Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies emergency authority so the governor and emergency management can order evacuations in the
• Section one, emergency authority, clarifies that municipal authority does not limit the governor or the
• ><01:23:01.800><c> and</c><01:23:01.880><c> emergency</c><01:23:02.480><c> management</c> so the governor
• and emergency management so the governor and emergency management can<01:23:03.240><c> order</c><01:
• or the emergency not limit the governor or the emergency management management management direct direct

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm sure the governor actually has less money in education than before.
• on<00:34:12.720><c> I'm</c><00:34:12.839><c> sure</c><00:34:13.000><c> the</c><00:34:13.119><c> governor
• </c><00:34:13.480><c> actually</c><00:34:13.760><c> has</c> on I'm sure the governor actually has on
• I'm sure the governor actually has less<00:34:14.079><c> money</c><00:34:14.280><c> in</c><00:34:14.440
• which was wetta high day of Trojan power which was wetta high school's<01:08:18.799><c> summer</c><01

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, certainly we have the provision in the bill that allows the governor to restore the money from
• Well, certainly we have the provision in the bill that allows the governor to restore the money from
• Uh, it is a program that the governor supports, and we received many emails in support of this.
• Governor and Council has to approve all gifts from a dollar up, actually, from any donations.
• So you have, uh, the governor had there was a $12 million adjustment.

Summary: The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology. Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change. The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later. On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when the criminality rises, especially when the governor imports them, then you're going to have
• rises, especially when the governor imports<00:45:36.800><c> them,</c><00:45:37.440><c> then</c><00:
• </c> poles or off of the power poles. poles or off of the power poles.
• </c> where consumers had bargaining power where consumers had bargaining power aka<02:19:45.920><c> supply
• </c><02:34:27.160><c> and</c> there is a separation of powers and there is a separation of powers and

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> by Rocky Mountain Power? by Rocky Mountain Power?
• want power companies to provide<01:35:55.440><c> power.
• So, do we have power or don't we have power?
• So, do we have power or don't we have power?
• So, do we have power or don't we have power?

Committee: Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And if would that be something where, as you know, both the governor and the legislature are looking
• </c> public servants doing a lot of powerful public servants doing a lot of powerful work.<01:20:55.280
• The governor had a similar bill, or a similar kickback provision, and there is language moving in the
• The governor had a similar bill, or a similar kickback provision, and there is language moving in the
• The governor had a similar bill, or a similar kickback provision, and there is language moving in the

Bills: HF3043 , HF2891

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• There are seven members from a variety of backgrounds: four are appointed by the governor and three are
• backgrounds four are appointed<00:20:04.840><c> by</c><00:20:05.000><c> the</c><00:20:05.159><c> governor
• and three are appointed by the governor and three are appointed<00:20:07.240><c> by</c><00:20:07.720
• I can assure you, with everything within my power, we’ll try to get this bill passed by May 19th.
• we'll try to everything within my power we'll try to get<01:05:14.440><c> this</c><01:05:14.599><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone who is looking at bringing this to either hybrids or to combustion-powered vehicles?
• vehicles misss and combustion powered vehicles misss and Tammy<01:15:33.679><c> might</c><01:15:33.840
• </c><01:15:56.480><c> have</c><01:15:56.600><c> you</c> February 20 22 to the governor have you February
• 20 22 to the governor have you spoken<01:15:57.719><c> uh</c><01:15:57.840><c> to</c><01:15:58.159><
• Did you submit, or I don't know that I've seen the report of February 2022 to the governor.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of our recommendations in our report is to consider that the Legislature has the power of
• So I think that's an incredibly powerful tool that the Legislature could use to...
• That's an incredibly powerful tool that the Legislature could use to be setting expectations for how
• But, you know, historically, right, the power and agency of tribes, the sovereign nations, was denied
• We know there we served as the body to the state and the federal government, which meant the governor

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the University of California’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and CalNAGPRA, based on the California State Auditor’s April 2025 report and updates from UC and tribal representatives. Committee members and tribal witnesses emphasized the moral urgency of returning ancestral remains and cultural items, criticized the lack of clear timelines and accountability, and noted that other institutions have repatriated collections more quickly. The State Auditor said UC still has major gaps in identifying collections, completing campus searches, setting measurable deadlines, securing items, and fully using repatriation funding; the auditor projected that some campuses could take until 2037, 2041, 2053, or even 2089 to finish at current rates, and said 12 of 19 audit recommendations remained open. The Native American Heritage Commission said progress has been too slow and that new CalNAGPRA enforcement regulations are being finalized. UC Office of the President and campus leaders responded that the university has made substantial changes since 2019, including a revised NAGPRA policy, expanded staffing, new committees with tribal representation, more consultation, and more financial support for tribes. UC said it has repatriated more than 9,000 ancestors, 280,000 associated funerary objects, and 59,000 other cultural items systemwide, and that it is continuing to implement audit recommendations and improve transparency through a repatriation dashboard and funding information. Berkeley, San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Barbara each described campus-specific progress, including more staff, more consultations, more site reviews, and updated timelines; Berkeley said it is on track to publish remaining ancestors by the federal deadline, San Diego said it has repatriated 73% of remains and about 53% of cultural items, Riverside said nearly all known ancestors and associated funerary objects have been noticed or repatriated, and Santa Barbara said it has restructured its program and added staffing and tracking systems. Members pressed UC on why timelines remain so long, why some campuses still lack clear completion dates, and whether the Legislature should use budget tools to increase accountability. The auditor suggested the Legislature could consider stronger funding conditions and clearer expectations, while some members noted constitutional limits on earmarking UC’s base budget. UC said repatriation must be tribally led, that consultation and reburial can take time, and that some delays stem from incomplete records, overlapping tribal claims, and the need to reunite items with ancestors. No formal vote or action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of our recommendations in our report is to consider that the Legislature has the power of
• And so I think that's an incredibly powerful tool that the Legislature could use to...
• That's an incredibly powerful tool that the Legislature could use to be setting expectations for how
• But, you know, historically, right, the power and agency of tribes, the sovereign nations, was denied
• We know there we served as the body to the state and the federal government, which meant the governor

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have the power to do it.
• of local agencies' authority, the California Constitution vests cities and counties with the police power
• Development Corporation, Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, UnidosUS as a co-sponsor, and Power
• This creates a disparity in contractual power that actually prolongs labor disputes to the disadvantage
• A question for the author: How is this any different than the bill that the governor vetoed last year

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government transparency. SB 911 by Senator Becker would require notification to fire enforcement agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold with an agreement for the buyer to bring the property into defensible-space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 by Senator Cabaldon would bar local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision-makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it also passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1041 by Senator Riggins would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements and add consumer protections, but it drew strong opposition from homeowner advocates, county treasurers, bankers, and others over predatory lending and lien concerns; it passed 3-2 and remained on call. The committee also considered SB 1075 by Senator Reyes, which would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality reduction measures in land-use approvals for industrial and commercial projects. Environmental justice groups supported the bill as a way to implement community air plans, while counties, cities, business groups, builders, trucking interests, and others opposed it as duplicative of CEQA and a barrier to investment and jobs. After debate over local control and environmental justice, the bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958 by Senator Cabaldon would advance the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, replacing a former arena and parking lots with housing, affordable units, parks, and a new entertainment venue; with no opposition voiced, it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. Another wildfire-related measure, SB 1182 by Senator Allen, would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas and direct state technical guidance on the issue. Supporters said insurance access is now a key indicator of risk, while some members questioned whether the bill would add useful information or burden local governments; the bill received a 1-1 vote and remained on call. The committee then began hearing SB 1116 by Senator Caballero, a starter-home/infill housing bill creating a streamlined ministerial path for small projects up to 10 units, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have the power to do it.
• of local agencies' authority, the California Constitution vests cities and counties with the police power
• This creates a disparity in contractual power that actually prolongs labor disputes to the disadvantage
• How is this any different than the bill that the governor vetoed last year?
• Strategies, here on behalf of UnidosUS, Power California Action, Neighborhood Partnership, Housing Services

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on wildfire resilience, land use, and local government authority. SB 911 would require notification to fire agencies when a home in a high fire severity zone is sold under an agreement to complete defensible space compliance; the California Association of Realtors said it would drop opposition if the bill is amended to use the preliminary change of ownership report, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 994 would bar local officials from entering nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from sharing information with the elected decision makers of their jurisdiction; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed 4-0 as amended. The consent calendar, including SB 958 and several other bills, was also adopted 4-0. The committee then took up SB 1041, which would expand PACE financing for wildfire home-hardening improvements statewide and add consumer protections, hardship provisions, and reporting requirements. Supporters, including Renew Financial and Cal Fire Local 2881, argued it would help homeowners finance fire-resistant roofs, vents, and other upgrades. Opponents, including homeowner advocates, county tax collectors, mortgage lenders, and consumer groups, warned that PACE has a history of contractor abuse, high costs, liens that survive bankruptcy, and risks to vulnerable homeowners. After extended debate, the bill advanced 3-2 to Appropriations and remained on call. SB 1075 would require local governments in AB 617 communities to consider air-quality impacts and community emissions reduction plans when approving certain commercial and industrial projects. Environmental justice supporters said the bill would help implement long-promised pollution reductions in heavily burdened communities, while business, local government, planning, and industry groups argued it duplicated CEQA and existing permitting processes, created litigation risk, and could deter investment and jobs. The bill passed 3-2 and remained on call. SB 958, relating to the Midway Rising redevelopment project in San Diego, was presented as a path for a long-planned housing and entertainment project with at least 4,250 homes, including 2,000 affordable units, and it passed 3-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1182 would require local governments to consider insurance availability in safety planning for development in high fire hazard areas. The author said the bill responds to rising insurance costs and the Fair Plan’s growth, while supporters said it would better align land-use decisions with wildfire risk. Opponents and some committee members argued the bill was too vague, could burden cities, and would not solve the underlying insurance market problem. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• buried in the multi-hundred page HR1 that Congress passed last year that I think creates a really powerful
• c><00:41:59.600><c> really</c> that I think creates uh a really that I think creates uh a really powerful
• 01.240><c> on</c><00:42:01.440><c> top</c><00:42:01.800><c> of</c><00:42:02.400><c> existing</c> powerful
• incentive on top of existing powerful incentive on top of existing incentives incentives incentives
• I think there are some powerful incentives against market exit on the part of drug makers.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and then proceeded out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 20, recognizing April 9, 2026, as Home Education Day in Colorado. Senator Pelton spoke in strong support of home education, describing it as a parent-led choice that benefits students and families. The resolution was adopted on a 30-0 vote, and the current roll was added as co-sponsors. The chamber then took up the consent calendar and passed House Bill 1229, House Bill 1244, and Senate Bill 153. HB 1229, which concerns the human-animal bond as a social determinant of health, drew three no votes from Senators Pelton, Zamora Wilson, and Baeza; the other two measures passed unanimously. The Senate also laid over third reading of bills until Friday, April 10. In Committee of the Whole, senators considered Senate Bill 72, which increases criminal penalties for assaultive conduct involving a motor vehicle and adds causing death with a motor vehicle to criminally negligent homicide. The committee adopted the report and advanced the bill on second reading. Later, the chamber laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bill 1084 until April 10, and then took up Senate Bill 140, which would exempt certain rare disease and plasma therapies from review by the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board. Sponsors and supporters argued the bill protects access for patients with rare diseases and prevents harm to treatment development, while opponents said it would weaken the PDAB’s affordability work and was too broad. Senators Weisman and Gonzales spoke against the bill, with Weisman citing concerns about the federal definition used and Gonzales defending the PDAB’s role in lowering drug costs; the debate continued in the transcript without a final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the government, the power of government, ought never be utilized to tell any person that they cannot
• And so comparing the power we give municipalities to regulate those sorts of decisions, where does a
• Is there a state entity that would have the power to say this particular bubble gum flavored cigarette
• And so comparing the power we give municipalities to regulate those sorts of decisions.
• Is there a state entity that would have the power to say this particular bubble gum flavored cigarette

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 108-1 roll call vote, and several points of personal privilege. Members observed moments of silence for fallen Christian County deputies and for Paul Jones, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The chamber also recognized Black History Month, with remarks on African American history and the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity. Numerous special guests were introduced, including University of Missouri Truman School students, community and food advocates, local families, St. Louis Public Schools visitors, and other constituents. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2682, which would extend existing school free-expression protections to political and ideological speech in K-12 public schools, while preserving guardrails against disruption, bullying, and unlawful conduct. Supporters said students should not lose First Amendment rights at school and that the bill would protect all viewpoints equally; opponents warned the language was too broad and could protect hateful or extremist speech, create confusion for schools, and undermine student safety. After extended debate, the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. Members also advanced House Bill 2274, creating the Missouri Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to ease teacher certification reciprocity across states and help recruit teachers, including military spouses. Supporters said it would improve staffing and retention; one member objected to the fiscal note, while others noted the compact’s governing structure and potential benefits. The House likewise adopted an amendment and advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, which would exempt consignment auctions from sales tax and also include certain durable medical equipment language; debate centered on fiscal impact, fairness, and whether the bill would benefit the sponsor’s profession. Finally, House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill, was introduced and explained as standardizing retail tobacco rules under state law while preserving existing local ordinances and local tobacco-21 policies; discussion began with concerns about local control and the scope of grandfathered ordinances.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, the failures were driven by powerful commercial interests shaping policy, research, and public
• every one of these cases, harm occurred not because doctors questioned consensus but because corporate power
• It protects power. An example she cites from Dr.
• It became necessary because under the last administration, we had the government using its power through
• of the of setting aside of the powers of the of the<00:37:36.160><c> Board</c><00:37:36.400><c> of</

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Ever since then, it has acted like a monopoly and has used and abused their market power.
• outrageous, and those prices are coming from the Gianni Infantino corrupt FIFA itself with monopoly power
• At the same time, the governor has proposed additional resources for the Attorney General to continue
• fine or whatever the situation was, So my question is, this informal conference, will they have the power
• We know that we also have to address the powerful monopoly of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• also want to note that my colleagues and I are grateful to the legislature, all of you, and the governor
• We can't drink the power from solar panels, we can't grow our crops with the power from solar panels,
• Solar panels and the power they provide are a luxury.
• dangerous, very large lithium-ion battery projects that can take acres of land and sit underneath power

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions. Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record. The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the government, the power of government, ought never be utilized to tell any person that they cannot
• And so comparing the power we give you... ...in some regards, yeah. Okay.
• And so comparing the power we give municipalities to regulate those sorts of decisions, where does a
• Is there a state entity that would have the power to say this particular bubble gum flavored cigarette
• It has clauses in there that say if there's an emergency that the governor declares, there are exceptions

Transcript Highlights:

• When my home's electrical panel failed, I lost power in several rooms...
• When my home's electrical panel failed, I lost power in several rooms, which affected my new appliances
• I want to remind everybody here that the most powerful thing you have done is share your voices, but
• As Governor Newsom has stated in the past, and I quote, California is the fourth largest economy in the
• I'm Stacey Lee, with Children Now, a state advocacy and policy organization focused on building power

Summary: The California State Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its second hearing focused first on disaster response, especially wildfires and flooding, and how they affect child care infrastructure. State agencies described their disaster preparedness and response work, including evacuation notifications, shelter coordination, emergency guidance, waivers, and support services. The Department of Education said wildfires have displaced tens of thousands of families and impacted thousands of preschool families, and recommended statutory changes to help rebuild programs, require early childhood programs to be included in local recovery plans, expand mental health supports, and review disaster, tax, and insurance policy gaps. Child care advocates and providers described major losses from the L.A. fires and San Diego flooding, including destroyed homes and businesses, lack of insurance, delayed permits, lost income, and the need for emergency grants, relocation help, and better disaster planning for child care programs. Several providers gave personal testimony about rebuilding after fires and floods, including one family child care provider from Pasadena/Altadena whose home and business were destroyed and who is still trying to reopen while paying rent, a mortgage, and permit costs. Another provider described flood damage, health impacts on children, and thousands of dollars in losses. Committee members emphasized that child care is often overlooked in disaster recovery and asked state officials what is being done to integrate child care into emergency planning and to improve coordination among state and local agencies. Officials said the statewide child care disaster plan exists and has been updated over time, but acknowledged more work is needed and that the hearing itself should inform future improvements. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on the child care system. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said immigration raids and enforcement activity are causing families to keep children home, reducing attendance and enrollment, increasing fear and trauma, and destabilizing providers and the broader early learning workforce. They argued that child care settings are trusted spaces and that enforcement undermines continuity of care, child development, and program viability. They urged stronger privacy and safety protections, statewide training and technical assistance, trauma-informed guidance, legal support for families, transportation and subsidy protections, and emergency funding for providers. Speakers also highlighted recently enacted laws AB 49 and AB 495, but stressed that implementation will require funding and clear guidance. Committee members agreed that funding and implementation are critical and heard public testimony from providers describing fear, family separation, and the need to keep child care safe and stable for immigrant families.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those one-time funding dollars, while they introduce programs that are powerful and innovative, they
• On behalf of the Student Aid Commission, we appreciate Governor Newsom and the Department of Finance's
• Many teachers say that it's about a powerful experience, whether they achieve national board certification
• Many teachers say that it's about a powerful experience, whether they achieve national board certification
• Many teachers say that it's about a powerful experience, whether they achieve national board certification

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an extended discussion on state efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers, with a focus on whether current programs are sustainable and well targeted. Testimony from the Learning Policy Institute, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Department of Education, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described persistent shortages, especially in special education, math, science, bilingual education, and high-need schools. Speakers emphasized that residency programs, Golden State Teacher Grants, National Board incentives, classified employee pathways, and undergraduate teacher pipelines have helped increase preparation and retention, but many of these efforts rely on one-time funding and lack long-term certainty. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns about the “leaky pipeline,” working conditions, the burden of student debt, and whether the state should simplify and institutionalize support for aspiring teachers rather than rely on a patchwork of grants. The agencies presented data showing continuing shortages and uneven distribution of fully credentialed teachers. CTC reported projected hiring needs of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 teachers annually, with the highest needs in self-contained classrooms, special education, and certain regions of the state. It also noted that emergency permits, waivers, and intern credentials remain high, and that teachers entering through those routes have higher turnover. LPI cited research showing residency-prepared teachers are more effective and more likely to stay, and argued that Golden State Teacher Grants attract candidates who might not otherwise enter teaching and help them complete preparation. CDE stressed that most new demand comes from attrition and urged support for multiple entry points, tuition assistance, and campus-based coursework. Several members also discussed the role of community college pathways, dual credentialing, and support for school leaders as part of retention. The LAO recommended rejecting the educator pipeline proposals under discussion, citing limited evidence of effectiveness and suggesting that any new spending should be more narrowly targeted to the highest-need schools and long-standing shortage subjects. The LAO also said that if the Legislature funds new programs this year, Proposition 98 would be preferable given the state’s fiscal condition. Committee members pushed back on the idea that declining enrollment or layoffs would solve shortages, noting that shortages and layoffs can coexist in different subject areas and regions. The discussion ended with agreement that staff would continue working with agencies on how to make teacher pipeline investments more consistent, coherent, and easier for candidates to navigate. The committee then turned to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program. Finance proposed $50 million in one-time General Fund support to extend the program for one additional year, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal because the first CSAC evaluation is not due until later in the year and because the funding would be non-Proposition 98. CSAC supported the extension, saying demand has been strong, over 20,000 aspiring educators have been served since 2021, and the agency had to pause applications after receiving more than 9,200 this year; it also said more than 2,500 candidates had already expressed interest for next year. Members asked how many students the new funding would serve, and CSAC estimated just under 5,000 awards at $10,000 each. The discussion also covered whether the grant could be moved into Proposition 98 and how the one-time nature of the funding affects confidence among prospective teachers.