Video & Transcript : 'state agency libraries' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And on behalf of all of the libraries across the state, we are grateful in this year's proposed budget
- The legislative agenda calls for state aid to public libraries.
- Our communication access training and technology department also guides other state and public agencies
- Our communication access training and technology department also guides other state and public agencies
- Nick Collins, State Senator, First Suffolk District, just outside of the library here.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began.
MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal.
The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- and the State Library.
- </c><02:27:37.920><c> I</c> the years into the state library. I the years into the state library.
- </c><02:27:59.760><c> library</c> about reutilizing the state library about reutilizing the state library
- in utilizing the state library.
- This is a state library and arts.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause.
The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4.
House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.
OR
Oregon 2026 Regular Session
Joint Emergency Board 06/17/2026 8:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, the Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a request in block from two state agencies for
- The Public Safety Subcommittee heard a request in block from two state agencies seeking approval to submit
- The Public Safety Subcommittee heard a request in block from two state agencies seeking approval to submit
- State agencies seeking approval include the Judicial Department for the Family Treatment Court Program
- And open up a work session on our last item, item 33, State Library Supplemental Literacy Funding.
Summary:
The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment.
A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed.
The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections.
In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- The gap is for the very smallest public libraries in the state. 12,000 or under that don't have an IT
- I want to thank the state leadership, I want to thank the legislature, the TPFA client agency. agencies
- Everything that we do is a pass-through benefit that is paid for by the individual state. agencies that
- Unfortunately, when you run a state agency and you are successful at one thing, you get more responsibilities
- in our great state of Texas.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- of the plan in consultation with state agencies.
- Patrol into the state agency organizational structure.
- I'm sure there were many local agencies as well and across other state agencies. How did that go?
- I'm sure there were many local agencies as well and across other state agencies. How did that go?
- You had great communication amongst state agencies, you know, our agency, transportation, the counties
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And honestly, I don't know there's anyone else in the state right now in the library world who knows
- So the way that the funds come to the state library, the library networking fund, and so the portion
- But for the majority of the libraries in the state, that is not the case.
- state library, and now to Columbia, Boone County, I see the importance.
- So every library has had to submit to this. This is when I was state librarian.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the state.
- The presence of sexually explicit books in school libraries is indeed still a problem in our state.
- across the state.
- in this state.
- Libraries are crucial resources for everyone in Texas, but especially for the children of the state.
Bills:
SB12 , SB1565 , SB13 , SJR12 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB112 , SB400 , SB813 , SB 12 , SB 13
Committees:
Senate Education , Senate Education K-16
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that being captured by our state public library?
- c> you</c><00:32:55.039><c> guys</c> our state public library are you guys our state public library are
- or or um we're using a state the library or or um we're using a state procurement<01:21:31.880><c> office
- for example right here our libraries for example right here our State<01:24:02.400><c> Library</c><01
- Library where you have homeless State Library where you have homeless folks<01:24:04.360><c> I</c><01
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:15:08.440><c> agencies</c> shared by lawmakers and state agencies shared by lawmakers and state
- I’m Stacy Aldridge, the State Librarian of the Hawaii State Public Library, and I have with me my colleague
- So we, me, and the State Library have lots of good talks every year.
- These agencies play a pivotal role in advancing targeted initiatives across the state.
- has the state development the state has the state needs<04:50:19.718><c> to</c><04:50:19.920><c> invest
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We keep wanting to put these unfunded mandates on our state agencies, and where the work is good, it's
- This simply tells the state because the Arizona Game and Fish has used their state-owned plane to fly
- , state dollars to bring more, fly them in from other states.
- We have 90 public libraries in the state of Arizona.
- So the idea that the state of Arizona is going to ultimately decide what is in libraries—and I know the
Summary:
The Senate met in several Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of bills, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations and several being amended before advancing. Early action included bills on fentanyl penalties (SB 1061), firearm suppressors/prohibited weapons (SB 1069), DCS attorney appearance and hotline/case-history access (SB 1081 and SB 1174), mandatory reporting and scrap metal theft (SB 1127 and SB 1128), and a narcotic-drug-to-minor offense bill (SB 1170). Senators Ortiz, Kuby, and others argued against the drug bills as harmful mandatory-minimum policies that would reduce judicial discretion and worsen addiction and incarceration outcomes, while supporters framed them as public-safety measures. SB 1170 ultimately failed on third reading; SB 1061, SB 1069, SB 1127, SB 1128, SB 1171, SB 1174, and SB 1188 passed, while SB 1021 later failed after concerns were raised about possible federal anti-kickback conflicts.
The chamber also advanced health-care and regulatory measures, including chiropractic board compliance training (SB 1021), radiation protection and health-care institution requirements (SB 1120 and SB 1121), health care cost containment system changes (SB 1171), and pharmacy scheduling/prescription authority (SB 1188). Several of these bills were amended with technical changes or rulemaking authority, and most passed on third reading. SB 1243 and SB 1244 on court-ordered treatment also moved forward after amendments; supporters said the changes would improve notice and allow guardians or agencies to act more effectively, while opponents warned about due-process concerns and expanded coercive treatment authority.
In later calendars, the Senate considered local planning and permitting (SB 1241), school access and GED preparation (SB 1166 and SB 1370), water and groundwater issues (SB 1202 and SB 1287), tax and finance measures (SB 1180, SB 1221, SB 1293, SB 1294, and SB 1429), and a constitutional resolution on legislative boundaries (SCR 1031). SB 1166 was amended to limit GED preparation to grades 11 and 12, SB 1241 and SB 1287 received technical amendments, and SB 1180 was clarified to align tax forms with federal conformity. SB 1075 on foreign entities and land sales drew the most debate: an Ortiz amendment would have shifted it toward corporate homebuyer restrictions and housing affordability, but that amendment was defeated on a roll call vote before the bill advanced as amended. Most remaining measures passed their third readings, with the Senate adopting Committee of the Whole reports and transmitting the approved bills to the House.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Other state agencies and local governments have aviation support units that assist the state in emergencies
- If the state Civil Air Patrol cooperates with a state agency, county, city, town, or federally recognized
- Patrol into the state agency organizational structure.
- I'm sure there were many local agencies as well and across other state agencies. How did that go?
- You had great communication amongst state agencies, you know, our agency, transportation, the counties
Summary:
The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed.
House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed.
House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests.
In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is not how other state incentives are structured.
- This tax is credited against the state tax.
- This tax is credited against the state tax.
- Although the statute explicitly states that nothing requires state funding to be provided to the nonprofit
- is the state agency already charged with advancing these outcomes.
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
Keywords:
tax exemptions, affordable housing, nonprofit, unoccupied property, housing policy, community reinvestment, economic development, local investment, financial assistance, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We authorize that provider, and then the provider then bills the state, and the state pays the provider
- They may go to the Office of Fraud and Accountability from other state agencies or public reports to
- I think that gives people a good sense of what we do in the state of the state of those who presented
- I think that gives people a good sense of what we do in the state of the state of I think that gives
- I'm the state relations director for the U.S. for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and I'm here today
Summary:
The committee began with a work session on Washington’s child care oversight and subsidy system, focusing on Working Connections Child Care, licensing, audits, and fraud prevention. DCYF officials said the program serves over 63,000 eligible families, with about 6,600 licensed providers and roughly 2,200 license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor providers. They described annual unannounced licensing visits, complaint investigations, attendance tracking, eligibility verification, random and focused audits, and referrals to the Office of Fraud and Accountability or Office of Financial Recovery when needed. Senators asked about voucher amounts, visit frequency, and what happens when children are not present; officials said the average subsidy is about $2,200 per month, providers are paid directly, and repeated failed visits can lead to license closure. Child Care Aware and provider testimony emphasized the quality system, Early Achievers, and a virtual provider described the practical realities of home-based care and unannounced inspections.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5952, which would standardize the process for waiving high school physical education requirements. The bill’s sponsor said the goal was to make PE waiver decisions consistent across districts so students who move schools are not disadvantaged, especially in six-period schedules with limited room for electives. Student supporters said a uniform process would improve fairness and help students fit in AP, career, or other coursework. Opponents, including PE teachers and the Washington Association of School Principals, argued that PE is a core academic subject, that athletics is not interchangeable with PE, and that local flexibility should remain. The State Board of Education supported the bill, saying current district policies vary widely and a standardized process would improve equity and transparency.
Next, the committee took testimony on Senate Bill 5961, which would transfer the Imagination Library of Washington from DCYF to OSPI. The sponsor called it a simple administrative move to align the book-gifting program with early literacy and K-12 education, noting the program serves about 120,000 children in all 39 counties. OSPI and program representatives supported the transfer, saying it better fits the birth-to-grade-three literacy continuum and strengthens accountability. Testifiers highlighted the program’s role in school readiness, early brain development, and access to physical books for young children.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 5969, which would allow a student’s IEP transition plan to satisfy high school and beyond plan requirements if the IEP team chooses. The sponsor, a special education teacher, said the bill would reduce duplication and better support students with disabilities as they transition to postsecondary life. The committee then began hearing testimony on the proposal.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our state economy depends on their hard work.
- Libraries could still require consent through a signature, and libraries retain control over their liability
- Water agencies do use energy.
- Water agencies do use energy.
- But he spent his career in public service working with government agencies, both city and state level
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We are Minnesota's depository library for documents from state agencies, boards, task forces, and commissions
- for documents from depository library for documents from State<00:10:47.920><c> agencies</c><00:10:48.760
- agencies boards task forces and State agencies boards task forces and commissions<00:10:52.399><c> we
- agencies and programs.
- ><00:26:39.880><c> you</c><00:26:40.039><c> know</c> state or that state has you know state or that state
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You can see one over at the Hawaii State Library.
- </c> you can see one over at the Hawaii State you can see one over at the Hawaii State Library.<00:42
- We submitted a quality assurance report to DHS, our state Medicaid agency.
- </c><03:36:53.439><c> And</c> to DHS, our state Medicaid agency.
- And to DHS, our state Medicaid agency.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- guardians to go to court to challenge a school board's decision to remove material from a school library
- It has been challenged and banned in libraries in school districts around the country.
- And was the best fiction for young adults, picked by the Young Adult Library Services Association.
- It has been challenged and banned in libraries in school districts around the country.
- Tarr, transparency and reporting on challenges at school libraries.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students.
A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted.
The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- State law is very clear.
- We keep wanting to put these unfunded mandates on our state agencies, and where the work is good, it's
- ... ...state dollars to bring more, fly them in from other states.
- We have 90 public libraries in the state of Arizona.
- So the idea that the state of Arizona is going to ultimately decide what is in libraries, and I know
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- in the state.
- Libraries.
- knowledge into a shrine to the nanny state. 100 miles away is the Mayon Public Library in Lubbock, Senator
- Public libraries in the state of Texas are not providing sexually explicit materials to children.
- This bill would prohibit state agencies from collecting data... data that accurately reflects Texans'
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 7th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- across the state.
- 17-year-old to get a library card.
- When I looked into this issue further, it became clear that libraries all over the state have highly
- This is about increasing library access.
- This is about increasing library access.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several floor items. AB 108, a budget bill, was presented as a one-time $25 million grant program through HCAI to help severely distressed nonprofit and public hospitals with less than 10 days cash on hand and limited other options, along with a technical fix for the property tax postponement program. Senators Laird and Jones spoke in support, and the bill passed 36-0 with immediate transmittal granted.
The chamber then adopted a series of resolutions recognizing CASA Appreciation Day (SCR 162), California Wildfire Preparedness Week (SCR 165), California Rail Month (SCR 84), the National Day of Prayer (SCR 153), and Mother’s Day (SCR 167). Floor remarks highlighted the role of CASA volunteers, year-round wildfire risk and local preparedness efforts, rail’s importance to mobility and climate goals, faith and prayer as sources of guidance, and the contributions of mothers and mother figures. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 153 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously or near-unanimously.
The Senate also passed SB 1175, which moves lobbyist registration and related filings directly to the Secretary of State to improve timeliness and transparency; SB 949, designating the Santa Cruz Mountains as a landscape of statewide significance; SB 1038, strengthening CalPERS audit notice requirements for unions; and SB 965, making it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain library cards without a parent physically present. Each measure received supportive remarks and passed on strong roll calls.
Later, the Senate adopted SR 106 marking Black April Memorial Month and honoring Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese American community, with members speaking about the fall of Saigon, refugee sacrifice, and the community’s contributions. The session concluded with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Dan Hughes, a former reserve officer, firefighter paramedic, and longtime parks district board member. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, May 11, 2026.