Transcript Highlights:

• We are continuing to make progress on the Subcommittee's recommendation for the proposed House General
• We actually are looking at increasing our social media presence.
• Today, we're at 9.5%, which is considerable progress.
• If you look at them and say, 'Progress since last year?' Yes, vacancies are down.
• Again, we've made the progress with where you are.

Transcript Highlights:

• of social media use.
• And then the legislation also has responsibilities on social media companies, ensuring that social media
• And social media doesn't just distract.
• A direct quote from a youth I work closely with says, 'I think social media can affect social skills
• Chamber of Progress is a center-left tech industry association advocating for the progressive future

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interconnected systems framework identifies inefficiencies of co-located systems of social-emotional
• We pull in a team of school counselors and social workers to complete the district's self-assessment
• By utilizing these objective tools, I have seen more administrators, teachers, social workers, school
• skills and provide targeted social-emotional supports earlier.
• Having general education social workers, special education social workers, counselors and school psychologists

Transcript Highlights:

• With many, many, many years of expertise in child welfare and social work.
• So you're asking social workers, and to be a social worker in New Mexico, you have to be licensed.
• And to do social work in New Mexico under the Social Work Practice Act, you have to be a Licensed social
• Retain and increase the number of licensed social workers.
• Social Security. Social Security. Okay, thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Students, psychologists, counselors, MFT, social workers, and then we police them. That's it.
• It was taken up on social media and that's what brought it to our attention.
• For the social work? I didn't see a licensee in Spanish.
• Yes, it is a national exam by the Association of Social Work Boards, ASWB.
• They take the exam by the Association of Social Rights, which is the ACA.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes we've made meaningful progress employees are no longer fired for who they love.
• Our bravery laid the foundation for the progress we have made and the strides we will continue to make
• From the uprising came progress.
• When then-Mayor Gavin Newsom making progress... in history with marriage equality in San Francisco.
• Kara is a career attorney with 20 years in social justice leadership. She is the CEO of the Sandy.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not counting the Social Security numbers for those who are in the process, that they have Social
• In my hometown of North Attleboro, we are making real progress.
• The roll call is in progress. Mr. Sweezy: Thank you.
• Roll call is in progress. The clerk will indicate that a roll call is in progress.
• Some of the members indicate a roll call is in progress.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty. The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms. The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cutting the tax on Social Security, making 80% of Minnesotan seniors exempt from it.
• We could be working to solve food insecurity, but because of cuts to SNAP... social security nets social
• safety nets, social security nets social safety nets, Americans<00:01:57.960> are<00:01:58.080
• progress toward a global<00:15:05.000> agreement?
• really progressed in the house<00:17:57.200> at<00:17:57.320> all.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues. A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief. The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also on social media.
• Inside the Veterans Cemetery, what is the progress on that? Mr.
• My second question is thank you for putting the social media out there, as it's a way that people get
• Chair, Representative Geary, we've made some significant progress there.
• There's increased pressure on other social programs to try to help close that gap.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is, of course, Social Security.
• become eligible for Social become eligible for Social Security<00:41:38.640> and<00:41:38.839
• <00:41:49.880> security 173,000 social security 173,000 social security recipients<00:41:52.440
• already made a huge amount of progress already made a huge amount of progress the<02:44:36.760><
• skilled nursing uh saying to Social skilled nursing uh saying to Social Security<03:29:55.080>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was enough to infer that maybe a social worker had been there. It got to a jury.
• I'm the chief risk officer for the Department of Social and Health Services.
• In 1984 we tried a social experiment that's not quite working for us.
• In 1984 we tried a social experiment that's not quite working for us.
• And we're pretty progressive in terms of trying to make sure. to do that.

Summary: The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims. Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes. The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Boston College School of Social Work.
• And that's because social workers, like other providers, And that's because social workers, like other
• As social workers, there are core values.
• “Overall, the Social Work Licensure Compact will increase license portability for social work professionals
• Medical debt is a social determinant of health.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides authority to the Department of Social Services to administer a grant program for child care
• It provides authority to the Department of Social Services to administer a grant program for child care
• Finally, it authorizes the DSS, the Department of Social Services, to transfer funding between child
• But ultimately, the remaining Social Security numbers could be provided for the non-commercial.
• While we remain concerned about the sharing of social security members, social security numbers, we very

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I appreciate the progress that's been made.
• The interdisciplinary parental defense structure, the IPR structure, partners a social worker with an
• Attorneys and social workers have complementary roles.
• We’ve been tracking activity as reported by the social workers since 2023, and we find they’ve got a
• Social workers and attorneys represent the client and the parent.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, taking all that into consideration, before the end of that meeting, our social work team works
• Some of the challenges we're facing really, and this is actually, we've made great progress on this.
• It is a work in progress, and we have made a lot of progress there.
• You're making progress, which is fabulous. What is the timeline for completion?
• And I think you've made a lot of progress.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SPEAKER, I RISE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY.
• Musk has plans for Social Security and Medicare.
• MUSK HAS PLANS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE.
• Awareness leads to action, and action leads to progress.
• AWARENESS LEADS TO ACTION AND ACTION LEADS TO PROGRESS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do y'all have a social worker in your school districts?
• Do y'all have a social worker? Do you have access to social workers in your community?
• Do y'all have a social worker in your school districts?
• Do y'all have a social worker? Do you have access to social workers in your community?
• But as far as social workers coming into our building, we have more counselors than we do social workers

Summary: The committee first approved the March 9 and 10 minutes, then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship Program featuring three third-grade teachers from Poyen, Drew Central, and Cabot, along with Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long collaboration among 23 merit-pay recipients from across the state, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about teacher experience, how the fellowship information is shared locally, the role of merit pay, and how teachers are addressing third-grade reading and retention concerns under the ATLAS assessment system. The teachers emphasized early intervention, relationships with students, small-group instruction, progress monitoring, and communication with families; they also described community supports such as churches, food backpacks, and local donations. Several members raised broader questions about poverty, trauma, social services, DHS involvement, and whether similar professional learning should be expanded to more teachers. Secretary Oliva said the fellowship is a small subset of a larger merit-pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is working to improve literacy supports, clarity, and alignment across grades. He also said ATLAS results are now available to schools and families much faster than in the past, often within 24 to 72 hours, and that the state is using the data to identify at-risk students earlier and support intervention before retention decisions are made. The committee then moved to the adequacy/resource allocation presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research. Staff explained that the report is part of the statutory adequacy review and focuses on state funding sources beyond foundation aid, including categorical and supplemental funds. They noted that districts and charters spent more than $7 billion in the 2025 school year, with roughly 49% from foundation funding and 51% from other sources over the last three years. The presentation outlined the four categorical funds—Alternative Learning Environment, English Learners, Enhanced Student Achievement, and Professional Development—describing their restricted uses, student-based funding formulas, and the ability of districts to transfer some money among categoricals while keeping it within allowable purposes. Staff said categorical funds account for about 4% of total spending, or less than $300 million, and reviewed superintendent feedback on whether those funds met district needs, with responses varying by category and district.

Transcript Highlights:

• , because before these programs existed, we did not truly have a social safety net.
• Jackson used, which is, we are seeking to make progress every year.
• I'm here on behalf of the Muslim American Society Social Service Foundation.
• I'm here on behalf of the Muslim American Society Social Service Foundation.
• And lastly, we appreciate progress on revenues.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• His service demonstrates a steadfast commitment to progress and public good.
• He understood that progress is never handed down. It is demanded.
• He understood that progress is never handed down. It is demanded.
• HE UNDERSTOOD THAT PROGRESS IS NEVER HANDED DOWN.
• EVERY TIME WE MAKE PROGRESS TOWARDS THE IDEAL, THERE'S BACKLASH.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Monday night, I think, was the one where we made progress.
• Leslie Lewis, Director of Social Services for St.
• Leslie Lewis, Director of Social Services for St.
• I think you've made a lot of progress.
• Catherine Charles on behalf of the Chamber of Progress.

Keywords: 988, house, all