Transcript Highlights:

• We have also made a lot of two-year bills that we think need the conversations to keep happening.
• So it was a tough year, but I think we all feel an incredible responsibility to our constituents, and
• AB 811, Arreguín, computer science instructional work group: hold in committee.
• AB 887, Berman, computer science course implementation guide: do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 887, Berman, computer science course implementation guide: do pass out on an A roll call.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a bad idea. Sorry, but I just think it's a bad idea. And how much does the study cost?
• I don't think that's going to take a whole lot of research.
• So I think that's something the study would look...
• I'd have to think those...
• But when you get into the intricacies of this advanced, all this computer stuff, I think it's going to

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in her budget, the Governor commented on the fact that there's been no increase in tuition, and I think
• We've got to take a look at TAP TUITION, AND I THINK THAT IS A VERY POSITIVE STEP.
• So I also think, and I agree with Senator May here, that we need to support our medical schools.
• So I also think, and I agree with Senator May here, that we need to support our medical schools.
• SO I ALSO THINK, AND I AGREE WITH SENATOR MAY HERE, THAT WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR MEDICAL SCHOOLS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe they think they answer to the governor.
• And so, yeah, you know, I think there’s some differences of opinion on who answers to you, and I think
• So I think we're making inroads.
• You would think. But we will check into that. And I think it generally has decreased.
• I think that is due to the high volume of hires that they have had.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is a fairly decent policy bill.
• I think that there are some things in the policy bill. Providers in time.
• So those are two things I think that need to be considered.
• So I think we have a little bit more insight into the Chair here.
• I'm totally botching your name, I think.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the vendors are keenly aware of I think the vendors are keenly aware of privacy concerns, as
• I think it's really important.
• I think it's really important.
• I think Chair Scott was clear. author. I think Chair Scott was clear.
• <01:27:06.000> think I think it was um I think we I think I think it was um I think we I think

Bills: HF3479, HF4205, HF3782, HF4081, HF4138

Keywords: foreclosure, mortgage, redemption period, homestead, Minnesota Statutes, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate recognition, vehicle surveillance, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, data privacy, government data practices, law enforcement data, surveillance technology, location data, vehicle tracking, warrant requirement, probable cause, exigent circumstances

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:13.639> it's about our donors because I think it's about our donors because I think
• be a a win-win for everybody I think be a a win-win for everybody I think it's<00:09:10.120>
• 4,000 leave it there I just don't think 4,000 leave it there I just don't think at<00:48:58.400>
• I don't think that this anyone was aware of it. I think the change was unintentional back in 2014."
• It would be nice to know... do think you know um you know I think do think you know um you know I think

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think we would get more for it. I don't think we would get more than<00:05:36.320> that.
• We needed to fix it, but I don't think We needed to fix it, but I don't think we<00:10:52.240>
• I think it's very important.
• and that computer system is approved and that computer system is approved before<00:37:52.400>
• <00:39:45.760> my<00:39:46.079> personal I think I mean from my personal I think I

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I think that would really help.
• I don't think they do.
• To both of you, I think we're which I think you were about to talk about.
• I think it's a multi-faceted I don't think we just throw everything at it.
• I think we are safer.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we think compounded drugs come from.
• I think we have a pretty high behavior.
• I think this throughout the years.
• I don't think he's here, the director.
• And I think hit on the retirement.

Bills: SB3082, SB3110, SB3251

Keywords: military families, family leave, qualifying military exigency, Hawaii Revised Statutes, financial support, Hawaii National Guard, civil-military program, education, collective bargaining, exemption, SB3251, Hawaii public safety, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, law enforcement hiring, state employment ban, police powers, Department of Law Enforcement, DLNR

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason that I think...
• I think it'll do just that.
• I think you're right.
• With just computer screens, it's too much computers already for our little kids, and I believe it is
• Just think about that.

Bills: HB1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB180, HB342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4689, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2041, HB2071, HB1813, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB3719, HB4284, HB4327, HB3743, HB3778, HB3801, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3158, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB3138, HB3099, HB2849, HB2967, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB2015, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HB24, HJR138, HB3800, HB42, HB 129, HB677, HB668, HB2128, HB2038, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB 1160, HB3883, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3783, HB2017, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB4700, HB3560, HB3860, HB3146, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB632, HB2582, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4665, HB3395, HB3157, HB4395, HB4325, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2820, HB1828, HB1579, SB2349, SB1268, SB610, SB1577, SB1369, SB2032, SB2034, SB1057, SB1044, SB922, SB1759, SB1143, SB1506, SB1403, SB2361, SB870, SB372, SB72, SB1583, SB2314, SB1267, SB1273, SB765, SB552, HB2145, HJR112, HB1804, HJR110, HB 1194, HB1531, HB5008, HB3421, SCR27, HB5398, HB1407, HB426, HB1535, HB 123, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HB 111, HB180, HB342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4689, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2041, HB2071, HB1813, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB3719, HB4284, HB4327, HB3743, HB3778, HB3801, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3158, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB3138, HB3099, HB2849, HB2967, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB2015, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• We asked respondents what they think are the most common reasons for... school so this might be a you
• And this was my second question, but I think you already—so now it's more of a statement.
• Um, but the reality is exercising our mind is, I think, very important at all stages of life, and the
• it highlights uh important and I think it highlights uh the<00:57:21.200> the<00:57:21.400>
• students with the critical thinking students with the critical thinking skills<01:11:18.239>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I promise I was a really good student, but I—or at least I think—I think I was a good student.
• I think there's an opportunity with technology to think more individualized with education.
• I think it was our first meeting, and I remember thinking at the time, boy, this could really get out
• And I think he was spot on.
• I don't think we can do everything that we need to do, but I think the Secretary, LASC, and LFC have

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think this was done.
• And so I think it's equitable, I think it's fair, and as you've seen probably in your fiscal impact report
• And I do want to make a point to so many struggling New Mexicans: think about your bottom line; think
• I think maybe in some aspect...
• But I think their concern was more short-term, and I think what we're trying to do here is incentivize

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that there's a cost. changes.
• Florida, because I think we need to look at it, and I think we need to be sensitive to this issue.
• I think there's a lot of work to be done, a lot of things that need to be talked about, and I don't think
• And I think that that was some of what a lot of the people think are in the bills when you read the language
• I think we have a cultural responsibility in preserving agriculture in the state of Florida, and I think

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and first heard SB 1826 by Senator Martin, which would restrict ultra-processed foods served to public school students during the school day. Senator Martin said the bill is aimed only at government-purchased food in public schools, not parents’ lunches or after-school sales, and argued it is intended to protect children’s health and school performance. Members questioned the bill’s definition of ultra-processed food, its scope during the school day, and possible cost and compliance issues. Senator Rouson offered a friendly amendment extending the compliance date from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, and the committee adopted it. Several industry groups and associations spoke against the bill, citing lack of a clear definition, FDA preemption concerns, costs, and the risk of a state-by-state patchwork; Moms for Liberty waived in support. Senator Martin then temporarily postponed the bill for further work. The committee next took up CS for SB 1132 by Senator Truenow on consumers’ right to repair certain equipment, including agricultural equipment and portable digital devices. An amendment by Senator Boyd was adopted to exclude security and life-safety systems and remove automobile-related provisions. Public testimony included opposition from TechNet, which said the bill is unnecessary because repair parts, tools, and manuals are already available and asked for changes to make the bill prospective and remove the private right of action. Agricultural equipment dealers and manufacturers testified against the bill, arguing that current repair resources and a memorandum of understanding with the Farm Bureau already address repair access, while warning that the bill could undermine dealer margins, parts inventory, training programs, safety, cybersecurity, and emissions compliance. Some members supported the concept but noted the bill still needed work. The committee voted 4-0 to report CS for SB 1132 favorably. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Florida 4-H youth leaders on the organization’s impact and goals. The presenters described 4-H’s role in leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, highlighted statewide participation and camp programs, and asked for continued support for camp improvements, especially the Camp Cherry Lake revitalization effort. Senators praised the students’ presentations and the value of 4-H before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't think we, I think we ought to support that urgency and move forward.
• I think you're right.
• I think you're right.
• And I think, Mr. Chair, let's just do these... ...suggested amendment. And I think, Mr.
• And Senator Isle, I think it's also really important for us to think about.

Bills: SB29, SB64

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think these are minor things.
• I think we need to think about countywide voting.
• I, I think this would be good.
• I think all citizens should have a voice to say what they think is what they find is an irregularity
• It's, it's important, um, but I think it's also important to think about the actual number of concerns

Bills: HB311

Keywords: flood hazards, recreational vehicles, temporary dwelling structures, Texas Water Development Board, flood safety standards, emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think these are minor things.
• I think we need to think about county-wide voting.
• I think had a lot to do with that.
• I think this would be good.
• It's important, but I think it's also important to think about the actual number of concerns that arise

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753, HB311

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, Mr.
• I think we got some feedback that I think was helpful.
• I think I think we most I agree totally.
• I think it's the man downstairs, right? I think it's the man downstairs, right?
• I I think that's a needs to be done. I I think that's a high<01:27:54.760> priority.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee heard from Superintendent Megan Degenfelder on several interim topics centered on student-centered learning. She highlighted work-based learning and dual/concurrent enrollment, saying the state is updating accountability measures and should examine whether these programs are helping students progress, avoid duplicative costs, and reduce the need for remedial college coursework. She also discussed broader life-skills education, including financial literacy and soft skills, and said districts vary widely in what they offer. On gifted and talented programs, she noted that districts are statutorily required to provide them but the state does not have a clear picture of how consistently they are implemented, and she suggested the committee may want to study that area further. Members asked follow-up questions about whether dual enrollment should be evaluated only by time-to-degree, and Degenfelder said the analysis should also consider additional credentials and remedial coursework. Senator Schuler and others raised the idea of making financial literacy or other life-skills content more common, though Degenfelder said she did not favor a statewide mandate and instead preferred incentives and district-level implementation. The committee also discussed artificial intelligence in schools as an information-sharing topic, with Degenfelder saying the department is beginning a landscape analysis with districts and teachers. She then reviewed NAEP results, noting Wyoming performs strongly in fourth grade but drops sharply by eighth grade, and said the state wants to understand where students are falling off. Members also raised concerns about international comparisons and the need to improve literacy and math outcomes. The committee then moved to member-submitted topics. Representative Strock proposed reviewing the governance structure of state education, arguing that the current split among the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and other boards creates inefficiency and confusion, especially for licensure and programs like CTE. Senator Scott noted that turnover in the superintendent’s office could be a practical issue in any restructuring, and Strock responded that administrative staff could handle day-to-day operations. Representative Williams then introduced a discussion of common core standards and literacy, arguing that standards may be too broad and not specific enough, especially in early grades, and that Wyoming should emphasize phonics, basic reading, math, and civics more directly. Representative Guggenmos agreed that narrowing early-grade focus to math and literacy could improve outcomes. Finally, Representative Williams raised virtual education, saying it is growing quickly and the committee should study funding, accountability, and student support more closely; the chair opened that topic for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think it's that important.
• Well, you’d think that was foolish.
• I don't think we're wanting to hold back... ...don't think we're wanting to hold back fourth graders.
• We've bought about six computer programs to go in it. About six computer programs to go in it.
• Sir, don't you think that if you can do it legally and you think that's the best thing for the children

Keywords: 924, joint, all