Transcript Highlights:

• For teacher certification and preparation, we have to have not just mandates, but substantial funding
• Numeracy, teacher preparation, and certification are fundamental to the new dollars in the bill, ensuring
• Some of that is just the stress of the cost of gaining that certification.
• Yet, and still, the policy Behind certification is to put the best teachers in the classroom.
• But where I'm going with that is, we need alignment to make sure certification is a...

Bills: HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they homicide detectives, or is there a special certification to investigate jail deaths?
• leaving juvenile facilities or jails in Texas lack basic identity. ...identification, such as birth certificates
• Certification by the American Board of Pathology includes... graduation from medical school and a full
• There are forensic pathologists who have not passed their board certifications that are working in counties
• Would a normal pathology certification also have most of the same skills?

Bills: HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death

Transcript Highlights:

• He got a letter and he got a certificate. The governor's name was on the letter.
• He got a letter and he got a certificate.<01:04:48.079> The<01:04:48.240> governor's<01
• :04:48.640> name<01:04:48.720> was<01:04:48.960> on certificate.
• The governor's name was on certificate. The governor's name was on the<01:04:49.280> letter.
• You know, I would rights certificate.

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was asked for, not the changed birth certificate, but the original birth certificate that said the date
• was asked for, not the changed birth certificate, but the original birth certificate that said the date
• was asked for, not the changed birth certificate, but the original birth certificate that said the date
• birth certificate but the the changed birth certificate but the the original<01:07:56.640> birth<
• > the original birth certificate that said the original birth certificate that said the date<01

Bills: HF1233

Keywords: women's athletics, gender, sports competition, Human Rights Act, biological sex, participation limits, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• State Board for Educator Certification, and SBAC is empowered to take action against the certification
• . certification things like that.
• Does that just mean they don't have a teaching certificate?
• Kind of certification whatsoever.
• through alternative certification programs?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In lines 192 to 211, you add a technical—there's some technical changes to, like, the weapons certification
• requirements for those waived and to the certification trained under the guardian program, and then
• you delete some of the reporting requirements to FDLE on that certification from the sheriff.
• teacher certification, and prohibits exemptions for background screening for educator certification.
• exemption for background checks for teacher, uh, for teacher certification.

Summary: The Pre-K-12 Education Committee took up a series of education, school safety, health, and student access bills. SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funds was amended to clarify the theory of knowledge course and then reported favorably. SB 370 would allow routine non-invasive school health screenings, such as vision, hearing, and dental checks, to proceed with written notice and an opt-out process rather than active parental consent; supporters said it would improve participation and access, while opponents argued it was too broad and weakened parental rights. After debate over scope, funding, and consent, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also advanced SB 1070, which would require ECG screenings for student athletes under a phased rollout beginning in 2026, with religious and medical opt-outs. The bill was renamed the Second Chance Act in honor of Chance Gainer. Supporters described it as a life-saving measure to detect hidden cardiac conditions, while some members raised cost and implementation concerns. SB 508, the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill, would require private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations and services they will provide to students with IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment; it was supported by parents, advocacy groups, and some school representatives and was reported favorably. School safety measures were also considered. SB 1470 would refine campus locking and supervision rules, create clearer exceptions, expand training and security options for school safety personnel, and allow district-employed law enforcement officers to use canines for threat detection. Witnesses from school safety and Parkland-related advocacy groups supported the bill but urged caution on exemptions and implementation details. SB 1472 would extend a public records exemption to certified school security guards, matching the protection already given to school guardians, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 248 would expand participation in FHSAA sports for private school and home education students at public schools when their own schools do not offer the sport, and SB 1618 made broad changes to VPK through grade 12 policy, including reading instruction, financial literacy, school funds restrictions, teacher certification, and advisory council rules; both bills were reported favorably. Several members later recorded votes in support of specific tabs before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to highlight something with the new teachers alternative certification program.
• More than 50% of our teachers are coming to us without a professional certificate.
• One X said, you know, over 50% of our new teachers or county without certification, we recognize this
• And I heard you talk about the alternative certifications and that's working for you.
• And we have a certificate that he was issued in 19 0, 4, education is in my blood.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• an exemption to the typical certificate an exemption to the typical certificate of<00:53:14.079>
• <00:53:54.200> of their positions that a certificate of their positions that a certificate
• We are supportive of not requiring a certificate of need and the environmental assessment that would
• of Need for um uh the ex um certificate of Need for um uh the ex certificate<01:28:43.719> of
• of need I I think that the certificate of need I I think that because<01:29:12.400> of<01:29:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A vendor who receives an MPU certificate must verify the authenticity of the certificate.
• sales and use tax certificates sales and use tax certificates indicating<01:04:24.720> multiple
• points of use MPU certifi certificates points of use MPU certifi certificates for<01:04:43.039><
• > and an MPU certificate in the form and an MPU certificate in the form and manner<01:05:00.400
• authorization to issue MPU certificates authorization to issue MPU certificates has<01:05:30.319

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• certification and addresses the ongoing teacher shortage especially in rural districts.
• high school uh to teacher certification high school uh to teacher certification from<00:04:52.639
• and addresses the ongoing certification and addresses the ongoing teacher<00:04:56.400> shortage<
• College with a teaching certificate and a job with no student debt. >> Thank you.
• Quick certifications in computer science or technical degree or technical certification and getting in

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that lands within the agricultural district that have solar energy facilities must also obtain certification
• process that it be DOA uh certification process that it be DOA because<00:02:59.159> that<00:
• We are proposing an amendment to the bill to change, instead of having a certification by the Board of
• by the board of land certification by the board of land natural<00:04:40.800> resources<00:04
• <00:04:51.360> and<00:04:51.479> so provide for such a certification and so provide

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments. The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations. Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Birth certificate from a state agency, that's $12 in Virginia.
• Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
• Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
• Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.
• Certificate of citizenship, $1,385.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 31, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In other times there's a certification.
• Uh we do the certification form as well.
• do have questions about a certification do have questions about a certification form,<01:25:24.159
• So that's I certification information.
• So any followup certificate.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• with them, they must also pay for a duplicate birth certificate and the processing fee.
• And if they don't have the birth certificate with the birth certificate with them, they have to pay for
• a duplicate birth certificate in the processing fee.
• It says you have to have a 10.1 certificate.
• deemed admitted, and then you can use that, because you had that 10.1 certificate.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary A Committee met on May 5, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several measures, including HCR 31, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to study replacing or clarifying the term “foreign” in state law; HB 263, allowing the 14th JDC magistrate judge to handle certain specialty court felony matters; HB 299, clarifying paper filing rules for jury bonds and related payment issues; HB 535, simplifying hospital-based acknowledgments of paternity by removing the two-witness requirement while keeping notarization; HB 571, codifying the 19th JDC’s complex litigation section program; and HB 538, increasing the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court fee cap from $15 to $75 to help offset court costs. The committee also reported HB 215, raising the small succession affidavit threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, and HB 226, adding a 10.1 conference requirement before requests for admissions are deemed admitted, with discussion about discovery fairness and default judgment exceptions. The committee also took up HB 324, which makes judicial stipend increases permanent and adds a 2.7% salary increase for judges effective July 1, 2027; an amendment restoring the second year of the COLA was adopted, and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 1043, raising the jurisdictional amount in Jefferson Parish first and second parish courts, was amended to increase the amount from $35,000 to $50,000 and then reported with amendments. HCR 6, directing the Law Institute to study forced heirship and disinherison issues, was amended to add reporting language and related Civil Code references and then reported with amendments. HB 1006, changing summary judgment deadlines to give opponents more time to respond, was amended and reported by a 3-2 vote after roll call. Two more substantive bills drew extended debate. HB 1239 would strengthen the presumption that parents share physical custody equally unless a court finds that arrangement infeasible or not in the child’s best interest; supporters framed it as a parental-rights measure, while an attorney in opposition warned it would increase litigation, reduce stability for children, and be used as leverage in child support disputes. Despite the opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 190, as amended, would create a duty of reasonable care for certain software/app providers toward minors and require expert testimony, while excluding manufacturers; supporters said it was aimed at protecting children from harmful platform design, but opponents argued the proposal was unnecessary because existing tort law already covers negligence and warned it could create new causes of action and uncertainty over whether software is a “product.” The committee heard testimony from the Louisiana State Law Institute, the sponsor, and outside witnesses, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 190 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I think I have some general questions about, like, what does a certification look like with
• 43.160> with<00:15:43.319> mde<00:15:43.920> what<00:15:44.040> is certification
• look like with mde what is certification look like with mde what is the<00:15:44.360> time<00
• on the back and so I guess certification on the back and so I guess a<00:16:00.839> question<
• standards up and the certification standards up and the certification through<00:17:49.200> mde

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This simply clarifies that a new certificate of trust does not revoke a prior certificate, and anybody's
• reliance on a prior certificate is still good and valid.
• <00:11:06.440> of clarifies that a new certificate of clarifies that a new certificate of
• and anybody's Reliance on a certificate and anybody's Reliance on a prior<00:11:10.920> certificate
• is still good and prior certificate is still good and valid<00:11:15.399> line<00:11:16.000><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program and fund, with the ADE in consultation with AZPOST, must maintain a list of training and certification
• seeking to obtain a Native American language certificate.
• a Native American language certificate.
• the superintendent from applying for the certificate for not more than three years.
• What about revoking their certification? Would that work? I think maybe Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to the CTE programs at CCWF, the Occupational Mentor Certification Program, OMCP, is offered
• , which provides participants the opportunity to earn an alcohol and other drug counselor certification
• We do want to give everyone, specifically women in this case, industry certifications at... ...want to
• give everyone, specifically women in this case, industry certifications that they can go back out to
• I have several degrees, numerous certifications, and extensive investigative training.

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• So depending on the final calculation, So depending on the final calculation for 2024-25 at certification
• be surprising to us if a court decided to get involved in a Proposition 98 dispute before the certification
• process had a chance to play out but A Proposition 98 dispute before the certification process had a
• , and I would just say that... ...could occur rather than waiting for certification.
• Oakland, leading into this first interim, we had 14 consecutive qualified certifications, and at first

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tarr, Fair Housing and Title VI Certification. Senator from Essex, Senator Tarr.
• The first element of this amendment would require annual certification for any municipality or public
• And a certification requirement will ensure that those who are administering these funds and operating
• The first element of this amendment would require annual certification for any municipality or public
• And a certification requirement will ensure that those who are administering these And a certification

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with recognitions of several young climate advocates visiting the State House and then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll, with remarks honoring her long public service and family legacy. The chamber then took up Senate No. 2947, An Act Regarding Fair Housing Practices in the Commonwealth, after a Ways and Means redraft. Senators supporting the bill described housing discrimination against voucher holders and Black applicants, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and fair housing education, and noted the bill’s goal of increasing penalties and public reporting for discriminatory brokers. Several amendments were debated. Senator Tarr offered an amendment to require annual HUD-related compliance certifications from municipalities and public agencies, notification to the Attorney General of federal findings, corrective action plans, and possible enforcement consequences; it was defeated on a roll call, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral language amendment changing “salesmen” to “salespersons” was adopted. Senator Payano’s amendment to require publication of license suspensions as well as revocations for discriminatory conduct was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment that would have expanded housing protections for returning citizens. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries while preserving publication of revoked licensees’ names was adopted. After the Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll-call vote of 37-0, later clarified as 38-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll.