Transcript Highlights:

• </c> where the 5% is being taken out to cover where the 5% is being taken out to cover for<00:25:05.480
• Then the school district or entity, um, that is going to be a sponsor of the programs needs to work with
• Then the school district or entity, um, that is going to be a sponsor of the programs needs to work with
• Then the school district or entity, um, that is going to be a sponsor of the programs needs to work with
• These grants apply to all four of those types of entities to partner with a teacher preparation program

Bills: HF846 , HF1538 , HF1959

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• We were really entities noted below.
• We're starting to already track people that are not being covered in commerce.
• We're starting to already track people that are not being covered in commerce.
• We're starting to already track people that are not being covered in commerce.
• We're starting to already track people that are not being covered in commerce.

Bills: HF1925

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: nurse licensure, multistate license, healthcare, public safety, interstate compact, nursing regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They already covered that themselves. And we estimate that the public project cost is 63 million.
• They already covered that costs.
• As you can see, there are two sources of payments from each entity.
• So, do you split out if there's projects that are covered by appropriation bonds?
• </c> that are covered by appropriation bonds? that are covered by appropriation bonds?

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• market rate, but it's only going to benefit. and then the private pay parents are going to have to cover
• And I know it covers a lot.
• We only covered like the first month or so, enough for them to have time to get the paychecks so that
• policy now, no ma'am, so but that That was the policy, at least toward us back then, that we could cover
• There's no deductibles, there's no directly paying health care providers, all that is covered by the

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do believe that on the delinquency side, that would only cover the primary lawyer.
• We think we probably are only covering about 20% of the workload.
• We think we probably are only covering about 20% of the workload.
• </c><00:19:19.039><c> Um</c> covering about 20% of the workload.
• Um covering about 20% of the workload.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I rise today to discuss this administration's massive cover-up of the Epstein files in order
• This cover-up reached its apex last month when Attorney General Pam Bondi falsely testified under oath
• else is she covering up about Donald Trump's involvement in the Epstein files?
• Because if the attorney general<00:45:12.880><c> is</c><00:45:13.119><c> covering</c><00:45:13.520><c
• up about Donald else is she covering up about Donald Trump's<00:45:22.720><c> involvement</c><00:45:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chair, then the funds that are spun off from that endowment must go to support the chair of that entity
• President, would you all be willing to provide a list of those private entities that have licensed your
• We're using our endowment to cover the gaps that we have now, while also enabling any undergrad whose
• Private entities should be part of that portfolio.
• They come to look at Stockbridge Bowl, and they don't want to see it covered in cyanobacteria.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development held a hearing on the DRIVE Act, a proposal to invest $400 million in Massachusetts research and innovation without new taxes. Governor Healey and administration officials said the bill would direct $200 million to public higher education research and regional partnerships and $200 million to a research funding pool for hospitals, universities, and other institutions, with the goal of retaining talent, leveraging private and philanthropic dollars, and offsetting major federal R&D cuts. They argued that research is a core economic engine for the state, supporting jobs across labs, construction, services, and surrounding businesses, and said the bill would help protect the Commonwealth’s tax base and competitiveness during a period of federal uncertainty and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether Fair Share surtax dollars should instead be used for K-12 and other community needs, whether the proposal is enough given the scale of lost federal grants, and how the money would be allocated. The governor responded that the funds are one-time surplus dollars, that most surtax revenue already supports education, and that the bill is meant as a bridge to stabilize public higher education and research. She also said the legislation includes a review board and could support a revolving or matched-fund approach in some cases. Several members pressed for more detail on selection criteria, future funding, and whether private companies and large endowments should contribute more. University of Massachusetts leaders and researchers testified that federal grant cancellations and delays are already causing layoffs, furloughs, rescinded admissions, and lost research capacity. UMass officials said the bill would help preserve faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research programs in medicine, climate science, marine science, Braille instruction, and AI decision-making. They emphasized that the funding should be merit-based and that the state needs to act quickly to prevent talent from leaving Massachusetts. Business, labor, and industry groups, including MassBio, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, AIM, the AFL-CIO, and Building Trades, supported the bill, saying it would protect jobs, sustain the innovation ecosystem, and reinforce Massachusetts’ national leadership in research and life sciences. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll turn it over to my colleague that covers the transportation and transit assignment to provide more
• General Fund is not projected to be in a deficit in 26-27, then only $500 million would be used to cover
• So we have the whole state covered through this assessment.
• We cover Yolo, Solano, Plaster County, Sacramento, El Dorado counties.
• We cover Yolo, Solano, Plaster County, Sacramento, El Dorado counties.

Summary: The subcommittee heard extensive testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the proposal would help decarbonize aviation, support a long-term transition in the fuel sector, and encourage in-state investment and jobs. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and several outside witnesses recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited net climate benefits, and may shift limited feedstocks away from renewable diesel rather than create additional fuel supply. A major point of debate was whether the credit would mainly benefit California refineries and workers or instead subsidize out-of-state producers while reducing revenue for transportation programs. Supporters, including union members, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, and airport representatives, said SAF is one of the few viable near-term options for aviation, that California should keep fuel production and jobs in-state, and that the credit would help maintain refinery operations and support the industry’s transition. Opponents, including the LAO, trucking and fuels groups, environmental organizations, and county/road advocates, warned that the proposal could raise gasoline and diesel prices, reduce diesel excise tax revenue for highways and local streets and roads, and provide limited climate benefit compared with other uses of state funds. Some members also raised concerns about feedstock availability, food-system impacts, and whether the policy should be more narrowly targeted if the goal is to support a specific refinery. No vote was taken. The chair stated at the outset that all items on the agenda were being held open for a future hearing, and public comment was taken after the first item because of the level of interest. The hearing then continued with public testimony, which was split between strong support from labor and industry and strong opposition from environmental, transportation, and local government groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the budget chairman mentioned, yes, House Bill 2006 covers our Department of Agriculture, Natural
• House Bill 2006 covers our Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Conservation.
• And so this also covers, again, probation and parole, community supervision, as well as the managing
• The way we are headed, some of these entities will be wiped out.
• So it got that covered.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think y'all could get away with just a clarification on the matter of Hey, it doesn't cover this, your
• dealing with you because of your speech, not if a private entity or a private actor or a private employer
• about, you say something that. doesn't like, and they are not the government, they are a private entity
• I'm not sure we fully cover that.
• Again, you can't by law cover the face, right? Are you going to let them?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's critical that we ensure that practices are not... ...alone oversight entities.
• thing is happening in front of the other, does that impede the very work of those other entities?
• So for those reasons, From the county, the youth, all of the entities involved.
• It is not someone, as stated earlier, this bill doesn't cover organized retail theft.
• This bill does not cover those folks who are in the business of committing theft.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not a single dollar in this bill covers the cost of living for Americans.
• Not a single dollar in this<00:11:59.040><c> bill</c><00:11:59.839><c> covers</c><00:12:00.240><c> the
• The American taxpayer is covering the bill for fraud while criminals get rich.
• entity of which they have a entity entity of which they have a controlling<02:46:13.680><c> interest<
• </c><03:25:14.640><c> administering</c> and local entities administering and local entities administering

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 8, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is exactly why the California State Auditor is the right entity for this work.
• I think that was well covered already, but I'll try to just give you a brief summary of the oversight
• Today I will discuss our dental benefits program, which covers over 600,000 employees, retirees, and
• Today I will discuss our Delta, I'm sorry, our dental benefits program, which covers over 600,000 employees
• the calendar year maximum limits, which is the total dollar amount our PPO dental plan will pay for covered

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear new audit requests and receive a status update from the State Auditor. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, noted that all 2025-approved audits are underway, said the first 2026 audit is focused on DMV license revocations, and described several statutory and high-risk audits already in progress. The committee also approved a consent calendar of four audit requests: UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s audit request on SANDAG road project management. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether transportation funds, including voter-approved and restricted revenues, were used for allowable purposes and whether past management failures warranted outside review. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, that funds are tracked by multiple “colors of money,” and that internal controls have improved. Several members questioned whether the issues were already addressed in public records or existing audits, and the request failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, arguing that more transparency is needed on outcomes, recidivism data, and oversight of grantees. The BSCC said it already has oversight mechanisms, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that program data shows positive outcomes. The committee approved the audit unanimously. Senator Cortese then presented an audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract, citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network concerns, and retiree out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that contracts include performance guarantees. Members from both parties expressed concern about access and competition, and the audit was approved unanimously. The committee then completed add-on votes on the consent calendar and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is exactly why the California State Auditor is the right entity for this work.
• I think that was well covered already, but I'll try to just give you a brief summary of the oversight
• Today I will discuss our Delta—I'm sorry—our dental benefits program, which covers over 600,000 employees
• Today I will discuss our Delta, I'm sorry, our dental benefits program, which covers over 600,000 employees
• the calendar year maximum limits, which is the total dollar amount our PPO dental plan will pay for covered

Committee: House Joint Legislative Audit

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we can't help, especially our small hospitals, small health care entities, if we can't help them to
• But I heard from providers that they need to cover the cost of administration for collecting debts, and
• And the question is who's going to cover the cost?
• So folks truly aren't able to cover the cost, we have a way for dealing with this.
• Folks truly aren't able to cover the cost. We have a way for dealing with this.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5223 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5941 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• If we can't help, especially our small hospitals, small health care entities, if we can't help them to
• But I heard from providers that they need to cover the cost of administration for collecting debts, and
• And the question is who's going to cover the cost?
• So folks truly aren't able to cover the cost. We have a way for dealing with this.
• And then for folks... ...folks truly aren't able to cover the cost.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, including the roll call, approval of the previous day’s journal, referral of committee reports and gubernatorial appointments, and the removal of Senate Joint Memorial 8003 from the consent calendar to the regular calendar. The chamber also received and referred Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604 to the Committee on Human Services, and later took up several gubernatorial confirmations. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8682 recognizing the YMCA’s 150th anniversary in Washington. Senators spoke in support, describing the YMCA’s role in child care, swim lessons, youth programs, civic engagement, camps, and community health, and guests from YMCA organizations were recognized on the floor. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey P. Fairchild to the Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees, Randall V. Scott to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Board of Trustees, and Anna M. Franklin to the Community Colleges of Spokane Board of Trustees, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for the family of Representative Tom Dent after his wife suffered a stroke. After caucuses, the Senate returned to floor action on two major bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5185, creating a pilot pathway to physician licensure for international medical graduates, was advanced to final passage and approved 39-1. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5993, lowering the interest rate on medical debt, drew extensive debate about affordability, charity care, and the impact on rural hospitals; amendments were considered, including one to make the bill prospective rather than retroactive, which was adopted, while a rural-hospital differential-rate amendment failed. The bill ultimately passed 29-19. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• If revenues are a little slower than we anticipate, there are reserves there to cover.
• They are really just there for one reason, and it is to cover that failing case of a downturn.
• In case of a downturn, they can still be covered by the general fund reserves.
• So, we're saying 30%; that means our reserves can cover 30% of our appropriations or of the budget in
• There is more risk than a traditional loan, but we've partnered with entities that really understand

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> by for-profit entities. by for-profit entities.
• residential setting for which individuals are reliant on the entity or the individual entity for services
• </c> This would add an individual or entity This would add an individual or entity operates<02:24:09.800
• entity or on<02:24:14.880><c> the</c><02:24:14.960><c> individual</c><02:24:15.320><c> entity</c><02:
• </c> on the individual entity for services. on the individual entity for services.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cover all sorts of actual medical care. cover all sorts of actual medical care.
• </c><01:26:50.760><c> our</c> woefully inadequate to cover our woefully inadequate to cover our dispensing
• :41.160><c> own</c> person's insurance covers their own person's insurance covers their own medical<01
• </c> Studies show that when insurance covers Studies show that when insurance covers IVF,<01:57:32.880
• </c><02:31:38.240><c> involved,</c> forth with the the entities involved, forth with the the entities

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What period does that cover, and does it cover history, the history of the Texas Rangers?
• This amount would cover the cost of that.
• What percentage is covered? That covers right now about 12,000 inmates.
• Item three covers agency staffing and turnover.
• Item 4 covers facility needs and new construction.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard the Legislative Budget Board’s overview of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s 2026-27 budget, followed by extensive testimony from DPS leadership. The LBB presentation covered funding and staffing changes across driver license services, facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, and border security. The recommendations included added support for customer service staffing and trooper hiring, but did not include several DPS exceptional items such as major driver license staffing and technology requests, new regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio, and other capital projects. Members also discussed proposed rider changes, including a new rider to lapse unused trooper funding and require reporting after recruit schools. Much of the committee’s questioning focused on driver license operations, where senators criticized long call wait times, low call-answer rates, appointment delays, and what they viewed as an overreliance on adding staff rather than improving processes. DPS and LBB witnesses said the agency is pursuing some technology upgrades, including automation, online pre-population of applications, and appointment-system improvements, but acknowledged that the driver license division remains a major problem area. Senators also raised concerns about whether the 2019 efficiency study led to meaningful changes and whether the agency should consider broader process redesign or even a different administrative structure. Colonel Freeman and other DPS officials then defended the agency’s broader law enforcement and border-security work, emphasizing the need for the Williamson County training academy, the 500 additional troopers funded in prior sessions, and continued support for Operation Lone Star. They described DPS’s role in border interdiction, threat-to-life investigations, oilfield theft cases, Capitol and Alamo security, and highway safety, and said the agency is stretched thin by deployments and overtime. Members asked about border reimbursement possibilities, regional staffing differences, pursuit safety, fleet and aircraft replacement needs, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame museum. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.