Transcript Highlights:

• law at UCLA School of Law, and for the last 15 years or so, I and my colleagues at the School of Public
• School Notify, as mentioned earlier, is a statewide system for schools and farmers to share information
• But the lack of participation on School Notify goes unaddressed.
• And especially, Some schools.
• SEA, the school employees union. You've heard a lot of stories.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We lament this burden that keeps girls out of school and limits their opportunities to contribute to
• President Emia Ellsworth, a political science major who will be attending Northeastern School of Law
• , and 21% said middle school or earlier.
• The first is Ethan Wynn, a senior from Poway High School and president of his high school robotics competition
• She understood how policies affect families, schools, and opportunities.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer marking World Water Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended Senate Rule 55 to allow guests on the floor. Several special introductions followed, including California Wildlife Photo of the Year winner Alice Cahill, outgoing Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegría, and a Cal Poly Pomona student delegation participating in CHESS/CSU Lobby Day. Members praised Bonham’s long service and the students’ advocacy on higher education issues. The Assembly’s passage of AB 2156 was announced, and the Senate approved the March 16–19 journals as corrected. The chamber then took up SCR 132, designating March 22, 2026 as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized robotics and STEAM education as hands-on preparation for careers in engineering, AI, manufacturing, and other technical fields, and highlighted partnerships with industry and programs such as FIRST Robotics. The resolution passed on a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced robotics students and industry representatives, including Ethan Wynn of Poway High School and leaders from Garner Holt Productions, to recognize their work in STEAM education and robotics. The Senate next considered five gubernatorial appointments, all brought by Senator Grove: Paul Toopee to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Each nominee was described as experienced in the relevant field and each was confirmed unanimously, 34-0. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow the Committee on Governmental Organization to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. In closing, Senator Blakespear requested adjournment in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and civic leader remembered for decades of public service, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The Senate agreed to memorialize her, then announced that members would proceed to the Assembly chambers for the joint convention and State of the Judiciary address, with the next floor session scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, some school administrators claim this bill hinders AB 218 investigations.
• And lastly, some school administrators claim this bill hinders AB-218 investigations.
• It doesn't mandate investigation tactics. schools can still... assault victims to sue.
• Hart Union High School District, PERB decision.
• This will affect day-to-day activities and critical school operations.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several labor and retirement bills. AB 1582 by Assembly Member Ortega would make it an unfair labor practice for a higher education employer to disregard or delay arbitration decisions involving contracting out, with make-whole relief including attorney fees and costs. Supporters from AFSCME and other labor groups said UC has repeatedly ignored arbitration outcomes on outsourcing disputes, while UC opposed the bill as an overbroad change that could create systemwide operational and financial risk. The committee passed the bill on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. AB 1818 by Assembly Member Ortega would repeal an outdated HEERA provision that CSU has used to reopen bargaining when it claims state funding is insufficient. Teamsters and other labor supporters argued CSU has used the provision to avoid honoring negotiated raises, while CSU said the bill would limit its ability to manage compensation responsibly when state funding is uncertain. The committee also passed AB 1818 to Appropriations. AB 1564 by Assembly Member Arreguín would make communications between an employee and union representative confidential in public employment matters. Labor supporters said the measure would protect trust in the representational relationship and codify existing PERB case law, while school, local government, county, city, and business groups warned it could hinder workplace investigations, including those involving student safety and harassment. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 1844 by Assembly Member Pacheco, placed on the consent calendar, would update Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor benefits and to extend access to survivor options for vested judges; it was approved unanimously, 7-0. After all items were taken up, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• over four years of vaping in our school district.
• And in middle school, we had very few. We have put in vape detectors.
• Vapes do not belong in our schools. Thank you. Hello everyone.
• So, how do you determine which school we're talking about here?
• The judge's mom or dad, he or she can determine which school, but they think it's a veteran school.

Bills: SB210 , SB225 , HB280 , HB287 , HB94 , HB88 , SB157 , HB7 , HB8 , HB42

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• My mind immediately goes to young people, juveniles from elementary and middle school.
• Was graduating from high school, and I thought, this can't be true.
• His teams reached the Florida High School Athletic Association finals 16 times.
• So his name was synonymous all across the state in the world of high school basketball and in college
• If they go to a state school, he paid for it. So this man was a remarkable individual.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard and approved three bills. HB 1165 by Rep. Owen would authorize FDOT to issue a special blanket permit for mobile cranes and accessory support vehicles meeting specified size limits, allowing them to travel on and off interstates at all hours, including at night, while still following safety requirements and local travel restrictions. The sponsor and crane industry proponents said the bill would reduce congestion and improve emergency and disaster response. The bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee also considered CS for HB 279 by Rep. Partington, which strengthens penalties for misuse of the 911 system. The bill adds restitution requirements for emergency response costs and creates enhanced felony penalties when a false emergency report causes great bodily harm or death. Members raised concerns about juvenile prank calls and suggested awareness efforts in schools; the sponsor said those ideas could be considered separately. A Volusia County Sheriff’s Office representative supported the bill, and it passed favorably by a unanimous vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 177 by Reps. Harris and Woodson, designating a portion of I-Drive as the Harris Rosenway in honor of philanthropist and hotelier Harris Rosen. An amendment was adopted to also designate a bridge in Duval County as the Bernard Wilkes Rebaugh River Bridge in honor of longtime coach Bernard Wilkes. Members spoke in support of both honorees and their community impact. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of high school graduates currently achieve them.
• Almost 50,000 high school seniors in Texas have applied to go to Texas State University.
• We're also asking for support to expand our school of nursing enrollment by 70% over three years.
• Now we are aligning costs with other medical schools in Texas. Our student doctors, thank you.
• Also, we have two additional requests for the med school.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• By 2036, 70% of Texas jobs will require post-high school credentials.
• But, unfortunately, only about 36% of high school graduates currently achieve them.
• Almost 50,000 high school seniors in Texas have applied. go to Texas State University.
• Also, we have two additional requests for the med school. Currently.
• But what is the impact of the overall Lamar schools to East Texas? How important?

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• East Bay is providing free CSU courses to area high school students.
• It protects the teacher-to-community pipeline for our schools.
• More than 22,000 GSTG recipients have committed to teaching in high-need schools, including over 50 schools
• in Senate District 25 and many other school districts that ...including over 50 schools in Senate District
• 25 and many other school districts that need more qualified teachers.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard updates on higher education issues, beginning with California State University’s turnaround plans for seven campuses with enrollment declines. CSU said overall enrollment is growing systemwide, but some campuses, especially in Northern California, face structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. The plans focus on reengaging stopped-out and adult learners, expanding partnerships and guaranteed admissions, improving retention and student support, and reducing costs through program suspensions, hiring freezes, shared services, and procurement consolidation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the strategies were reasonable but urged regular legislative updates, and the Department of Finance had no additional comments. Committee members emphasized the need for implementation oversight, written updates, and attention to student outreach, financial aid, and privacy concerns around AI tools used in recruitment. The committee then reviewed the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s request for a $10 million General Fund appropriation to repay litigation-related borrowing. Department of Consumer Affairs and bureau staff said the bureau has a long-standing structural deficit, has already cut positions and shifted some costs, and that the General Fund backfill would reduce future fee increases on institutions. The LAO opposed the request, arguing the bureau can cover near-term costs with its existing loan and that litigation costs should remain the responsibility of the regulated entities through fees. Finance supported the one-time backfill as a unique situation that would lower fee increases and avoid passing litigation costs on to schools and students. Members asked about preventing a repeat of the problem, and bureau staff said they are pursuing fee increases through the sunset review and have strengthened internal policies and disability accommodation practices. The subcommittee also heard a broad update on Cal Grant funding and student aid. The California Student Aid Commission, UC, CSU, and the community colleges described Cal Grant as essential to affordability, but the LAO noted spending has grown faster than historical averages and said the state likely lacks capacity for major expansion in the near term. The segments highlighted the importance of state aid in covering tuition and living costs, and raised concerns about federal changes to student loans and Pell Grants, especially the elimination of Grad PLUS for some graduate students and limits on part-time borrowing. Committee members pressed for data on students who are eligible but not served by current Cal Grant rules, including adult learners and students affected by age and merit restrictions, and asked for analysis of phased-in implementation of the Cal Grant Equity Framework. Finance said full implementation would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and that affordability remains part of the state’s multi-year compact with the segments. Finally, the committee began discussion of the Middle Class Scholarship Program. CSAC and the UC and CSU said the program is a key part of affordability and debt reduction, especially after the 2022 reforms that expanded awards to total cost of attendance and improved administration. They warned that cutting funding by more than half would reduce award coverage from 35% to 17.5% of cost of attendance and could affect enrollment and persistence, particularly for middle-income students who do not qualify for other need-based aid. The segments also noted that recent administrative changes have reduced award revisions and campus workload, but that data exchange and award volatility remain challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• East Bay is providing free CSU courses to area high school students.
• It protects the teacher-to-community pipeline for our schools.
• More than 22,000 GSTG recipients have committed to teaching in high-need schools, including over 50 schools
• in Senate District 25 and many other school Senate districts that Including over 50 schools in Senate
• My name is Alex Kerem, and I'm here with the Alder Graduate School of Education.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are optometrists, in your schooling, are you trained on live human eyes?
• Those two schools are actually covered by the same accrediting board.
• And you gave the example of a public school teacher abusing children.
• Haven't had one incident of it in our school system.
• And I think in schools like Agape, that wasn't the case.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee continued a public hearing on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ scope of practice. Supporters, including Dr. Kelly Deering, said optometrists are trained to perform the listed office-based procedures, that rural Missouri lacks access to ophthalmologists, and that the bill would reduce wait times, travel burdens, and costs while helping retain students and practitioners in the state. Opponents, including representatives of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, argued the bill does not guarantee rural access and said the procedures should remain within the medical/surgical training of physicians. Members also questioned training on live human eyes and how suspicious lesions would be handled. No vote was taken, and the hearing on HB 2897 was closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2353, which would create a licensing and sign-and-seal framework for interior designers and move oversight to the board that includes architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects. Sponsor Rep. Sherri Gallick and supporters said the bill modernizes regulation, recognizes accredited education and NCIDQ testing, and would let licensed interior designers take responsibility for non-structural interior design work without hiring an architect to stamp plans. Opponents from the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers and others said they were still negotiating but remained concerned about scope-of-practice language, especially phrases like “all interior design of buildings” and “publicly occupied buildings,” which they said could create overlap with architecture and engineering or unintended obligations for public entities. Testimony also focused on whether unlicensed interior designers would still be allowed to work under carve-outs. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2241, which would create a separate framework for certain faith-based residential child care facilities to operate without a state license while registering with the state and meeting background-check, reporting, and oversight requirements. Sponsor Rep. Jamie Gregg and MACA representatives said the bill is intended to expand foster placement capacity for children in need while preserving the religious mission of Christian homes, and they cited federal and state initiatives encouraging partnerships with faith-based providers. Opponents argued the bill would create a two-tier system, weaken state licensing protections, and risk placing vulnerable children in facilities without the same direct oversight, inspections, and reunification safeguards as licensed foster homes. Members raised concerns about abuse history at some faith-based homes, the role of the proposed board, and whether religious practices or other mission-based rules would conflict with child welfare standards. The hearing continued with additional testimony; no vote was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• systems as they come to public school systems as they come to our<01:19:31.360><c> school</c><01:19:
• </c> our two stages on the de school our two stages on the de school campus<01:25:08.679><c> originally
• We have 100 students at the deaf school and 50 students at the blind school.
• in their entire school district.
• in their entire school district.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we have in front of us here with House Joint Memorial 10 is that the federal school lunch rules
• It doesn't regulate parents, school districts, or individual medical needs.
• It's purely just a request to Congress to prioritize real sugar in school lunch.
• It's strictly just school lunches, correct? Ms. Parrott. Mr.
• This would only address, you know, what's on the tray in the school lunch.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee began by approving the minutes from January 28, 2026. The main item on the agenda was House Joint Memorial 10, introduced by Representative Crane and supported by Samantha Parrott of the Snake River Sugar Beet Growers Association and grower Gayland Lee. Testimony described the memorial as a request to Congress, HHS, and USDA to prioritize real sugar from Idaho sugar beets in school lunch programs instead of chemical sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose. Supporters emphasized Idaho’s sugar beet industry, rural jobs, and the idea that the memorial is a nonbinding statement that does not regulate parents, school districts, vending machines, or individual dietary needs. Representative Leavitt asked for clarification that the memorial applies only to school lunches and not vending machines or other school food sales, and witnesses confirmed that distinction. Gayland Lee added comments about sugar’s uses in food and argued that replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners can sometimes increase calories in reformulated products. After testimony and no further questions, Representative Diger moved to send H.J.M. 10 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition. Before adjournment, the chair announced a scheduling change for Monday: the committee will meet across the hall at 1:30 p.m. to accommodate the local government committee, and it will review six Idaho State Department of Agriculture dockets, with agendas to be sent out that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Psychotherapy in the schools uh to me Psychotherapy in the schools uh to me it's<03:16:29.760><c> that
• </c> b15a of what a licensed school b15a of what a licensed school psychologist<03:31:57.399><c> has<
• It's required in their schooling.
• </c> years earlier in optometry school years earlier in optometry school relative<04:32:47.840><c> to
• </c> Oklahoma is there an optometry school Oklahoma is there an optometry school well<04:49:16.480><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• do, that Christian schools do, and other private schools do as well.
• schools around the state—that was removed from the bill.
• from dismissing a student based on academic performance while the school is under school improvement
• School in Ormond Beach, District 28, billed by its graduates as the Harvard of umpire schools.
• As the school can... Every level in Florida and across the nation.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members. In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:51:11.440><c> if</c> school if school if &gt;&gt; uh<00:51:12.000><c> Mr.
• school district rather than using out-of-state groceries for the food that's needed in public schools
• </c> with the schools. Thank you, Mr. Chair. with the schools. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• </c> do the uh charter school board. do the uh charter school board.
• </c> Is this related to the prime school program? This is not related to the prime school program.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• teacher from Grosmont High School and from the Grosmont Union High School District in San Diego County
• Next, we have Robert Marger, a high school CTE automotive teacher from Corona High School in the Corona
• Unified School District.
• Following is Nicholas Westfall, a high school PE teacher from Hamilton High School, LAUSD.
• Unified School District.

Transcript Highlights:

• During that period of uncertainty, the majority of our workforce became remote: work, school, meetings
• He went on to law school and practiced, but returning to the State Police was always a priority for him
• nurse working in Nahant public schools in Massachusetts.
• I have been working in the Nahant Public Schools since 2002.
• Many attempts were made to hire a school nurse for her position, including job postings and agencies

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, some of, there's a few schools that are up in enrollment, but most of them are down.
• You know, him and I both have experience as classroom teachers in the high school setting.
• diploma, you know, whether or not you can show up to school and get a high school diploma does matter
• that because of a school that because of a school...
• So are we expecting tuition at that school to support the research and development?

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Can schools potentially acknowledge and host?
• Representative Roach: This bill does not mandate the schools to do it.
• I graduated number one out of my school year cohort.
• Have schools susceptible to having to honor this person?
• Actually, he's a high school dropout.

Transcript Highlights:

• , medical school, and all graduate schools across the board.
• Mentioned on our particular schools, medical schools.
• You brought up medical schools.
• are New Mexico high school graduates.
• : the New Mexico Military Institute, the School for the Deaf, and the School for the Blind and Visually

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs