Transcript Highlights:

• So something along those lines is more of a public service, a public information type function.
• And have had a lifelong service to the And have had a lifelong service to the public.
• We also have a great fire academy and police academy, among many other programs.
• I'm firmly planted in our community and have served through patient care and community service.
• or begins their service as a trustee in Florida.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're talking about radios to fire stations, you're talking about sporting events that other kids wouldn't
• You're talking about radios to fire stations, you're talking about sporting events that other kids wouldn't
• Our club has provided the Spring Lake Park fire department with new life-saving equipment used to extract
• ><00:04:02.319><c> provided</c><00:04:02.760><c> the</c><00:04:03.159><c> SPM</c><00:04:03.760><c> fire
• </c> club has provided the SPM fire club has provided the SPM fire department<00:04:04.560><c> with</

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: State Representative Bjorn Olson opened by discussing House File 733, which he said would roll back restrictions placed on electronic pull tabs and charitable gambling two years earlier. He argued the 2023 changes hurt charities, veterans groups, and local communities by reducing revenue for donations to fire departments, youth activities, and veterans services. Olson said the bill had just been heard in the Veterans Committee and had been sent on to Commerce, and he expressed optimism about advancing it further. Several charity and gambling representatives testified in support of the bill. Amanda Jackson of the Spring Lake Park Lions Club said the new rules stripped entertaining features from electronic pull tabs and reduced revenue, citing a drop in January EAB sales from $947,000 in 2024 to $816,000 in 2025. She described how Lions Club gambling funds local equipment, eyeglasses, clothing, school programs, food shelves, and shelters. Rachel Keller of the Bloomington Kennedy Activities Foundation and Tim Angstrom of the Bloomington American Legion said reduced gambling revenue would hurt school support, student needs, and community programs; Angstrom said the Legion had funded a $3,000 English program and other local services. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities said the group was also working on sports betting legislation, but that any sports betting revenue would not make up for the losses from the electronic pull tab changes. She said the 2023 law took effect January 1 and that no current game on the market fully matches the features now required, forcing manufacturers and charities to adapt. In response to questions, Olson said the bill’s path would depend on further House and Senate action, and he suggested a possible compromise could involve restoring some playability features while continuing to seek tax relief for charities.

Transcript Highlights:

• May those who hold power realize their trust from you for the service of the people.
• Amen. for the service of the people. for the service of the people.
• House Bill 565, Representative Dossett, an act relating to fire protection.
• </c> relating to fire protection. relating to fire protection.
• House bill Placement Service System.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 306 addresses those persistent... ...emergency services.
• Thank you for your service. Senator Leake. Thank you for your service.
• They are waiting for services that could transform their lives.
• Is there any contemplation about how we provide these services and increase the number of service providers
• And that fire kept going on and off, where you had 24-hour fire service there on site for anywhere from

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted that mortgage services are generally not banks; in fact, of the 208 mortgage servicers regulated
• </c> have Hawaii Financial Services have Hawaii Financial Services Association<00:19:51.600><c> in</c
• </c> Hawaii Financial Services Hawaii Financial Services Association<00:20:04.960><c> we</c><00:20:05.559
• </c><00:20:26.520><c> that</c> fact of the 208 mortgage servicers that fact of the 208 mortgage servicers
• </c><01:44:33.840><c> Social</c> putting essential Services Social putting essential Services Social

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the bill clarifies it is the duty of the HOA to repair and replace utility services to a common
• area, including gas, heat, water, or electrical services when the interruption of service begins.
• , 157 of them, to let you know that of the 157 associations that we provide financial management services
• We're talking about physical improvements that are not actually present in the park, services that are
• We're talking about physical improvements that are not actually president of park, services that are

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills, many focused on homeowners associations (HOAs), along with measures on self-defense, design-professional litigation, mobile home park claims, senior housing, and DEI. Several bills were presented only or discussed with amendments, and the committee repeatedly noted ongoing work with authors and stakeholders. The committee also established quorum partway through the hearing and took up a consent calendar of several unrelated bills, which passed. AB 2584, on civil immunity for lawful self-defense, was presented as a work-in-progress. The author and a UFC/public-safety witness argued that people hesitate to intervene because of fear of civil liability, while committee members said California already has strong self-defense and Good Samaritan laws and that the proposal could create confusion. The bill was not advanced at that time, with the chair emphasizing further conversations. AB 1684, which would prevent HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace compliant cooling systems, drew support from the author, a constituent statement, and supporters from the California Department Association and others; an HOA group opposed unless amended, citing association property rights and grid/power concerns. Members generally supported the concept, and the author said amendments addressed damage and code-compliance issues. AB 1892, a technical cleanup bill clarifying HOA duties on utility repairs, election notices, and electronic voting timelines, passed unanimously as amended. AB 2050, requiring a formula for HOA reserve funding and a phase-in period, also passed with broad support; witnesses said underfunded reserves lead to special assessments, insurance and mortgage problems, and deferred maintenance, while members framed it as a consumer-protection and affordability measure. AB 2106, extending certificate-of-merit protections for design professionals and requiring California-licensed experts in certain cases, passed with strong support from engineers, architects, landscape architects, and civil-justice groups. AB 2145, directing HCD to study seniors’ need and desire to downsize, passed after lenders and financial groups moved from opposition to neutral with amendments; supporters said it could help unlock larger homes for younger families. AB 2238, aimed at deterring meritless failure-to-maintain lawsuits against mobile home park owners by shifting fee exposure to attorneys, passed after amendments narrowed its focus. Supporters said some firms were using vague demand letters and frivolous claims to force settlements and raise insurance costs; opposition said the bill still needed refinement to protect meritorious resident claims. AB 2439, prompted by two authors’ own HOA payment problems, passed despite opposition concerns about community-wide certified-mail requirements and personal liability for board members; supporters said better notice is needed when payment processors change and that liens and collections can be unfairly imposed without notice. AB 2579, responding to the earlier $100 cap on HOA fines, passed as amended to create a Department of Real Estate process for serious health and safety violations; supporters said the cap had weakened enforcement, while members said the bill sought a better balance. Finally, SCR 89, reaffirming California’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, was presented as a response to federal attacks on DEI programs. The author and witnesses from the UC Student Association, National Action Network, and civil-rights and labor groups argued DEI is essential to fairness, access, and opportunity, especially for students and historically underserved communities. Members voiced strong support, describing DEI as central to California’s values, and the resolution moved forward with bipartisan support noted by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• been doing that for 17 years, as well as a state officer with the State Firefighters Union and a service
• Um, my greater background lies in disability services for 20 years.
• I oversee the apprehension and Regional Services Bureau, which includes the carjacking and auto theft
• I oversee the apprehension and Regional Services Bureau, which includes the carjacking and auto theft
• We assisted them with some information about that case. fired and and shootings where the victim fired

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In the SPED context, you're seeing more students with IEPs, but the level of services that they need
• There's the old saying, nobody gets fired if you underestimate how much money's coming in and there's
• There's the old saying, nobody gets fired if you underestimate how much money's coming in and there's
• There are a number of districts that contract for bus services.
• And again, this is in the Higher Education Act, specifically to pre-service teachers.

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:52.559><c> Uh</c> know, treated for little fire ants.
• Uh know, treated for little fire ants.
• </c> fire ants. So, what does that look like? fire ants. So, what does that look like?
• Um Somebody reports a little fire ant.
• If you the redimp imported fire ant.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She had to do traffic studies, move fire hydrants, move her driveway.
• She had to do traffic studies, move fire hydrants, move her driveway.
• 06:30.560><c> traffic</c><00:06:30.960><c> studies,</c><00:06:31.440><c> move</c><00:06:31.680><c> fire
• </c> She had to do traffic studies, move fire She had to do traffic studies, move fire hydrants,<00:06

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:38.079><c> It's</c> services and be returned to author.
• It's services and be returned to author.
• It provides that a management services.
• It obviously fired up the city, the administrators, the mayor.
• </c><02:04:59.199><c> with</c> repair, or reconstruction services with repair, or reconstruction services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is always an option around a gas-fired boiler, and that technology is there.
• option</c><00:13:08.959><c> around</c><00:13:09.200><c> a</c><00:13:09.360><c> gas</c><00:13:09.680><c> fired
• </c> always an option around a gas fired always an option around a gas fired boiler.<00:13:10.480><c>
• situations is gas, our gas capability, and by the way, I should start by saying I so appreciate the service
• saying I so way I I should start by saying I so appreciate<00:42:49.920><c> the</c><00:42:50.240><c> service

Bills: HF4770

Keywords: biomass, anaerobic digester, renewable energy, sustainability, energy generation

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended. The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data. Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• service to their postmilitary service service to the<01:09:00.640><c> community</c><01:09:01.600><c>
• service officers.
• service officers.
• </c> making sure that uh returning service making sure that uh returning service members<01:25:28.040
• Some of the services that we are providing include a medical services team, a central pharmacy, which

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• From his service in the U.S.
• </c> Services Committee. Services Committee.
• </c> was struck by enemy fire. was struck by enemy fire.
• </c><04:16:09.279><c> Put</c> on fire. We basically thrown it out. Put on fire.
• </c> after a service member's death. after a service member's death.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of plain old money now the debt service of plain old money now the debt service for<00:07:10.919
• </c><00:28:56.440><c> in</c> made Department administra Services in made Department administra Services
• Department of Administrative Services, a Department of Administrative Services appropriation, is Court
• </c><00:50:28.559><c> for</c> they replace electrical services for they replace electrical services for
• The fire truck and HVAC was from a fire emergency account that they used to pay for that, and then the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's coming out of a fire hose, man, and so now we're starting to see facilities being built right close
• northeast Louisiana, due to agriculture, we're talking about Port Fourchon, down at the tip that services
• I just would be remiss if I didn't do my public service.
• I'll say, is that the case of the deer—the fawn that had been in fire ants and ate the eyelids off or
• there was an instance where he did come across a fawn that had been, had its eyelids eaten. ...by fire

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here we'll look at personal services.
• Chairman, and Major General Greer, thank you for your service, and not all members of the armed services
• professional services, and other charges.
• In professional services, there is a $3 million increase for consultant services contracts related to
• services that are no longer needed.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a staff attorney with the Legislative Council Service. Hello, I'm Lisa Rivera-Morrison.
• I'm also a staff attorney with the Legislative Council Service.
• That money was not a pure increase; it was moved out of contractual services.
• Contractual services for us is largely manager fees that we pay for public equities.
• Money you earn today, you should be able to get goods and services sometime in the future. So.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we look at what school districts expend in providing services, ...look at what school districts
• expend in providing services and supports for our students with disabilities.
• So there isn't the... ...return on some of the counseling services that they provided.
• You'd get a more precise answer from our colleagues at Health and Human Services.
• Thank you very much for your service to the State Board and for being here today.

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Governor’s education budget proposals for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Learning Recovery Block Grant, and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), followed by testimony from State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. On LCFF, Finance outlined the proposed 2.43% COLA, repayment of prior deferrals, and a trailer bill penalty for LEAs that fail to adopt Local Control Accountability Plans on time. The LAO said its COLA estimate was slightly lower and raised concerns that the Governor’s proposed TK staffing ratio increase may be more costly than estimated. Members also discussed whether the current COLA formula should better reflect California-specific or district staffing costs, and whether TK should be more clearly separated from the K-3 grade span adjustment to avoid larger K-3 class sizes. The chair asked staff to work with the LAO on both the TK/K-3 issue and alternative COLA calculations. For the Learning Recovery Block Grant, Finance proposed restoring the first of three delayed payments, $378.6 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund, while the LAO recommended adopting the proposal but extending the expenditure deadline by at least a year. The LAO reported that districts had spent $1.6 billion of the $6.8 billion received through 2023-24 and said most districts were only now shifting from federal COVID relief to block grant spending. Members questioned whether the large state and federal investments were improving outcomes, citing declining reading and math trends, while Finance and the State Board president pointed to some signs of improvement, especially in math, attendance, and gains for some student groups. Darling-Hammond emphasized that student needs have grown, that recovery spending has gone to devices, ventilation, staffing, tutoring, summer school, and community schools, and that targeted interventions appear to be helping some districts recover faster than others. On ELOP, Finance proposed adding $435 million to expand universal access by lowering the Tier 1 threshold from 75% to 55% unduplicated pupils, bringing ongoing funding to $4.4 billion. The LAO said the estimate was reasonable but recommended delaying implementation for a year, aligning ELOP with ASES to reduce overlap, moving toward funding based on participation rather than enrollment, and considering a fixed Tier 2 rate. Members and witnesses discussed staffing challenges, the use of funds for students with disabilities, and uncertainty in Tier 2 funding caused by unspent dollars and opt-outs. Darling-Hammond supported ELOP as part of California’s broader after-school and summer learning strategy, said most districts are now offering full-day TK and expanded learning, and urged the state to reduce fragmentation across categorical programs and build more unified systems for funding, reporting, and support.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Committee on Human Services.
• and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.
• This is the committee on human services.
• ><c> human</c><00:11:48.800><c> services.
• </c><00:17:14.160><c> and</c> health and human services and health and human services and re-referred

Keywords: 1187, senate, all