Transcript Highlights:

• Title VI under the law to bring an action if it was violated or they were fired, terminated, changed jobs
• The overwhelming majority of state employees, I think, are doing a good job with communicating with us
• I think one of the most important jobs we have. And willingness to say yes.
• I think one of the most important jobs we have as representatives of democracy is allowing all voices
• any crime against an individual who is paid by taxpayer dollars for that crime being because of the job

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard RS 32967 from Representative Manwaring, a proposal aimed at protecting state and public employees who communicate with the legislature. He said the bill would broaden existing whistleblower protections to cover good-faith communications with legislators, prohibit gag policies or retaliation for such communications, and create a specific statutory basis for legislative records requests. In response to a question, he gave examples involving budget-related conversations with employees and redacted information he had encountered. The committee moved to introduce RS 32967, and the motion carried. The committee then considered RS 33032 from Representative Church, which had been revised after earlier discussion. Church thanked members for support and explained that changes removed language referring to "crimes against the state" and replaced a 2025-only focus with language covering the past, present, and future, while still addressing events involving Charlie Kirk and Representative Hortman. Members asked for clarification on the revisions, and the committee voted to introduce RS 33032 and send it directly to the Second Reading Calendar. Before adjourning, the chair noted that only one RS remained for the next day and encouraged members to submit any remaining items quickly. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for saying yes in 1978, and again then when I said I wanted to do this job.
• So many have jobs we don't quite understand or appreciate.
• Casey's attitude was always, if you aren't being criticized, you aren't doing this job right.
• And sometimes our job there is to inform and persuade.
• I came to this job with those things in mind, and I hope that is what you saw.

Bills: SB1475 , SB1447 , HB2288 , SB1521 , SB592 , SB1533 , HB1276 , SB201 , SB1477 , SB1232 , SB1255 , SB1327 , SB1525 , SB1721 , SB667 , SB1436 , SB1317 , SB604 , SB1325 , SB1496 , SB2007 , SB1567 , SB2112 , SB1980 , SB1735 , SB1558 , SB1491 , SB1287 , SB1378 , SB1369 , SB1441 , SB137 , SB483 , SB843 , SB1433 , SB1257 , SB1365 , SJR49 , HJR1090 , HJR1091 , HJR1092 , HJR1093 , HJR1095 , HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Summary: The House convened, called the roll, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized the Nurse of the Day and several student and athletic groups, including Career Tech students, charter school students, Meridian Tech students, and Carl Albert championship teams. A lengthy personal privilege/farewell-style speech was delivered by Representative Lepak, reflecting on his service, family, staff, and legislative colleagues, and offering general advice about public service and the legislative process. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 1369, creating a 988 revolving fund to support Oklahoma’s mental health lifeline, passed 85-7. SB 1441, clarifying penalties for drones contacting critical infrastructure, passed 80-2. SB 137, adding DUI/GBI to electronic monitoring ineligibility and clarifying Department of Corrections language, passed 72-18 after questions about retroactivity and administrative authority. SB 843, raising the minimum ADA threshold from 400 to 550 for school districts to hire relatives of board members, passed 77-4, and its emergency clause also received the required two-thirds vote. The most extensive debate centered on SB 483, which would have authorized county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program for people seeking to move to supportive housing or services. Members raised concerns about homelessness policy, county capacity, public-private partnerships, safeguards, and possible misuse or “bussing” of people between communities. The bill ultimately failed 35-52, and notice was given of a possible motion to reconsider. Later, SB 1433, requiring agencies to publicly post guidance documents and note they lack the force of law, passed unanimously; SB 1257, updating THC-related language in controlled substances law, passed 68-13; and SB 1365, updating promotional fund language for state retail outlets, lodges, gift shops, and golf courses, failed 43-42, with notice of reconsideration also given. The House then moved to recess until 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other important outcomes I would like to highlight are our students' job attainment and retention.
• Not only do they get jobs, but they keep them for years.
• This could be anything from activities to workshops to part-time jobs to camps or even trips.
• Can they develop skills and get a job, harnessing their wonderful, unique skills?
• We've reached out and are trying to make sure we have job coaches that are well trained.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning. Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting against this motion is a vote to harm Minnesota job creators for no good reason.
• creators for no good Minnesota job creators for no good reason.<00:21:06.120><c> Literally</c><00:21
• creators and Minnesota jobs.
• Letting a deadline pass that harms Minnesota businesses and harms Minnesota jobs for no good reason.
• In order to hold Minnesota jobs hostage for political power. That's why there's no agreement.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But as anyone knows, when you're stepping into a new role, maybe it's on a new job that you're starting
• Their jobs are being jeopardized and they're afraid.
• How again does this affect your first responders from being able to do their job? Mr.
• This is my job. This is what I do. For follow-up? Mr. Cain: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Mr.
• That was lost my job. That lost my job. I had the choice. You're right. It wasn't mandated.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It says you cannot avoid paying someone who has done their job correctly just because someone else up
• not forced to accept contract language that no reasonable person would consider fair just to get the job
• the people who actually build our roads, schools, churches, and businesses, we are protecting local jobs
• this would apply to the government jobs, I did not see any... ...would apply to the government jobs.
• The representative did a good job of kind of capturing the landscape for this group.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted several bills do pass. House Bill 2409 was approved 14-0, House Bill 2654 was approved 15-0, and House Bill 2747 was approved after adoption of a House committee amendment and substitute, also by a 14-0 vote. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 1915, which would regulate payment practices in private construction contracts. Representative David Castile, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to ensure timely payment to contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, limit abusive contract clauses, and require written notice before withholding payment. He emphasized that it was aimed at larger private projects and not owner-occupied residential work. Testimony on HB 1915 was mixed. Supporters, including electrical, mechanical, and subcontractor associations, said delayed payment is common, especially for smaller firms, and argued the bill would improve cash flow and reduce the need for liens. Opponents, including general contractors and home builders, said the bill as filed was too restrictive, especially the seven-day downstream payment deadline and the limits on withholding and termination rights, and warned it could increase costs and burden small builders. Several witnesses said they were working with the sponsor on a committee substitute to more closely mirror Missouri’s public prompt pay law and to clarify the residential exemption. The committee then heard House Bill 2151, which would raise income eligibility limits for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant from $40,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $80,000 to $100,000 for joint filers. Representative Travis Wilson said the change was meant to reflect inflation and expand access for adults changing careers, apprentices, and other eligible students. Supporters from community colleges, chambers of commerce, and workforce groups said the program is working well, is budgeted, and helps fill workforce needs; one witness cited strong completion and retention rates among recipients. No opposition was presented, and the hearing concluded with adjournment of the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeff Raibold, who, in my opinion, does an outstanding job working in a very difficult job.
• , but then retaining them once in those jobs.
• Each of our 171 FTEs fits in one of these general job classes.
• He and his staff do an excellent job.
• He and his staff do an excellent job.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee met to consider several RS drafts and receive agency updates. The committee introduced RS 33151, described as a federalism bill intended to clarify state and federal roles in Idaho code; RS 33217, which would clarify distribution of the big game depredation fund so remaining money is paid pro rata to farmers and ranchers; RS 33284, proposing hunting as Idaho’s state sport; and RS 33287 C1, a revised version of a prior bill related to notice language and fish and game issues. RS 313185 was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. The committee also approved pending rule docket 24-3501-2501 for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. The committee then heard an extensive update from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Officials said the division now oversees more than 259,000 licenses across 44 boards and three safety programs, has consolidated offices and systems to improve efficiency, and is moving toward two-year renewals and more function-based organization. They also outlined upcoming executive legislation on controlled substances, board consolidations, and unified disciplinary procedures, and reported on fee reductions, zero-based rulemaking, and board cash-balance corrections under prior legislation. The Department of Water Resources and the Idaho Water Resource Board provided lengthy presentations on budget holdbacks, water administration, groundwater conditions, recharge, cloud seeding, the Bear River Compact, and a proposed merger with the Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Director Weaver described budget reductions, staffing challenges, delivery-call enforcement on the Eastern Snake Plain, expansion of groundwater administration into tributary basins, and new monitoring and modeling work in the Treasure Valley. Chairman Raybould reviewed state water funding, recharge and canal-efficiency projects, cloud seeding, and the ESPA sustainability program, including grants for groundwater-to-surface-water conversion and telemetry. The committee asked questions about aquifer management, canal lining and recharge, Bear River depletion rights, and conversion projects. The meeting ended with approval of the February 3 minutes and notice that another RS would likely be taken up at the final meeting later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman did an excellent job, and I urge the body to support this legislation. Thank you.
• The gentleman did an excellent job, and I urge the body to support this legislation. Thank you.
• I want to remind the body, our job is the legislative side of government.
• Admittedly, I didn't know much about sunsets before taking on this job. Thank you.
• Admittedly, I didn't know much about sunsets before taking on this job.

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 5, 2026 by roll call vote, 134-2. During personal privilege remarks, a member recognized Bridget Williams, the first Black woman to lead the Heavy Constructors Association of Kansas City, in honor of Black History Month. The chamber then took up several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551, a large anti-trafficking package addressing sex trafficking, grooming, sextortion, terminology changes from “child pornography” to “child sexual abuse material,” a statewide anti-trafficking council, training requirements, expungement for some trafficking victims, and related criminal penalties, was debated at length over constitutional concerns but ultimately passed third reading 148-2. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1757, which helps school districts identify gifted students by the end of third grade, passed 142-8. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375, a workers’ compensation reform measure clarifying the burden of proof and compensability standards, passed 86-62 after supporters said it would streamline claims and opponents called it unnecessary. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1788, regulating recurring political donations and increasing transparency, passed 134-16. House Bill 1628, a cleanup bill updating higher education and workforce development statutes and repealing outdated provisions including the Vietnam Veterans Survivors Grant, passed unanimously 153-0. The House also perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854, a package centered on removing the sunset from the SAFE Act and continuing Missouri’s restrictions on gender-related medical treatment for minors; debate was sharply divided, with supporters citing child protection and opponents arguing it harms transgender youth and intrudes on parental and medical decision-making. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm really grateful for all of those who've stepped up and done a really good job of implementing
• </c><00:02:18.319><c> of</c> done um a really good job of done um a really good job of implementing<00
• The way that the bill's drafted right now, it would be a class D felony for us to do our job.
• Uh so the way the grand jury our job.
• </c><00:15:53.440><c> without</c> allowing us to do our job without allowing us to do our job without

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we heard earlier today, the state is doing a really good job, in my opinion, through WATEC, of setting
• We need to do a better job and make sure that we're removing the barriers, and that barrier includes
• House Bill 2351 doesn't stop federal law enforcement from doing its job.
• It draws a clear line so emergency responders can do their job without disruption, without fear, and
• Every second matters, and emergency responders must be able to do their jobs without fear, regardless

Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1170, which would require disclosures when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence and address provenance tools and enforcement. Staff described a proposed substitute and several amendments. The committee rejected amendments that would have applied the bill to public entities and tribal nations, added technical-and-commercial-feasibility language, and created a geo-blocking provision or a right to cure. It adopted amendments allowing comparable existing detection tools to satisfy the bill, protecting covered providers from liability when disclosures are unintentionally altered despite reasonable preservation measures, and setting a January 1, 2028 effective date. Members then debated whether the bill was ready for enactment, with supporters emphasizing transparency and consumer trust and opponents warning it was premature and could hinder innovation. The committee voted 7-4, with two excused, to report the bill out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 2186, which would expand state support for applicants seeking federal economic development funds, create a matching-funds account, and require a study of available federal grants. The prime sponsor said the bill would help Washington capture more federal dollars, especially for projects that require matching funds, and would expand the Fund Hub WA website beyond environmental grants. Testimony in support came from the Port of Seattle, the Washington Economic Development Association, the City of Pasco, a downtown Kennewick nonprofit, and the Department of Commerce, all saying the bill would improve competitiveness, help underserved communities, and leverage state dollars for larger federal returns. Commerce said it was still developing the fiscal note and technical edits. The hearing on HB 2186 was then closed. Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2351, which would protect emergency responders and emergency response operations. Staff explained that the bill would bar local governments and incident command systems from assisting enforcement actions targeting emergency responders based on protected status, create emergency operation zones with restrictions on law enforcement activity, and change the obstruction statute to cover obstruction of emergency responders. The prime sponsor and many local officials, firefighters, and advocates testified in support, citing incidents where federal enforcement actions disrupted wildfire response and other emergencies. Some witnesses raised concerns about administrative burden, ambiguity, and possible unintended consequences, including a proposed mental-health defense and clarification of responder identification. The Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Association of Washington Cities said they supported the goal but wanted changes to avoid conflicts and reduce burdens. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank you for the mission that you execute, doing an excellent job at doing that.
• We don't have very many jobs that are just straight state funded.
• A good example of those federally reimbursed jobs are the firemen that are at the Jackson International
• are the the firemen that reimbursed jobs are the the firemen that are<00:07:24.319><c> at</c><00:07:
• at getting it the Senate's done its job at getting it passed<00:08:41.200><c> out</c><00:08:41.360><

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• jobs.
• We put the money to do the job. If you all could look at that.
• Well, last week I had somebody apply for a job as an assistant state attorney.
• What am I gonna do if she gets this job?
• I feel like interviewing is one of the largest parts of my job right now.

Transcript Highlights:

• But perception is reality, and my job every day that I go to work, and my team behind me, is to make
• Election administration is a full job.
• Election administration is a full job, even in the off years.
• I want to tell you Ron Turner in Sarasota County has done a fabulous job.
• They do a wonderful job.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation is critical for the retention and creation of jobs within California.
• And to the many Assembly and Senate colleagues from across the state for fighting to bring the jobs of
• It's a false choice for anyone to say that California has to choose between retaining and growing jobs
• That provides real jobs to California, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• But it is my job, and I'm going to continue to do so. do my job and yes I hope that California voters

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when they need to take care of themselves and their families, to make sure that we're providing good job
• how you are being taken care of, less about the workers that those corporations need to be in those jobs
• that those corporations need to be in that those corporations need to be in those<00:01:25.040><c> jobs
• They care less about those those jobs.
• </c><00:20:06.799><c> committee,</c> committee and the the jobs committee, committee and the the jobs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to echo Speaker Damuth and Leader Johnson's point that our job as leaders here in the state of
• Minnesota is to be focused on what we need to do here in the state of Minnesota and the job that all
• 00:05:04.080><c> in</c><00:05:04.240><c> the</c><00:05:04.320><c> state</c><00:05:04.479><c> of</c> job
• as leaders here in the state of job as leaders here in the state of Minnesota<00:05:04.960><c> is</c
• uh that all of us Minnesota and the job uh that all of us uh<00:05:12.160><c> should</c><00:05:12.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What this amendment does is formalize it under one job function.
• In understanding what we have here as the great state of Florida, we tend to do a great job in trying
• you know, looking at the entire nation, we would find all kinds of different concepts and roles and job
• A lot of the job duties and responsibilities of the ...and one, half a dozen the other.
• Well, you must have done a really good job presenting your bill. No questions.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote. The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously. In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are so many jobs out there. And so the placement rates are really high.
• There are so many jobs out there. And so the placement rates are really high.
• She and her team do an amazing job.
• Your job is to decide what's next.
• so but ...doing an amazing job.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and into better jobs.
• and into better jobs.
• The Governor called for the master plan to ensure quality careers and jobs for students, whether their
• We have 600 employees that are now without jobs.
• We have 600 employees that are now without jobs.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are job. We need to be self-sustaining.
• Well, our job was not to directly provide books for children.
• Well, our job was not to directly provide books for children.
• Our job was to ensure that we built an infrastructure that enabled that.
• Is that in your job profile, or is it someone else's?

Summary: The committee held a follow-up informational hearing on the State Library’s oversight of the statewide Imagination Library program, focusing on how state funds were used by the Strong Reader Partnership (SRP) and whether the program complied with statutory requirements. Chair and Senator Grove repeatedly questioned State Librarian Greg Lucas about delayed document production, the State Library’s decision to allow SRP to continue spending $4.8 million after the 2024 budget changes, and the lack of clear accounting for how many books were actually delivered to children. Lucas said the State Library had sent one demand letter, relied on counsel’s advice, and ultimately received bank statements, invoices, and narrative reports that he said were satisfactory, though he acknowledged the committee should have been given the documents sooner. A major issue was whether SRP and its vendors used state funds for lobbying or influence efforts related to AB 157/SB 157, despite contract language prohibiting lobbying. The committee highlighted invoices and emails involving ChangeCraft and SAGE Strategies that appeared to coincide with legislative activity, while SRP representatives said their work was communications, stakeholder outreach, and board-directed advocacy, not lobbying. Members of SRP also defended their vendor selections and invoicing practices, explaining that the organization was in startup and transition mode, had multiple financial vendors for checks and balances, and was working to build infrastructure, local partnerships, and multilingual outreach capacity rather than directly buying books. The hearing also scrutinized specific expenditures, including roughly $581,000 to Shipyard for marketing and web/digital work, $110,000 to Lotus Financial Solutions, and a $5,000 grant to United Way of the California Capital Region. Senators argued the invoices were vague and the deliverables were not evident, pointing to a simple website, limited social media presence, and no clear evidence that some advertised campaigns ever went live. SRP witnesses said the work was part of a phased plan to establish a statewide foundation and that some assets and documentation had not yet been provided to the committee. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with the chair emphasizing the need for tighter oversight, clearer documentation, and better accountability for taxpayer funds.