced the bills for further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second issue is related to the Gender Health Equity section, which was CDPH's request for General
• It would mean losing a vital source of support, identity, and hope.
• I'm currently the Executive Director at the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity.
• I'm here on behalf of the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity.
• I just want to thank everybody for coming forward and also on the gender health equity section.

Transcript Highlights:

• I-200 is an anti-affirmative action statute that says you cannot use race and gender in awarding public
• I-200 is an anti-affirmative action statute that says you cannot use race and gender in awarding public
• as we heard earlier, limitations around how we set aside or how we look for things around race and gender
• Yeah, and so, as we said earlier, most of our spending is really focused on race- and gender-neutral
• We also have one on gender as well. And you can select by trooper class.

Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Researchers at MIT found that the gender gap in STEM is due to barriers women face throughout their lives
• Department of Public Safety image verification system in the purpose of verifying an individual's identity
• identity or sexual orientation as the basis for a defense in the trial of criminal offense, refer to
• few 4710 by hop early in the traveling with a child to facilitate the provision of the certain to gender
• discriminating or gender reassignment procedures the treatment of that child or for the committee on

Bills: HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment