Transcript Highlights:

• Military drops recruiting efforts at prestigious black engineering awards event.
• He declared February Black History Month.
• President and Commander-in-Chief issuing the standard Black History Month proclamation for the nation
• Black History Month is dead.
• At DOD, we won't go and recruit engineers who happen to be black to come in and serve at a time when

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:33:39.679><c> Black</c> approaching the same problem. Black approaching the same problem.
• </c><00:37:51.040><c> Hills</c> utility in Wyoming, but Black Hills utility in Wyoming, but Black Hills
• </c> the compliments that were paid to Black the compliments that were paid to Black Hills<02:23:29.280
• </c> summing up the the story of of Black summing up the the story of of Black Hills.
• </c> Black Hills. Black Hills. &gt;&gt; Thank<02:54:24.000><c> you.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, if you're Black or Brown or LGBTQ+ kid living in a rural part of the state, I can guarantee you
• She pointed to two boys, about two-and-a-half or three years old, one white and one Black.
• She said her Black son, when he saw the book—the child character in the book is African American and
• The students and open-minded parents, especially Black and Muslim families, were disappointed.
• Black, brown, Indigenous, and Muslim authors are often advocates for justice.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several bills related to access to library materials, including measures addressing book bans and censorship in public and school libraries, as well as legislation on digital library collections and e-book licensing. Committee leaders said testimony would be limited to three minutes and encouraged written submissions. Early testimony from Chair Brian Murray highlighted H. 3595, which would address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by limiting restrictive publisher-library contract terms, protecting patron confidentiality, and creating a special legislative commission to study the issue. A large number of legislators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, and advocacy groups testified in support of the free expression bills, including H. 3594 and S. 2328, arguing that book challenges in Massachusetts disproportionately target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC titles and that librarians and educators need protection from retaliation and harassment. Witnesses described local incidents of book removals, threats, and pressure campaigns, and several said the bills would create transparent challenge procedures, keep materials available during reviews, and ensure decisions are made by trained professionals rather than political actors. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s office also submitted support, and multiple speakers cited national trends and Massachusetts-specific censorship attempts. Testimony on the digital access bills emphasized that e-books and audiobooks are essential for readers with disabilities, homebound patrons, students, and others who rely on accessible formats, but that current licensing terms are far more expensive and restrictive than print purchasing. Library representatives said libraries spend millions on digital content, face long wait times for popular titles, and often must repeatedly re-rent the same materials. Legal and library experts supported the proposed commission as a practical step toward fairer licensing and stronger bargaining power for libraries. The hearing ended after extensive testimony; no votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doris Bunty, who passed away in 2021, upheld many firsts: the first Black woman in the Massachusetts
• She was the first African American administrator of the Boston Housing Authority, the first Black woman
• She paved the way for women in leadership, particularly me as a Black woman in the legislature.
• She paved the way for women in leadership, particularly me as a black woman in the legislature.
• John's Congregational Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, which is one of the oldest Black churches

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education. Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.

Transcript Highlights:

• This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
• was established to address the pressing needs of Black constituents and to counter barriers to full
• This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
• was established to address the pressing needs of Black constituents and to counter barriers to full
• Legislation and public policy affecting Black communities and other underserved populations.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Of that 21, how many of them are from the Black Belt, would you say? Do you know?
• In the Black Belt, roughly about 20% right now, we’re having students as far as admitted.
• </c><00:48:19.520><c> Is</c> Montgomery as part of the black belt.
• Is Montgomery as part of the black belt. Is that<00:48:19.760><c> right?
• </c> within the black belt. Correct. within the black belt. Correct.

Bills: SB62, HB361, HB244, HB377, HB411, HB422, HB423, HB425, SB16, HB452, HB354

Keywords: SB62, Alabama, conservation and natural resources, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife heritage license, license identification, government-issued ID, residency determination, in-state residency, student residency, tuition classification, public higher education, domicile, resident status, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, Section 9-11-32, Section 9-11-33, Section 16-64-3

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the black market will thrive regardless of legalization.
• For example, with marijuana, there's still a very robust black market.
• Is there still a black market? even in this environment?
• And how big is that black market, if you could quantify it?
• Well, there may be black marketing. It kills my business. Hold on, hold on.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to the Black Caucus of Maryland who helped arrange today.
• So, um, thank you to the Black Caucus for helping to coordinate and set up the arrangements.
• Thank you to the um Black Caucus well.
• </c><00:22:51.440><c> And</c><00:22:51.600><c> she</c> prominent black history figure.
• And she prominent black history figure.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Black.” “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Do you have any details, Mr.
• “Black?” “Aye.” “Boggs?” “Aye.”
• Black? Aye. Boggs? Aye. Chapel. Representative Boggs: Aye. Representative Chappell.
• Black. Boggs. Aye. Chappell. Christensen. Collins. Cupps. Yes. Douglas. Aye. Hein.”
• Black. Aye. Boggs. Aye. Chappell. Christensen. Collins. Aye. Douglas. Aye. Hein. Aye.” “Cupps.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of capital and reappropriation bills, focusing on whether to continue, reduce, or remove funding for projects that had little or no spending to date. The chair explained several cuts or transfers, including railroad grade crossing funds that MoDOT did not expect to spend in FY26, unspent Mississippi levee stabilization and strategic mining items, a Missouri Housing Trust Fund transfer that no longer needed authority, and the decision to forego the Camp Avery project because costs had risen significantly before construction began. Members asked for clarification on several projects, including a Columbia-area highway/interchange item and a Fredericktown strategic mining line item, and the chair emphasized that projects appropriated in 2023 or earlier with little activity were being reviewed more aggressively. The committee also discussed larger reappropriations and project overruns. Members raised concerns about moving $186 million in storm-related funding out of the operating budget into reappropriations, with one member noting discomfort about shifting money out of House Bill 8, while the chair said the move avoided double-counting previously appropriated funds. House Bill 2019 drew questions about a $10.7 million increase for a DSS youth services facility in the St. Louis area, described as a new treatment-oriented youth center in Belfontaine that had originally been estimated at about $7 million. The chair said the cost increase was frustrating but recommended proceeding because the facility was needed. The committee adopted House Committee Substitutes and gave do-pass recommendations to House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. House Bill 2017 passed 28-0, House Bill 2018 passed 28-0, House Bill 2019 passed 29-0, and House Bill 2020 passed 28-0. House Bill 2020 was described as the final use of ARPA dollars, with any remaining state-level funds expected to be rolled into the foundation formula before the federal deadline. The chair closed by thanking members and noting there would likely be one or two more hearings, then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Scott Black, as she said, Executive Director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
• Joining me to testify are Tanya Borja, representing SCOPE, and Tiana Shaw Wakeman, representing Black
• The Inglewood oil field spans more than 1,000 acres of active oil drilling in predominantly Black and
• The Inglewood oil field spans more than 1,000 acres of active oil drilling in predominantly Black and
• My organization has a 29-year track record of supporting Black women and girls, and we represent and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And during my day job, I'm a process improvement Six Sigma black belt. Nice to see you all again.
• The correction guard, while on duty, videoing themselves sexually assaulting Black and brown teenage
• At the same time... ...impacting Black and Indigenous and other communities of color.
• Individuals living in our prisons, as brought up by previous speakers, are disproportionately Black,
• Individuals living in our prisons, as brought up by previous speakers, are disproportionately Black,

Bills: SB6239, SB6074, SB5886, SB6041, SB6190

Keywords: tort claims, state liability, Washington law, government accountability, legal process, parole, criminal justice reform, felony, recidivism, rehabilitation, public safety, personality rights, right of publicity, publicity rights, name image likeness, NIL, deepfake, AI-generated content, digital impersonation, forged digital likeness

Summary: The committee heard staff briefing and public testimony on Senate Bill 6239, which would require civil arbitration for tort claims against the state and its subdivisions before trial. Supporters, including county executives, county commissioners, school district and risk pool representatives, cities, sheriffs, and other local government groups, said rising liability and insurance costs are straining budgets and threatening core services. They argued arbitration could encourage earlier resolution, reduce litigation costs, preserve jury trial rights through trial de novo, and help address what they described as Washington’s unusually broad liability exposure. Some supporters also asked that any amendments not narrow the bill’s scope. Opponents, including trial lawyers, legal aid advocates, survivors of abuse, journalists, and victim-rights organizations, said the bill would create barriers to justice, delay accountability, and reduce transparency by moving claims into a private process. They emphasized that the bill would affect not only abuse claims but also employment, discrimination, and other civil claims against public entities, and warned it could retraumatize survivors and impose added costs on low-income claimants. Several witnesses said the state should instead improve oversight and address root causes of claims. The chair noted the bill would be amended before further action, and the committee closed public hearing after hearing testimony from 16 pro, 723 con, and 4 other sign-ins. The committee then took up Senate Bill 6074, which would reinstitute a parole process for certain felony offenders sentenced on or after July 1, 2027, allowing petitions to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board after 60% of total confinement is served, with exclusions for certain serious offenses. Supporters of the bill, including people with lived experience, reentry advocates, and some criminal justice organizations, said parole could recognize rehabilitation, improve public safety, and make better use of public resources. Others supported the concept but raised concerns about the bill’s prospective-only application, the 60% threshold, racial disparities, and how parole would interact with existing sentencing, work release, and reentry laws. Prosecutors said they were open to discussing parole but thought the bill was not yet ready and would require more work on eligibility standards, implementation, and resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• America, San Diego Gas, and the San Diego Zoo, companies that he identified as not wanting to hire Black
• Brown would later return to San Diego State as the first Black administrator, when he took a position
• the NAACP to get San Diego City Council elections to a district-based system, putting more power in Black
• supports understanding of the history, the importance of education, and economic systems within the Black
• I have to say that as... ...and economic systems within the Black community.

Summary: The Assembly met with an initial quorum call, then proceeded through routine floor business, guest introductions, and several procedural motions. Members approved requests to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, removed some bills from the consent calendar, and re-referred or withdrew several measures. The chamber also took up a number of second-reading and concurrence items later in the day. Two major bills drew floor debate. SB 762, a tax measure allowing eligible local governments to seek voter approval for transactions and use tax rates above the statutory cap, was presented as a response to local fiscal pressures and was described by supporters as giving voters local choice rather than imposing a tax increase. It passed with an urgency vote of 54-13 and was sent immediately to the Senate. AB 126, the education budget trailer bill, was presented as a major investment in TK-12 education, special education, community schools, and educator leave; one member supported many provisions but objected to policy changes affecting charter schools being included in a budget bill. The Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments on AB 126 by a vote of 56-1. The Assembly also concurred in AB 35, an urgency environmental protection bill intended to speed implementation of Proposition 4-funded projects by narrowing administrative delay; supporters said it would accelerate wildfire prevention, water, and other environmental projects. The measure passed unanimously, 66-0. The consent calendar was then adopted, including AB 2796 on criminal history information, which passed 67-0. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remarks honoring victims of a B-52 test flight crash at Edwards Air Force Base, former West Covina Mayor Lloyd Johnson, civil rights leader Harold Brown, educator and activist Kiyoko Nancy Oda, and Auburn Mayor John Mike Holmes, followed by announcements of summer recess and adjournment until August 3.

Transcript Highlights:

• you for your presentation, but what I'm wondering is that we know that people of color, especially Black
• sure that we are servicing everyone in the state of Washington, but talking more specifically with Black
• I'm talking more specifically with Black African Americans that are typically excluded from these programs
• And we are continuing to work to support emerging Black... ...continuing to work to support emerging
• Black developers, especially in the development of single-family housing as well as multifamily housing

Bills: HB2273, SB5188, HB2353, HB2420, HB2470

Keywords: embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, construction, environment, broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, capital budget, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee heard public testimony on Substitute House Bill 2236, which would update the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s statutes. Staff explained that the bill would authorize the commission to make direct mortgage loans for multifamily housing, clarify that it is not a retail mortgage lender, extend bond counsel terms, remove notice requirements before bond issuance, and repeal outdated provisions including the housing finance program and housing finance plan requirement. The sponsor and commission representatives said the changes would modernize the agency, improve efficiency, and give it more flexibility to provide gap financing for affordable housing without using state general funds. Testimony was generally supportive, with some questions focused on housing access for communities of color, the effect of higher interest rates, and the possible role of longer mortgage terms; the commission emphasized its down payment assistance programs and work with banks and developers. The hearing on SHB 2236 was then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2273 on reducing embodied carbon emissions in buildings and building materials. Staff described requirements for the State Building Code Council to adopt embodied-carbon reduction standards for large projects, phased implementation, reporting, a public database and website through the Department of Commerce, and random audits. The prime sponsor said the bill responds to rising energy demand and would help lower emissions and potentially reduce costs by encouraging innovation and allowing embodied-carbon savings to count in future energy-code tradeoffs. Supporters from environmental justice and architecture groups said the bill would address pollution upstream, align Washington with other jurisdictions, and could be cost-neutral on many projects. Opponents, including the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill could raise costs, create sourcing and timeline problems, and questioned the school construction exemption. The hearing on HB 2273 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5188, which would allow the Public Works Board to issue loans for broadband infrastructure repair and replacement under the broadband service expansion program, with priority for areas that would become unserved without the work. Staff noted operating and capital costs in the fiscal note and said an updated note had been requested. The Association of Washington Cities testified with concerns that expanding the program could signal further sweeps from the Public Works Assistance Account and undermine confidence in funding for other infrastructure needs, while a committee member raised whether the program should instead be handled through the Curb Board. The hearing was closed after no further testifiers appeared. In executive session, the committee reviewed House Bill 2353, House Bill 2420, and House Bill 2470. HB 2353, which raises the predesigned threshold for capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million and indexes it to inflation, was passed out of committee by voice vote with an 18-0-1 result. The committee then adopted a proposed substitute for HB 2420, which increases the small works roster contract limit to $530,000 and changes the effective date to January 1, 2027; it also passed 18-0-1. Staff also briefed HB 2470, including a proposed substitute that would increase state funding assistance for on-base school construction projects by 15% and remove a federal-funding offset requirement, but no vote on that bill occurred in the transcript. The chair announced another hearing and executive session for Friday and asked members to submit amendments by 10 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• you for your presentation, but what I'm wondering is that we know that people of color, especially Black
• sure that we are servicing everyone in the state of Washington, but talking more specifically with Black
• I'm talking more specifically with Black African Americans that are typically excluded from these programs
• mission is very focused on ensuring that borrowers of color have access to homeownership, especially Black
• And we are continuing to work to support emerging Black Continuing to work to support emerging Black

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute House Bill 2236, staff explained changes to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage loans for multifamily housing, clarifying it is not a retail mortgage lender, extending bond counsel terms, removing a notice requirement before bond issuance, and repealing outdated statutory provisions. Representative Zahn and commission staff said the bill modernizes the agency and would help finance affordable housing without using state general funds. Testimony was generally supportive, with questions focused on higher interest rates, down payment assistance, and equity for borrowers of color; the commission said it works with banks, administers programs such as Covenant Home Ownership, and aims to support both homebuyers and developers. The chair then closed the hearing on SHB 2236. The committee next heard House Bill 2273 on reducing embodied carbon emissions in buildings and building materials. Staff described requirements for the State Building Code Council to adopt phased embodied-carbon standards for large projects, with reporting, a public database, and Commerce educational resources; the fiscal note showed operating and capital costs. Representative Duerr said the bill responds to rising energy demand and could help lower building costs while supporting innovation, including Washington wood products. Supportive testimony came from environmental justice advocates and an architect, who said embodied carbon reductions are already feasible and often cost-neutral. Opponents, including the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill could raise costs, create sourcing and delay problems, and should not exempt schools. The hearing on HB 2273 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5188, which would let the Public Works Board issue loans for broadband infrastructure repair and replacement. Staff said the bill expands the existing broadband service expansion program to cover repair and replacement of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, with Commerce fiscal impacts noted. The Association of Washington Cities testified with concerns that the bill could signal further use of the Public Works Assistance Account, which has already seen sweeps and could affect future water, sewer, wastewater, and solid waste funding. A question from Representative Dye raised whether the program should instead be tied to the Curb Board; staff and the witness agreed to continue that discussion. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee took up House Bill 2353, House Bill 2420, and House Bill 2470. HB 2353, which raises the predesign threshold for capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million and indexes it to inflation, was reported out of committee 18-0 with one excused. The committee then adopted and reported out the proposed substitute for HB 2420, which increases the small works roster contract limit and changes the effective date to January 1, 2027, also by an 18-0 vote with one excused. Staff also briefed members on a proposed substitute for HB 2470 concerning school construction assistance for on-base schools, but no vote was taken in the transcript. The chair announced another hearing and executive session for Friday and asked members to submit amendments by the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• A year after year, Anderson Chair Andrade yes, Black.
• Yes, black. Yes. Side, Campbell. Yes, chaining. Yes. Reco. Yes row. Yes. Our lowman. Yes.
• Black. Yes. Without a Campbell. Yes came. Yes, Rick. Yes, grow. Yes, lowman. Yes, jurors. Yes.
• Yes, black. No. The site. Yes. Campbell reco. Yes, grow. Yes, current Lowman Rodgers. Yes.
• And writing, yes, black. No. This Atta Greco. Yes, grow. Yes. Lowman know. Hodge ERs. Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:06.720><c> or</c> identify as white 14 as black or identify as white 14 as black or africanamerican
• Black, Farmers Association? Yes, Chair. There's an A1 amendment in front of you. Okay.
• to be distributed to black-owned farms.
• Can you elaborate exactly what the Black Farmers Association is, how many members there are?
• </c><01:01:07.319><c> Farmers</c> exactly what the black Farmers exactly what the black Farmers Association

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Mr.
• President, colleagues, as chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I rise today in support of
• Many Korean Americans, including those who served alongside Black soldiers, have defended this nation
• This is a town that has provided opportunity for working-class Black, White, Latino, and Asian Americans
• She was a vibrant person who previously worked as an actress during the 1950s old Black Hollywood era

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, and took up motions to remove several measures from the inactive file, including S.J.R. 9, SB 626, and SCR 89. The main item on the floor was SCR 106 by Senator Choi, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day and highlighted the history and contributions of Korean Americans in California and nationwide. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, citing Korean American business, civic, cultural, military, and community contributions, as well as local Korean American communities and landmarks across their districts. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. After passage, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests in the chamber and invited members to a reception. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including upcoming meetings of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Senate Human Services Committee. Members also requested that SB 626 be returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials. Senators Umberg, Allen, Pérez, and Menjivar honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, respectively. The memorials recounted the lives and community service of the deceased and emphasized ongoing grief, recovery, and support for affected families and communities. The Senate announced it would recess until the next scheduled floor session on Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beckham Black, Cameron Smith. Christopher Hunt Junior.
• HR Number 794 by Reynolds, recognizing April 8th, 2025 as Black Lawyers and Students Day at the state
• Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 8th, 2025 as Black Lawyers and Students Day at the Texas Capitol
• the pioneering spirit of Barbara Jordan herself, the first Southern black woman elected to the US House
• And as I sort of said before, there need to be more black lawyers.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus... Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• He knew that when Black and Brown communities unite, we can tear down systems built to divide us.
• In the 1960s and '70s, Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers stood shoulder to shoulder with the Black
• He was a key player on the national championship-winning team and served as chair of the Black Student
• He was a key player on the national championship-winning team and served as chair of the Black Student

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Marysville Police Officer Osmar Rodarte. Members then handled several procedural motions, including re-referring bills and moving items on the file, with AB 567 re-referred by a recorded vote of 42-17 and the remaining referral requests approved without objection. The chamber also heard a brief personal statement from Assembly Member Macedo thanking colleagues and staff for support during a health episode. On the floor, members presented and passed several measures. AB 310 by Assembly Member Alanis, requiring youth sports organizations to have AED access, emergency response plans, and coach training, passed 56-0. AB 437 by Assembly Member Lackey, expanding CIF reporting to include sports-related injuries and medical problems, passed 59-0. ACR 55 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, commemorating the 40th anniversary of ARC v. DDS and the Lanterman Act, received 62 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The Assembly also adopted HR 28 recognizing Major League Baseball Opening Day 2025, with extended lighthearted remarks about the Dodgers, Giants, and Athletics, and HR 23 honoring Cesar Chavez Day, which drew broad support from caucus leaders and members speaking to Chavez’s labor and civil rights legacy. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote after adding co-authors. The chamber then approved the second-day consent calendar, including ACR 39 on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and ACR 53 on Women’s Equal Pay Day, and later adjourned in memory of Ralph Miller after tributes from Assembly Members Hart and Gibson. The House adjourned until Tuesday, April 1 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Black, you're recognized in debate. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Black? Usada? No. Cheney? Yes. Campbell? Ricko? Thank you. Campbell, yes. Greco, yes. Grow, yes.
• Black? Yes. Busada? Yes. Campbell? Yes. Cheney? Yes. Rico? Yes. Campbell. Yes. Cheney. Yes. Rico.
• Black? Yes. Campbell? Yes. Cheney? Yes. Graco? Yes. Grow? Yes. Art? Johnson? Grow? Yes. Hart? Yes.
• Black? Yes. Lusata? Yes. Hart? Yes. Ken Cart Johnson? Mello? Yes. Overdorf? Yes, ma'am. Renando?

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda of health care and public health bills. The first major item was HB 649, which would remove the paper supervision protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and allow autonomous practice. The sponsor and supporters argued it would improve access, especially in rural areas, address workforce shortages, and reduce costs, while opponents from the medical community raised patient safety concerns and argued it would weaken physician oversight. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a vote of 18-7. The committee then unanimously advanced several other measures. HB 259, creating a special observance for fentanyl awareness and education, passed 23-0. HB 791, which codifies infant safety devices as an option for surrendering newborns and amends safe-haven law, passed as amended 25-0. HB 355, allowing schools to use FDA-approved emergency opioid antagonists rather than only naloxone, passed 26-0. HB 1119, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric readiness policies, training, coordination, and assessment requirements, also passed 26-0 after two amendments. HB 431, changing the date for level-two background screening of athletic coaches to July 1, 2026, passed 26-0. Later, the committee approved CS for HB 907, the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases or “Sunshine Genetics Act,” which would establish an opt-in newborn genome sequencing program at FSU and a statewide consortium for rare disease research; supporters emphasized earlier diagnosis and cost savings, and the bill passed 25-0. CS for HB 519, aligning state law with federal law on controlled substances for paramedics, passed 25-0. Finally, CS for HB 723, requiring the Department of Health to provide early-detection materials for type 1 diabetes to families of young schoolchildren, passed as amended 26-0. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.