Transcript Highlights:

• So that is base adequacy aid.
• meals differential aid.
• Moving on to special education aid, it is differential aid.
• So that breaks down each aid component for a charter aid.
• </c><01:27:53.600><c> there's</c> Aid component for a charter Aid there's Aid component for a charter

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of School Finance provided an adequacy-funding training for Division II, led by Mark Mello. He walked the committee through the adequacy formula using Albany, Allenstown, and Alton as examples, explaining average daily membership, base adequacy aid, and differential aid for free/reduced-price meals, special education, and English language learners. He also noted a recent change requiring home-education differential aid and emphasized that these aid streams are generally unrestricted district funding rather than money tied to specific students or programs. A major focus was the ongoing litigation over the adequacy base amount and the statewide education property tax, or SWEPT. Mello explained the historical basis of the current base amount, the 2008 legislative report that set the original methodology, and the later court ruling that the adequacy amount should be $7,356, which is now before the Supreme Court. He also described how SWEPT currently raises a fixed statewide amount of $363 million and how that revenue is used to offset the state’s adequacy obligation. For the example towns, Albany and Allenstown receive state adequacy grants because their SWEPT revenue is below their calculated adequacy cost, while Alton is an excess SWEPT community because its local SWEPT revenue exceeds the cost of adequate education. The discussion then turned to the pending “excess SWEPT” issue in the Supreme Court and what would happen if excess collections had to be remitted to the state. Mello said the Department is preparing a hypothetical walkthrough and explained that, if the court upholds the Superior Court ruling, DRA would likely be directed to collect excess SWEPT. Members raised concerns about whether SWEPT must be used for educational purposes and about the cash-flow burden on towns if money had to move from municipalities to the state and then back to districts. Mello and members discussed possible administrative workarounds, such as credits against other state aid distributions, and noted that the committee would continue reviewing the mechanics if the court decision comes down during budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funding and a basic supplemental aid funding and a basic supplemental aid that<00:04:25.280><c>
• We reallocated the library funds aid.
• </c> into the um basic supplemental aid into the um basic supplemental aid account<00:07:34.160><c> and
• </c> pay for out apply for unemployment aid. pay for out apply for unemployment aid.
• And if you look at the into state aid.

Bills: HF1049

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 323, the California Financial Aid Assurance Act.
• Students, regardless of their eligibility for federally based financial aid.
• And that is what comes to every grant aid agency in the United States.
• The California Student Aid Commission. He said. I can, his name is Tay.
• I spent my career in education, so financial aid is particularly important.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• from federal officials or rendering aid.'
• But accepting aid in line six is incredibly different from rendering aid.
• So accepting aid and rendering aid are incredibly different. One leaves us in charge.
• So accepting aid and rendering aid are incredibly different. One leaves us in charge.
• aid.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The House Committee on Crime and Public Safety met in executive session and first took up House Bill 3105, which drew the most discussion. The committee adopted a House committee substitute and two amendments: one replacing references to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission with the Director of Public Safety, and another changing venue language to Cole County. Members debated the bill’s effect on cooperation with federal law enforcement, Second Amendment rights, and local control, with supporters saying it would protect law-abiding citizens and allow public safety agencies to work with federal partners, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, politically motivated, or could weaken local authority. The committee then voted the substitute do pass by 11 ayes to 6 noes. The committee also voted House Bill 1740 do pass without discussion. House Bill 3186, relating to sex offenders, received one present vote from Representative Anderson, who cited possible constitutional concerns, but it still passed 15-0-1. House Joint Resolution 124 also passed, 12-4-1. The committee then combined House Bills 3068 and 3049 into a single committee substitute on sex offender registry matters and approved it unanimously, 17-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 2868, which would expand DNA swabbing requirements for certain felony offenses. An amendment added several felony categories, including controlled substance offenses, forgery, fraud, auto theft, felony DWI, and felony evading arrest, while removing check forgery language after member concerns. Representative Seitz said the change addressed his concerns and referenced a recent local officer shooting as a reason for support. The committee adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass unanimously, 17-0, then adjourned the executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• A negative student aid index, the SAI, is essential for ensuring that financial aid reaches the students
• </c> prioritize aid distribution accordingly. prioritize aid distribution accordingly.
• </c> Without the measure, the financial aid Without the measure, the financial aid system<00:05:13.039
• Last session, financial aid works.
• </c> Minnesota State financial aid packages. Minnesota State financial aid packages.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Impact Aid is another key program.
• letter led by Senator Lujan supporting robust Impact Aid funding.
• Impact Aid is not a handout.
• Impact Aid reflects this nation's moral and legal obligation to Native communities.
• We have the executive actions and their impact on impact aid.

Committee: Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Keywords: Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students

Summary: The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funded through the non-public pupil AIDs funded through the non-public pupil AIDs that<00:25:17.480
• ><c> will</c> pupil Aid and transportation Aid will pupil Aid and transportation Aid will have<00:37:
• </c> fit for their children's needs this Aid fit for their children's needs this Aid in<00:41:15.359>
• </c><00:42:20.079><c> for</c> resources this vital aid for resources this vital aid for transportation
• </c><01:29:53.400><c> is</c> this Aid has remained steady this Aid is this Aid has remained steady this

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 366 is relative to school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295 making school building aid
• We have a revenue issue for catastrophic aid, special education aid, and on it goes outside the realm
• <c> and</c><00:10:49.680><c> on</c><00:10:50.000><c> it</c> aid, special education aid, and on it aid
• </c> building aid and the criteria for that. building aid and the criteria for that.
• </c> school funding, building aid, anything. school funding, building aid, anything.

Summary: The subcommittee began its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion around broader questions about how school building aid should work, noting the state’s limited available funding, the existing debt service obligations, and whether the current formula should continue or be changed. He also raised concerns about the state’s overall revenue constraints and the need to consider renovation, new construction, and possibly leasing within any future program. Members and the Department of Education representative discussed whether school building aid is a state or local responsibility, the current backlog of projects, and the condition of school facilities statewide. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities described his background and answered technical questions about current programs. Representative Luno argued that under the ConVal decision the state has responsibility for school buildings, including construction and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property-tax capacity. Representative Papich urged the committee to focus on policy structure and fairness rather than just available dollars, saying the current system creates winners and losers and suggesting a simpler per-capita or similar allocation model, while acknowledging a possible transition for projects already in the pipeline. The discussion also covered CTE facilities and leasing. Carney explained that charter schools, and possibly CTE centers, can receive limited leasing aid, and that CTE capital requests are funded through a state capital process, while federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction. He and others described a separate rotational funding approach for CTE centers, but several members said that model can leave programs waiting too long and may not match changing workforce needs. The chair and others noted that a report from a related study group on CTE policy and funding was still pending, and that its absence could affect legislation for FY28. No votes were taken and no bill was acted on in the portion of the meeting provided; the discussion ended with interest in modeling alternatives, reviewing the waiting list, and examining the tradeoffs of reducing upfront state aid versus funding more projects overall.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> With local homeless prevention aid With local homeless prevention aid funds,<00:07:42.240><c> we
• invasive species aids, housing aids, riparian protection aids.
• c> to</c><00:23:02.760><c> aquatic</c> aid, important aid related to aquatic aid, important aid related
• Aid Aid have<00:29:04.960><c> no</c><00:29:05.159><c> cost.
• like the rest of the county aids.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:57.680><c> Uh</c> revenue and the compensatory aid. Uh revenue and the compensatory aid.
• </c> aid, Senate file 4368. aid, Senate file 4368.
• </c> full aid tracking. full aid tracking.
• aid modification compensatory aid modification and<00:20:10.960><c> the</c><00:20:11.200><c> second<
• So, thank you for including safety aid at $44 per student. We are grateful for this immediate aid.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:21:18.080><c> the</c> $1 invested in civil legal aid, the $1 invested in civil legal aid, the
• I'm also the president of m of the aid.
• </c> additional civil legal aid funding. additional civil legal aid funding.
• </c><00:24:36.880><c> burned</c> saw colleagues leave legal aid burned saw colleagues leave legal aid
• aid for the<00:25:11.000><c> salary.

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to present SB 323, the California Financial Aid Assurance Act.
• We want to have it available regardless of their eligibility for financial aid.
• And that is what comes to every grant aid agency in the United States.
• The California Student Aid Commission. He said. I can—his name is Tay?
• That happens at the Student Aid Commission before it goes out to any institution.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student access, workforce needs, and higher education governance. SB 761 would connect Cal Grant applicants with CalFresh eligibility notices and expand qualifying programs of study; it drew broad support from student, university, anti-hunger, and advocacy groups, with members sharing personal stories about food insecurity and no opposition was heard. SB 520 would create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund to expand master’s-level midwifery training, especially to address maternal health shortages in rural and underserved areas; supporters emphasized the shortage of providers and poor maternal outcomes, while one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of the term “birthing people.” SB 640 would establish a statewide direct admissions process for eligible high school seniors to CSU campuses using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers and improve enrollment, while members asked about special education, dual enrollment, rural access, and measuring effectiveness. The committee also heard SB 744, which would create a state “safe harbor” so California institutions would not lose accreditation or student aid if a federally recognized accreditor loses federal approval; there was no opposition testimony, but the roll call showed some no votes and the item was held open. SB 494 would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge, similar to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported it as a due process and parity measure, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. Finally, SB 550 would authorize a pilot public law school partnership in San Jose between San Jose State and a nonprofit law school; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest pipelines, while UC and private college representatives opposed it as inconsistent with the master plan and a piecemeal approach. The committee also took up consent items SB 244 and SB 271, which passed 6-0, and several bills were advanced by roll call, including SB 761, SB 640, and SB 494, while SB 744 received a split vote and was held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• You want school safety aid? Let's do it."
• </c><00:04:06.080><c> Um</c> want school safety aid? Let's do it." Um want school safety aid?
• I think we put together a package aid.
• </c> top priority, which is school safety aid top priority, which is school safety aid in<00:05:14.360
• We've asked for um school safety aid.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 366 is relative to school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295 making school building aid
• We have a revenue issue for catastrophic aid, special education aid, and on it goes outside the realm
• </c> and 3 295 making school building aid and 3 295 making school building aid program<00:08:38.880><
• <c> and</c><00:10:49.680><c> on</c><00:10:50.000><c> it</c> aid, special education aid, and on it aid
• </c> building aid and the criteria for that. building aid and the criteria for that.

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hired different home care aides to be with him when I needed to leave the house, depending on the aides
• The aide, a younger woman, left him in soiled clothing the entire time I was gone.
• But this bill ensures that every home care aide, every affiliated home care aide, which essentially means
• These congressional proposals would cut billions in food aid. When families can't afford food...
• These congressional proposals would cut billions in food aid.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard two measures after announcing that SB 792 had been pulled from the agenda. The first bill, AB 412, would require affiliated home care aides to receive training on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. The author and supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Home Care Association of America, said the bill would help ensure more consistent and compassionate care for people living with dementia. A witness described difficult personal experiences finding aides who understood her husband’s needs. There was no opposition, and the committee members expressed support and personal appreciation for the issue. AB 412 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and passed 7-0. The committee accepted the author’s committee amendments. The committee also heard SJR 3, a resolution urging Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. The author and supporters from the California Association of Food Banks and End Child Poverty California argued that the program is essential to reducing hunger, supporting children and families, and sustaining the food economy, and that food banks could not replace lost benefits. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with no opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, including one member who shared personal experience relying on SNAP. SJR 3 was adopted 7-0 and sent forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hired different home care aides to be with him when I needed to leave the house, depending on the aides
• The aide, a younger woman, left him in soiled clothing the entire time I was gone.
• But this bill ensures that every home care aide, every affiliated home care aide, which essentially means
• These congressional proposals would cut billions in food aid.
• These congressional proposals would cut billions in food aid.

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met and heard two measures after announcing that SB 792 had been pulled from the agenda. The first bill, SB 412, would require affiliated home care aides to receive training in Alzheimer’s and dementia care as part of their preparation. The author and supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Home Care Association of America, said the bill would help ensure more consistent and compassionate care for people living with dementia at home. A witness described personal experiences with inadequate home care for a spouse with Alzheimer’s, while committee members expressed support and personal connections to the issue. SB 412 was moved as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and passed the committee on a 7-0 vote. The committee then heard SJR 3, a resolution urging Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP and related CalFresh benefits. The author and supporters from food banks and child poverty organizations argued that CalFresh is essential to reducing hunger, supporting children and families, and sustaining the food economy, and warned that proposed federal cuts would be devastating. Several public witnesses and committee members spoke in support, including members who shared personal experiences with food assistance. SJR 3 was adopted on a 7-0 vote. After the votes, the committee completed its business and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the issue of special education differentiated aid—this is not catastrophic aid, this is special education
• </c> statute and the differentiate Aid statute and the differentiate Aid components<00:34:47.639><c>
• Aid this is special not the catastrophic Aid this is special education<00:36:08.040><c> Aid</c><00:36
• </c> in 2011 fiscal capacity disparity Aid in 2011 fiscal capacity disparity Aid and<00:38:56.640><c>
• They didn't get the aid because we wanted to save the aid for the students who needed it.

Summary: The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities. Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant. Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> identities and financial aid fraud. identities and financial aid fraud.
• financial aid processes.
• </c> aid processes. aid processes.
• </c> our financial aid process. our financial aid process.
• aid fraud.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will reiterate, the federal FAFSA system awarded them all aid.
• Cheek's team with AID? Is that how I follow that? Yes.
• And again, we caught all but seven and kicked them out before they could get financial aid.
• And again, we caught all but seven and kicked them out before they could get financial aid.
• So if now we did immediately reach out to the Office of Financial Aid and said...

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Summary: The House and Senate Legislative Audit committee met to approve prior minutes and review four higher education audit reports. Staff first presented the University of Arkansas System report, which included three findings that had been certified and referred to the Governmental Bonding Board, the attorney general, and the appropriate prosecuting attorney: unauthorized purchases at UAPB totaling about $37,000, a fraud scheme involving falsified FAFSA/transcript records at East Arkansas Community College with about $66,000 in losses, and unallowable charges in the Veterans Upward Bound program at UA Fayetteville totaling $8,500, of which $6,700 was recovered. Committee members praised the institutions’ internal audit and management teams for identifying the issues and asked detailed questions about how the fraud was detected, especially the online student identity-theft scheme at EACC and the safeguards now being used to verify student identity and prevent similar cases. EACC officials explained that the fraudulent admissions involved online applicants using falsified transcripts and identity-theft tactics, that 39 suspicious students were identified, and that seven slipped through far enough to receive federal aid, resulting in a $2,500 reimbursement obligation to the university. They said the college now uses a cross-departmental student validity team, extensive red-flag protocols, direct outreach to high schools, ID verification, and other checks, and that the issue has been shared across the UA system and with other campuses. UA Fayetteville also clarified that no veterans were harmed by the Veterans Upward Bound finding; the program was closed and students were redirected to other veteran support programs in the state. The committee then deferred the Northwest Arkansas Community College report. Staff next summarized two additional reports, from Southeast Arkansas College and Southern Arkansas University Tech, which contained only financial statement misstatements corrected during audit fieldwork; SAU Tech also had a finding involving unauthorized withdrawals that the college discovered and recovered. With no further questions, the committee voted without objection to file the reviewed reports and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will review and take votes on the Grants and Aid Bill for fiscal year 2007.
• With the quorum being present, we'll begin reviewing the draft Grants and Aid bill.
• With the quorum being present, we'll begin reviewing the draft Grants and Aid bill.
• Are there any questions about this proposed grant aid epilogue?
• I want to thank, in particular, with the grant aid bill, Mr.

Committee: Joint Finance