Transcript Highlights:

• I I enforcement tools or authority.
• We have counties and cities programs.
• We have 87 counties. You mentioned the counties. We need to involve them, right?
• We have 87 counties. You 92 schools. We have 87 counties.
• We need to mentioned the counties.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• To ask a question of the author. Do you yield? I yield. Senator Perry? First off...
• He was down there at Orange County, but he's coming home back to where home will be.
• I've got a number of people in Tyler and southern Smith County... ...county that still wish you were
• He had a house in Harris County. He couldn't run in either one.
• We went until we got 111 co-authors. On the face of the bill: game, set, match.

Bills: SB 8 , SB 1 , SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 10 , HB27 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB20 , HB18 , HB7 , HB17 , HB1 , HB20 , HB18 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , SB1 , SR85 , SR87 , SB8 , SB5 , SB2 , SB10 , HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• I I think one uh is the county cap.
• </c> reimbursing counties for overpayments. reimbursing counties for overpayments.
• Yes, it authorizes four. And also four. Yes, it authorizes four.
• nursing homes and, for example, the Grafton County Nursing Home, which is my county.
• I think the fourth was the counties, but we wouldn't reflect any county savings. Right.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in Division 3 work session on HB 2 and began by noting a delayed start to allow the Legislative Budget Assistant to finish a large packet of updated amendments and revisions. The chair said the goal for the day was to move as many items as possible, with any cleanup deferred to a Friday follow-up. Members also discussed the process for handling public and department testimony on selected items before votes. Several early amendments were taken up and voted on. The committee unanimously recommended items dealing with repealing the liquor transfer to the alcohol fund and redirecting liquor-related revenue to the general fund, and it also approved an amendment revising Granite Advantage funding so there would be no automatic transfer from the liquor fund, instead using a general fund appropriation. Members then approved repealing the foster grandparent program by a 5-4 vote, and later approved an amendment requiring DHS contractors to comply with the patients’ bill of rights by a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved incorporating House Bill 94 on Medicaid coverage of circumcision by a 5-4 vote, while deferring the Wick Farmers Market Nutrition Program repeal for more discussion. The committee spent substantial time on the youth risk behavior survey amendment. Supporters said the change was intended to clarify opt-out procedures and ensure parents, guardians, and students are clearly notified that they may opt out without negative consequences. Some members raised privacy concerns and said the language could add administrative burden, but the amendment was ultimately recommended to Finance by a recorded vote of 8-1. Another amendment on civil rights and contractor standards for DHHS was discussed but not voted on after concerns were raised about vague enforcement language and possible penalties. The committee also struck amendment 1026 as redundant, with members noting related work in existing law and Senate Bill 134, and then moved on to other items, including a revised equity/access-related amendment that was postponed for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Look forward to continuing to work with the author and her staff.
• Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
• Seeing no questions or comments from committee, we'll turn back to the author.
• For Sacramento, Aftershock brings about $41 million across the region from Yolo County to Placer County
• Three million of that is generated in taxes to the city and county of Sacramento.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development heard several sunset and policy bills affecting state boards and professional practice. SB 1302 would extend the Board of Registered Nursing for four years and make operational changes such as streamlining renewals, updating simulation and school-approval standards, and allowing certain out-of-state nurse practitioner experience to count toward California recognition; nursing groups supported it, while the California Medical Association raised a concern about the out-of-state NP provision. SB 1303 would extend the Board of Naturopathic Medicine to 2031 and add a fictitious name permit program, term staggering, and other technical changes; it drew support from the board and naturopathic doctors, but the California Naturopathic Association opposed it unless amended to clarify the board’s jurisdiction. SB 1304 would extend the Respiratory Care Board to 2031 and revise respiratory care rules, including LVN practice in certain settings; it was supported by some providers and respiratory therapists, but hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other groups opposed it unless amended to allow LVNs to perform basic respiratory tasks in more health care settings. SB 1363 would extend the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and update apprenticeship, licensure, and tribal exemption provisions, and SB 1368 would extend the speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers board while adding a retired license category and continuing-education oversight changes; both were supported and had no opposition. All of these bills were voted out of committee, generally on a 10-0 basis after the committee later established quorum and took recorded votes. The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program within the Office of Small Business Advocate to support large independent multi-day music festivals. The author and supporters argued that festivals like Aftershock and GoldenSky generate substantial tourism, hotel nights, jobs, and tax revenue, and that state support would help keep events in California rather than other states. Opposition focused on the use of public funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable festivals should receive a grant subsidy. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Choi opposed. Members also heard SB 1297, which would create regional wildfire public-private partnerships and a financing structure using local commitments, a revolving fund, and state-backed revenue bonds coordinated with iBank to fund wildfire mitigation projects. Supporters said the bill would help address the state’s large wildfire mitigation funding gap by leveraging public and private capital for home hardening, vegetation management, and other prevention work; questions centered on where bond repayment funds would come from, and the author said the bill was still a work in progress and not intended to cost the state. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process; testimony described safety concerns and staffing impacts, and the bill passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• County. County.
• The order shall be authorized the sheriff or other county authority to provide access to the ballot containers
• or other shall be authorized the sheriff or other county<01:32:56.400><c> authority</c><01:32:56.880
• ><c> to</c><01:32:57.120><c> provide</c><01:32:57.520><c> access</c><01:32:57.920><c> to</c> county authority
• to provide access to county authority to provide access to the<01:32:58.239><c> ballot</c><01:32:58.639

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes grants to be used for rebuilding in addition to retrofitting insurable dwellings.
• It ends the authority to use funds in the OIC's regulatory and fraud accounts to fund the grant program
• It is a proposed substitute for Senator Wilson's bill regarding the definition of rural counties.
• Regarding the definition of rural counties.
• Under the new definition, a rural county is one that, despite having a population density of 100 persons

Summary: The Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee met in executive session on cutoff day and received staff briefings on several gubernatorial appointments and bills, including SB 6248 on travel insurance, SB 5976 on false subject lines in commercial emails, SB 6079 on a wildfire mitigation grant program, SB 6250 on small loan principal limits, SB 6257 on real estate appraiser trainee licensing tolling, SB 6289 on the Department of Commerce’s economic development strategic plan, SB 6230 on rounding cash transactions to eliminate pennies, and SB 6149 on the definition of rural counties. Staff also noted a new substitute for SB 6149 that narrowed the rural county definition and reduced the fiscal impact. The committee briefly paused for caucus before taking action. In executive session, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of gubernatorial appointments 9060 (Alicia Levy), 9169 (Michael Charles), 9265 (Brian Bennett), and 9266 (Noah Skartford), all subject to signatures. It then advanced SB 6248, SB 6079, SB 6250, SB 6257, SB 6289, SB 6230, and SB 6149, generally by adopting proposed substitutes and sending the bills to Rules, except SB 6079, which was sent to Ways and Means. SB 5976 was not considered. At the close of the meeting, the chair thanked members, stakeholders, and staff for their work during the short session and noted the committee had completed its agenda. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• honest with you, this bill is somewhat confusing to me because I am trying to figure out how I am authoring
• Members, Senate Bill 1496 updates and clarifies statutory authority for the OSBI.
• Members, basically what we're doing is giving the authority for deciding who would be eligible to go
• It's going to be through the district attorney's counsel, so that would be then out in the counties,
• It just requires that the county put signs at either end of the open pastures and has to have cattle

Bills: SB137 , SB504 , SB1213 , SB1216 , SB1221 , SB1224 , SB1232 , SB1238 , SB1255 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1264 , SB1266 , SB1325 , SB1441 , SB1448 , SB1450 , SB1460 , SB1496 , SB1543 , SB1589 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB1687 , SB1716 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1769 , SB1921 , SB1932 , SB1936 , SB1980 , SB2011 , SB2030 , SB2084 , SB2112 , SB2170 , SB2182

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license, Oklahoma Title 43, family law, juvenile justice, Department of Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• President, the House amendment creates a new equipment appropriation, increases spending authority to
• this line by $1 million, and increases the spending authority for current expenses by $4 million, a
• total increase in spending authority of $5 million.
• I represent about a thousand school teachers in Monongalia and Marion County.
• I just want to introduce a couple of good men from Wood County, Tyler Koreski and Warren Bigley.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have the Hutt Spring County Leadership Group.
• This program was instituted in the 2021 session, where the department was given rulemaking authority
• I'm Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations with the Department of Human Services
• Yes, we have leadership from Logan County in the audience, and I was hoping they would stand, and the
• We have ...gives rulemaking authority to an entity in Commerce is why we're asking to be excluded.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates and had no questions, so both were filed. The Department of Commerce sought repeal of rules tied to the minority and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act, explaining the rules were repealed by implication or duplicative of statute; all were reviewed and approved. The Insurance Department presented a new rule implementing Act 426 of 2025 for online marketplace guarantee providers, using Airbnb-style host damage protection as an example, and it was approved. The Department of Education updated the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program rule to reflect statutory payment amounts for milestones and diplomas, and it was approved. DFA presented a rule creating a reporting method for the Arkansas rice beer and sake excise tax credit; members asked about verification of Arkansas rice use, and the rule was approved. DHS presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes to work requirements and energy assistance counting, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64 and removing some exemptions; it was approved after questions about terminology and waiver-related issues. The committee also approved DHS Medicaid rules allowing rehab hospitals to bill for psychiatric units and exempting Arkansas from the federal recovery audit contractor requirement, citing other program integrity measures already in place. The State Board of Public Accountancy, under Labor and Licensing, presented rules implementing Act 428 of 2025, including a new CPA licensure pathway with a bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience, substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of the government not-for-profit accounting requirement; despite some negative comments, both rules were approved. The committee then granted the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, and approved its request to retain all 18 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation rules under Act 781 review. Remaining outstanding 2023-session rulemaking and monthly updates were noted in packets with no questions, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That authority vests within the commissioner, and as a delegated authority to the individuals doing that
• That authority vests within the commissioner, and as a delegated authority to the individuals doing that
• That authority vests within the commissioner, and as a delegated authority to the individuals doing that
• That authority vests within the commissioner, and as a delegated authority to the individuals doing that
• That authority vests within the commissioner, and as a delegated authority to the individuals doing that

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> rural secondary and cities and counties. rural secondary and cities and counties.
• And one of my counties is Minify County. I’m just going to give you the example.
• > three</c> counties, three county judges, three counties, three county judges, three districts, districts
• I and one of my counties is conflict. I and one of my counties is Minify<01:05:37.039><c> County.
• side of that district with Fayette County and Scott County and all these others.

Keywords: This meeting was recovered from a back up copy and uploaded after the original meeting took place., 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charles County municipal courts work, including our county court, which is unincorporated county.
• As some of you know, I was on the county council in my county for 12 years before I came to the House
• I'm Sheriff of Lincoln County.
• I'm Sheriff of Lincoln County.
• I'm the sheriff of Lincoln County.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1087 from Senator Joe Nicola, which would update limited driving privileges and create a process to suspend licenses after repeated failures to appear or pay for minor moving traffic violations. Nicola said the bill was intended to improve public safety and municipal court compliance without restoring the pre-2015 system of fines and fees. Supporters, including officials from Independence, O’Fallon, and the Missouri Municipal League, argued that municipal court reform had sharply reduced citations and increased failure-to-appear rates, leaving courts with too little leverage to ensure compliance and creating safety problems for repeat offenders. They said the bill would preserve discretion, protect work and basic travel needs, and help law enforcement and courts address chronic noncompliance. Opponents, including the State Public Advocate, argued the bill would restore a cash-cow system, burden low-income residents, and create harsh consequences for missed notices or address problems. The hearing closed without a vote on SB 1087. The committee then moved into executive session and reconsidered House Bill 2288, ultimately voting to reconsider and then voting the bill due pass by a 10-5 margin. The committee also adopted a substitute and passed House Bill 3006 due pass by 13-1, passed House Bill 2289 due pass by 10-3 with one present, and passed House Bill 2906 due pass by 13-1 after adopting an amendment and rolling it into a substitute. Members discussed procedural issues about quorum and the reconsideration motion during the HB 2288 vote. Later, the committee heard House Bill 3491 from Representative Don Mayhew, which would codify English-language proficiency requirements for commercial driver’s license holders and impose penalties on drivers and motor carriers when those requirements are violated. Mayhew and a Lincoln County prosecutor described a recent Highway 61 incident involving a Minnesota CDL holder who could not communicate in English, could not identify his location, and was taken out of service after a Highway Patrol proficiency test. Supporters said the bill would mirror federal rules in state statute, improve safety, and hold both drivers and carriers accountable. Some members questioned whether the bill was redundant with federal law, whether it would be enforceable before an accident, and whether the language was too broad, especially the phrase about conversing with the general public. The prosecutor said the current tools are mostly reactive and that the bill would help remove dangerous drivers and penalize carriers, but no final action was taken on HB 3491 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the state authorities wouldn't necessarily either.
• </c><01:20:46.199><c> we</c> thing we don't have the authority we thing we don't have the authority we
• authorized to act in that capacity and authorized to act in that capacity and what<01:36:04.760><c> was
• </c><02:00:54.880><c> to</c> dispatch someone who was authorized to dispatch someone who was authorized
• </c><02:34:27.840><c> to</c> the peace or other person authorized to the peace or other person authorized

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Providing authority to accept gifts for patients is included.
• ><c> accept</c><00:14:10.920><c> gifts</c> Uh, providing authority to accept gifts Uh, providing authority
• </c> getting the department and the counties getting the department and the counties and<00:42:34.160
• board authority to accept gifts<00:47:40.320><c> from</c><00:47:40.520><c> patients.
• has authority to um provide administrative<00:51:28.960><c> funding.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the assistant county manager for Hardee County.
• for Hardy County.
• I'm just speaking right now for the rural counties because, again, Hardy County is a rural county.
• As a former county commissioner, I know that rural counties are different than urban counties.
• As a former county commissioner, I know that rural counties are different than urban counties.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote. The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation. A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• At a county level only.
• Hey, Commissioner Doug, in western Stutsman County, my own county, you know, there's some phenomenon
• Cavalier County has approximately 13,000 Cavalier County has approximately 13,000 taxable parcels.
• No more PLC or county.
• Is that a county-by-county thing or is that a state statute? I don't know, Madam Howard.

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you know, in a small. county like kenny county if they're trying to you know build a bigger jail
• the you know the deputy in that jail expansion um i met with someone um in bracket and she ran the county
• So our court-level information comes from county and district clerks who report to OCS.
• But I think our county jails keep track of someone that's in this country legally who gets arrested.
• It's a process in place, as far as I know, in every county jail. out of Texas.

Bills: SB825

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: illegal immigration, economic impact, environmental impact, financial impact, annual study, Texas, government report, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of events, the Clayton Union County Legislative Luncheon is...
• Also this evening is the Eddy County Legislative Reception in the La Terraza's room at La Fonda from
• I'm sure many more than that because of the services they provide, specifically in those counties.
• , to a clear plastic bag that you should have on your desk full of all sorts of goodies from Eddy County
• **Senate Bill 144**, introduced by **Senator Gonzalez**, endorsed by the **Mortgage Finance Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• payroll for 24 local sheriff and county clerk's<00:01:18.960><c> offices</c><00:01:20.000><c> as</c>
• </c><00:04:10.319><c> Um</c> sheriff and county clerk offices. Um sheriff and county clerk offices.
• </c> has a very complex tax authority has a very complex tax authority structure.<00:04:52.639><c> Uh
• And as a an authorities in the nation.
• And so without that 120 counties.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: Personnel Cabinet and Kentucky Employees Health Plan officials presented a request to replace the Kentucky Human Resources Information System (CHRIS), the state’s HR/payroll ERP system procured in 2007. They said the system supports core HR and payroll for about 48,000 state employees, 24 sheriff and county clerk offices, and the Kentucky Employees Health Plan, which covers more than 300,000 lives. Officials emphasized that SAP has said the system will be end-of-life and out of support by 2030, which would eliminate security updates, vendor maintenance, and tax-compliance support. They argued that replacement is necessary to protect sensitive personnel and health data, maintain payroll accuracy, and avoid major operational and cybersecurity risks. Officials described the project as a true replacement, not just an upgrade, and said the proposed $151 million request covers a five- to six-year implementation, stabilization, and ongoing maintenance period. They broke down the estimate as including roughly $54 million for software licensing and hosting, about $76.5 million for systems integrator/professional services, and additional amounts for independent verification and validation, dependent verification for the health plan, FSA administration, contingency staffing, and hardware-related needs. They said the cost increase from prior estimates was mainly due to inflation and updated requirements. They also noted that payments would be tied to deliverables and checkpoints, with third-party IV&V oversight, and that the cabinet expects to continue normal quarterly IT reporting to LRC while also providing at least monthly project updates because of the 2030 deadline. Committee members asked about the total cost of ownership, recurring operating costs, the size of the integrator contract, how vendor costs were estimated, and how progress would be tracked. Officials said they used market research, peer-state comparisons, vendor discussions, and independent reviews, including input from AON and a third-party QA resource. They explained that the integrator would handle requirements mapping, system design, configuration, training, change management, and implementation support across the Personnel Cabinet, KHP, and other stakeholders. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions, and answers on the funding request and implementation plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• But while the case is pending, I have no authority to get money from anybody on that.
• I mean, I work in a small school in Pico Rivera in Los Angeles County.
• And I say that very humbly because I was a co-author of the bill.
• And I say that very humbly because I was a co-author of the bill.
• School districts and county boards of education.

Summary: The committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid or Student Athletic commissions, all by unanimous 5-0 votes. It also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. The committee then heard from Julia Montgomery, nominated for a third term as General Counsel of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her work on farmworker rights, outreach, and enforcement of labor protections. Members questioned Montgomery closely about card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to Spanish-speaking and indigenous-language farmworkers, make-whole enforcement delays, and a long-running Tri-Fanucchi farm case. Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be investigated, that signature verification is handled by board staff rather than her office, and that delays often stem from appeals, difficulty locating workers, employer obstruction, and court backlogs. Vice Chair Grove voted no, while Senators Laird and Reyes supported the nomination; the committee advanced Montgomery to the full Senate on a 3-2 vote. The committee then considered three State Board of Education appointments: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In opening statements, all three emphasized long careers in public education and support for students, teachers, and families. Questions focused on math achievement, the 2023 math framework and access to Algebra I in middle school, transitional kindergarten, community schools, and the effectiveness of education spending. The nominees said the framework still allows ready eighth graders to take Algebra I, pointed to new instructional materials, professional learning, TK expansion, and community schools as key improvements, and said they had not been involved in the governor’s proposed education governance changes. Public witnesses and education groups testified in strong support. The committee advanced Glover Woods 3-1, Lewis 4-1, and Gonzalez 3-1 to the full Senate.