Transcript Highlights:

• Third, in some cases, sexual relationships, domestic dynamics, parenting conduct, or gender expression
• Rather than keeping us safe, removing opportunities for education, treatment, and rehabilitation Rather
• than keeping us safe, removing opportunities for education, treatment, and rehabilitation will worsen
• No parent should fear losing their child to enforcement actions, and no voters should be intimidated
• What they're witnessing is deeply alarming: parents being taken during routine stops or outside their

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require clearer identification on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement operations; supporters framed it as a transparency and safety measure in response to ICE activity, while no opposition testified. AB 2014 would allow post-conviction habeas relief where gender bias or stereotypes were used at trial and may have affected the outcome; supporters described cases involving sexist and anti-LGBTQ stereotypes, while the California District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only the habeas remedy. AB 1886 would extend a 12-month probation presumption to youth in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure youth treatment facilities; youth advocates supported it as a fairness and rehabilitation measure, while judges, probation officials, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would speed hiring of peer partners in child welfare by creating a narrow exemption process for certain foster-youth-related offenses; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited threats, doxing, and harassment, while one journalist opposed it over possible effects on reporting, and the author and committee members said the bill preserves press protections and is narrowly aimed at threats and harassment. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate corrections department to run jails instead of the sheriff; supporters argued it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and said sheriffs are already subject to oversight. The committee also noted several bills pulled by their authors and adopted a consent calendar of unrelated measures. Votes were not always taken immediately because the committee was waiting for a quorum, but AB 2624 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and left on call, and the chair indicated support or favorable recommendations on several of the other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we're able to expunge records, that opens up opportunities for better jobs, education, and housing
• </c><00:08:01.039><c> and</c><00:08:01.199><c> we</c><00:08:01.440><c> are</c> education, and housing
• So I represented one of the parents, and we went on to handle that case in Ohio and Kentucky.
• So I represented one of the parents, and we went on to handle that case in Ohio and Kentucky.
• So I represented one of the parents, and we went on to handle that case in Ohio and Kentucky.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky, including Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Kentucky Legal Aid, AppalRed Legal Aid, and the Legal Aid Society in Louisville. The presenters explained that the four nonprofit programs provide civil legal services in all 120 counties, focusing on low-income clients and matters such as domestic violence, family law, housing, expungement, public benefits, and veterans’ issues. They emphasized that they do not handle criminal defense cases and described statewide efforts such as the kyjustice.org website and Project Renew, which helps people in recovery with legal issues that affect stability, employment, housing, and family reunification. Each organization highlighted regional service challenges and examples of casework. Legal Aid of the Bluegrass described its 33-county service area, its mobile “justice bus,” and expungement work for people in recovery. Kentucky Legal Aid focused on disaster response after the December 2021 tornadoes, including insurance disputes and contractor fraud, and said it has continued to handle repeated FEMA-declared disasters. AppalRed described serving 37 rural counties with limited attorneys, the shortage of lawyers in “rural legal deserts,” and its disaster-response work after flooding and tornadoes, including FEMA appeals clinics and volunteer attorney support. The Legal Aid Society described its Louisville-area veteran services, including Social Security and VA disability cases, veterans treatment court referrals, and homeless outreach. Committee members praised the organizations’ work and noted the importance of their services. In response to questions about funding, the presenters said their support comes from a mix of Legal Services Corporation funds, state appropriations, federal grants such as VOCA, VAWA, and HUD, United Way, and foundation funding. They stressed that many grants are restricted, while state funding is more flexible and useful for emergencies and day-to-day operations. The presenters said current funding does not fully meet demand and requested an increase in the General Assembly’s appropriation from $500,000 per year to $1 million per year, or $2 million over the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• to meet the educational needs of our students.
• to meet the educational needs of our students.
• This would bring $1.2 to $1.6 billion for education.
• , to our classrooms to educate our students.
• Educate our students.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and are those educators participating in TRS?
• employing Educators and are those<00:36:35.599><c> Educators</c><00:36:36.400><c> participating</c><00
• :36:37.079><c> in</c> those Educators participating in those Educators participating in TRS<00:36:39.280
• Yeah, it's maternity leave for the parent, which would be the mother that gives birth to a child.
• </c><00:44:03.640><c> which</c> for the the the the the parent which for the the the the the parent which

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:02 Attendance Roll Call: 00:49 Approval of Minutes: 01:55 CERS Retiree Health Subsidy Proposal: 02:14 SB 58: 24:05 TRS Sick/Annual Leave Proposal: 32:53 Adjournment: 48:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior month’s minutes after a roll call established a quorum. It then heard testimony on a draft proposal from Senator Robbie Mills to increase CERS retiree health subsidies for members retiring on or after July 1, 2003. The bill would raise the non-hazardous subsidy from $14.63 to $40 per month per year of service and the hazardous-duty subsidy from $21.94 to $50, with employee contribution rates adjusted based on the health trust’s funded status. Supporters from sheriffs, firefighters, police chiefs, and the Kentucky League of Cities said the change would improve recruitment and retention, better align the subsidy with the cost of a single health plan, and preserve the system’s financial footing through shared employer-employee costs and funding triggers. Committee members asked about the fiscal impact, the effect of funding levels above 150%, and how the subsidy would work for rehired retirees or employees who later take private-sector jobs. Mills and other witnesses said preliminary actuarial work was still forthcoming, that the bill was intended to be revenue-neutral or close to it, and that the subsidy would continue to be paid monthly; they also noted existing 2008 rules for rehired retirees and said the benefit would still be available even if a retiree later had other insurance. One member suggested looking at stable accounts as an additional option for special-needs planning in a later bill. The committee then heard Senate Bill 58 from Senator Robin Webb, which would allow state employees to designate a Special Needs Trust as a beneficiary for retirement benefits. Webb said the measure would help employees provide for disabled dependents without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility, and that the bill follows federal special-needs trust rules. He said the proposal could be revenue neutral, but actuarial analysis was still pending and KPPA had asked for electronic rather than paper transfer provisions. Members questioned whether the authority already exists, how the trust would work, and whether stable accounts should also be considered; Webb said he would follow up with additional information.

Transcript Highlights:

• On Thursday, April 9, at 6:09 p.m., Ben and Megan Busek became the parents of their second child, Charlotte
• Brenna Mori, along with her parents, Kent and Melissa Mori, under the word truth.
• Please make her and her parents feel welcome. Welcome to the House.
• This bill came through your Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.
• His parents testified. His parents were there. He came within a whisker of getting killed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are grateful for the courage of Representative Jones to come here and be with us today to educate
• We must educate our constituents on how to protect themselves.
• Simpson has also served 40-plus years in a career as legislative staff, including serving as an education
• And when I worked for him in the early 1970s, people came out of crowds across the state, parents, to
• Born in La Verne, educated in the city, and devoted to serving the community for more than 40 years,

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are grateful for the courage of Representative Jones to come here and be with us today to educate
• We must educate our constituents on how to protect themselves.
• Simpson has also served for 40-plus years in a career as legislative staff, including serving as an education
• And when I worked for him in the early 1970s, people came out of crowds across the state, parents, to
• Born in La Verne, educated in the city, and devoted to serving the community for more than 40 years,

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That committee is made up of parents, teachers, employers, public health professionals, doctors, who
• We have helped build community rooted in education, transparency, and...
• We have helped build community rooted in education, transparency, and safe access for adults 21 plus.
• I'm able to be a present parent because of cannabis.
• It is to put money towards education and research so that these incidents are not occurring.

Bills: H5005

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Collins: Educator Pay. Senator Collins. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Some of you know the story of Amanda Browalski from the town of Webster, her parents, Ed and Beth, who
• I’m glad we’re going to address both educational and adequate formulas... ...adequate formulas, and I
• Whether it meant that we needed to do better on local aid, K-12 education, or food insecurity, it was
• , things like Things like increasing funding for K-12 education.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2398, Alvarez, graduate medical education report, holding committee.
• AB 2660, Alvarez, STEM education partnership, do pass on an A roll call. AB 2694...
• AB 2114, Brian, educational asylum programs, holding committee.
• AB 1861, Lackey, special education complaints, held in committee.
• AB 2189, Nguyen, special education parent advocacy collaborative, do pass as amended to make it contingent

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I lead all of our public sector work here, which is state and local government and higher education.
• I lead all of our public sector work here, which is state and local government and higher education.
• done that across health and human services programs, across transportation programs, across higher education
• We've used this to recruit people to become foster parents.
• But it sometimes is tied to a parent account. How do you delineate all of that?

Bills: SB1020

Committee: House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She graduated from Shortwood College. in Kingston, Jamaica, and went on to get her master's in education
• What I saw firsthand and what I learned from my mother is that for many of us, higher education is not
• They need their education and credentials to work for them. ...felt a duty to improve their lives in
• Their money, their time, their hard work, it must be channeled into an education and credentials that
• My parents... dedicated their lives to public service.

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So coming from an education background, 28 years in education, served as a teacher, administrator, athletic
• You said you were in education, what kind of obstacles you face?
• So coming from an education background, 28 years in education, served as a teacher, administrator, athletic
• You said you were in education, Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This is clearly a changing time in higher education as we seek to educate more students, improve our

Bills: HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB225 , HB398 , HB459 , HB540 , HB906 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1245

Committee: Senate Senate & Governmental Affairs

Keywords: HB 9, HB9, Act 527, Shreveport, Stuffed Shrimp Capital, state symbol, Louisiana symbols, municipal designation, honorary title, cultural designation, tourism, local pride, seafood, shrimp, stuffed shrimp, cuisine, city branding, Louisiana Revised Statutes 49:170.26, court reporter, official court reporter

Transcript Highlights:

• It means stronger parental leave policies.
• , hiring in education.
• You would not have a diverse educational system.
• , hiring an education.
• You would not have a diverse educational system.

Bills: S0484 , S0698 , S0706 , S0968 , S1118 , S1122 , S1134 , S1320 , S1342 , S1548 , S1614

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Keywords: data centers, large load customer, large-scale data center, electric utility, public utility tariff, Florida Public Service Commission, FPSC, water permit, consumptive use permit, reclaimed water, groundwater, surface water, water management district, DEP, OPPAGA, economic development, land use, comprehensive plan, zoning, ratepayer protection

Summary: The committee heard several housing, local government, utility, and transparency bills. SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations, by Sen. Rouson, was presented as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act for transit corridors. After adopting an amendment that removed the bill’s compelling-governmental-interest language in enforcement provisions, the committee heard testimony from local-government and housing interests both supporting and opposing the bill’s zoning preemption approach. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 1614, by Sen. Leek, which was amended to remove stormwater and code-enforcement spending provisions and to tighten restrictions on local governments seeking state appropriations after audits or without required affirmations. SB 1548, the next Live Local Act iteration by Sen. Claddie Ude, was also reported favorably; it expands where Live Local projects may be located and adds fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems, by Sen. McLean, was reported favorably after testimony from builders and energy-related stakeholders, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments to refine permit provisions. The committee then approved CS/SB 698, by Sen. Martin, which allows building permits for single-family homes to be issued before septic permits are finalized if application has been made, while still requiring septic approval before occupancy. Builders testified that septic permit delays were causing lengthy project delays and contract cancellations. The committee also reported favorably SB 1320, by Sen. Martin, requiring county tax-increase referenda to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available; the sponsor said the goal was to give voters more standardized fiscal information, while opponents argued existing law already provides similar transparency. SB 484, by Sen. Avila, on data centers, was reported favorably after an amendment adding a knowledge requirement to the foreign-country-of-concern service prohibition; the bill addresses local planning authority, nondisclosure agreements, utility tariff requirements, and water-use limits for large data centers. The committee also reported favorably SB 1118, by Sen. Avila, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center location and proprietary information, with testimony split between economic-development supporters and transparency concerns. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, by Sen. Mayfield, preempting naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designating Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark conditions; it was reported favorably after questions about local input and airport naming. The committee then heard extensive public testimony on SB 1134, by Sen. Yarbrough, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI and would create penalties and a private right of action for residents. The sponsor argued the bill was aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded DEI programs and cited examples from Jacksonville and other jurisdictions; opponents said the bill was vague, overbroad, and would chill local programs, public education, and civil-rights-related activities. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on SB 1134, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm trying to educate you. But you're not listening to me.
• I'm trying to educate you. But, you're not listening to me.
• amongst 105 communities, that money could have helped improve lives, strengthen families, support education
• We are here because on the path and on the shoulders of our parents, our grandfathers, you name them,
• amongst 105 communities, that money could have helped improve lives, strengthen families, support education

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• meet Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross and Director of Fish and Wildlife, and I want to thank the parents
• Both of his parents were blind, and I know because he grew up in a neighborhood just a few blocks from
• years and the hopeful vision of those who established it, but to celebrate each of these artists, educators
• years and the hopeful vision of those who established it, but to celebrate each of these artists, educators
• full of floating wire sculptures and their intricate shadows celebrate Ruth as a leader for arts education

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several resolutions and guest introductions, with much of the session focused on commemorations and recognitions. Senate Resolution 87, by Senator Archuleta, marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Archuleta and other senators spoke in support of remembrance, historical recognition, and concern for Armenians facing current threats and displacement. The resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote, and the chamber also welcomed members of the Armenian community and other guests. The Senate also adopted SR 93 by Senator Cortese honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and legacy as a California and Latino sports figure. Senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl victories, and recent selection for the NFL Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. The resolution passed unanimously. Later, SCR 124 by Senator Wiener recognized transportation barriers faced by Californians with epilepsy and the importance of reliable transit for employment and independence; it was adopted by unanimous roll call. SCR 158 by Senator Allen declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks emphasizing the state’s arts economy and the Council’s history; it also passed unanimously. The Senate further adopted SCR 159 by Senator Alvarado-Gil designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. Supporters described rodeo as part of California’s agricultural and Western heritage, noted its economic impact, and highlighted the roles of Black cowboys, women competitors, and rural communities. Each resolution was followed by introductions of related guests, including Armenian community members, Jim Plunkett and family, epilepsy advocates, arts leaders such as Luis Valdez and Cheech Marin, and rodeo representatives and titleholders. After the resolutions, the Senate handled the daily file and adopted the consent calendar 38-0. The body also approved the Senate journals for April 13-16, 2026, announced committee meetings, and acknowledged Senator Menjivar’s upcoming birthday. The Senate then recessed until its next scheduled floor session on Tuesday, April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That committee is made up of parents, teachers, employers, public health professionals, and doctors who
• We have helped build community rooted in education, transparency, and safe access for adults 21 plus.
• I was born, raised, and educated in Massachusetts, where I earned two master's degrees and built my career
• I'm able to be a present parent because of cannabis.
• It is to put money towards education and research so that these incidents are not occurring.

Bills: H5005

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10 / House Bill 5002, “An act to restore a sensible marijuana policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that, if the Legislature does not enact the measure as written, additional signatures would be needed for it to qualify for the 2026 ballot. The committee heard testimony from an expert, proponents of the petition, opponents, and members of the public, and accepted written testimony through March 27 at 5 p.m. Jessica Trow of MassBudget testified first, focusing on cannabis revenue and spending in Massachusetts. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion for the Commonwealth and municipalities since FY 2018, including excise tax, sales tax, local option taxes, fees, and community impact fees. She described how revenues are distributed to public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity efforts, the cannabis social equity fund, the MBTA, the School Building Authority, the general fund, and local budgets, and argued the industry has supported social equity and community investments. Opponents of the petition argued that repeal would harm public health, consumer safety, jobs, tax revenue, and social equity programs. Wendy Wakeman, speaking for the ballot committee, said legalization has increased potency, addiction, and mental health concerns, and that the state lacks sufficient data on harms. In contrast, business owners, clinicians, and advocates including Caroline Pino, Kristen Rogers, Drudus Ledbetter, Armani White, Lucas Thayer, and Jeff Rawson said the regulated market provides tested products, jobs, tax revenue, and pathways for people harmed by prohibition, while repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity goals. Committee members questioned witnesses about the evidence base, the role of out-of-state funding, the petition’s impact on existing businesses, and whether narrower regulatory fixes might address concerns instead of repeal. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> power to go out and do more education power to go out and do more education outreach.<02:07:17.200
• </c><03:08:26.080><c> and</c> a conversation with parents and a conversation with parents and interviews
• This is down from over 60% in 2007, leaving parents with fewer affordable options.
• ><c> with</c><03:22:34.080><c> fewer</c> 2007, leaving parents with fewer 2007, leaving parents with
• </c><03:39:51.040><c> um,</c> Care and Education um, Care and Education um, uh,<03:39:52.520><c> a</c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Time to care for a loved one, time to care when they have a child or a sick parent.
• </c> people to come into the education field. people to come into the education field.
• </c><00:16:28.800><c> field</c> attract people to the education field attract people to the education
• didn't</c><00:36:48.560><c> have</c><00:36:48.720><c> public</c> education if we didn't have public education
• </c> work in the early childhood education work in the early childhood education field,<00:37:49.040>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, these amounts were based on the homeless counts that the Department of Education produces, and we
• Um, these amounts were based on the homeless counts that the Department of Education produces, and we
• produces, and we created a Education produces, and we created a uh<00:05:36.000><c> scenario</c><00:
• In 2025, we were able to prevent 90 of 94 evictions collectively. programs is the parent of 2-year-old
• programs is the parent of 2-year-old twin<00:07:13.960><c> boys.

Bills: HF4561 , HF4343

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax