Transcript Highlights:

• So, as a proud Portuguese American, I encourage you to go up to the House chamber.
• Students get jobs, meet employer demands, and increase state revenues.
• Americans, a lot of us, are working a lot more than a 40-hour work week.
• Americans, productivity. And people are really feeling that.
• Americans, a lot of us are working a lot more than a 40-hour work week.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a Native American.
• I'm a Native American.
• I'm a Native American.
• I'm a Native American.
• I'm a Native American.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Students go through the program, and in the first year, we've had 11,000 students participate in Be Pro
• It is going to be right alongside African American Day, Hispanic Culture Day, and AAPI Native Hawaiian
• Um, and it was actually during AAPI Native Hawaiian Day that there was somebody on the floor of the House
• and right, just exactly in line with all of the other days we have up here. as much with African American
• So this is also related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), correct?

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California
• Finally, the new law adds new exemptions for American Indians, Alaskan natives, urban Indians, and California

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander discrimination, anti-Latino discrimination, and anti-Native American
• Our education equity team serves many students of color, students with disabilities, and gender-expansive
• Every student has the right to feel safe and be seen on a school campus.
• There's so much I could say, but I'm actually a native to the Central Valley.
• There's so much I could say, but I'm actually a native to the Central Valley.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• American districts.
• Success stories such as the great results in Native American schools, the Wilson Lab, and the work of
• Our main job is to prepare students to be successful in college, but not all students will be going to
• I'm all for having new strategies to help student discipline so that our students can succeed.
• I'm all for having new strategies to help student discipline so that our students can succeed in the

Bills: SB1074, SB1327, SB1475, SB1582, SB1583, SB1598

Keywords: student discipline, classroom management, temporary removal, administrative action, education policy, foreign relations, university governance, research security, international agreements, Arizona Board of Regents, interscholastic activities, student eligibility, criminal offenses, school district, youth sports, academic participation, conduct, planned communities, homeowners association, HOA

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne focused on school safety, academic improvement, career and technical education, ESA oversight, and teacher pay. Horne argued that students cannot learn without safe schools and urged more funding for school police officers, citing threats and violent incidents. He also highlighted Project Momentum, tutoring, attendance, classroom phone restrictions, the Student Industry Partnership, expanded ESA participation, and his call to use Proposition 123 land trust funds for direct teacher raises. In response to a question, he said the department is using AI tools, residency checks, and investigators to reduce ESA fraud and abuse. The committee then considered SB 1074, which would require written certification from a principal or administrator before a student removed for discipline could return to class. Horne and the sponsor said the bill would support teachers and hold administrators accountable, while opponents from the Arizona Education Association argued it was redundant, could undermine administrator judgment and FERPA-protected information, and would not address the root causes of classroom disruption. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1327, as amended by a strike-everything amendment requiring Arizona public universities to adopt and report on research security policies to protect against foreign adversary threats and preserve federal funding eligibility. Support came from the sponsor, State Armor, and the Arizona Board of Regents, and the amended bill passed 5-2. Members next approved SB 1475, which bars students convicted of, or admitting to, certain serious offenses from participating in school-sponsored interscholastic activities, with some discussion about rehabilitation, school discretion, and whether a readmittance process should exist. Supporters said the measure was needed for accountability and uniformity after a particularly egregious case; opponents warned it could remove an important rehabilitative outlet. The bill passed 4-3. The committee then advanced SB 1582 and SB 1583, both related to school safety interoperability funding and technical corrections; SB 1582 passed 4-2, and SB 1583, as amended, passed 4-2. Finally, SB 1598, which appropriates $500,000 for school and community gardens, passed unanimously 5-0 after testimony that gardens serve as hands-on learning spaces and supportive environments for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us today in the gallery are students and educators. Thank you.
• My husband is an alumnus, and my daughter is currently a student there.
• Home to one of the largest Filipino-American student populations in the city, they represent the wonderfully
• That includes all 26,000 of Newport News Public School students and about 708,000 students across the
• Each book included a handwritten message by students and faculty that encouraged every student who received

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We owe them a debt for every American.
• students represented Dogales and students represented Dogales and Southern<00:17:55.039> Arizona<
• defense facilities, forcing American defense facilities, forcing American forces<00:34:05.440>
• American taxpayers, has caused American American taxpayers, has caused American inflation<02:13:
• privacy conscious American citizens. privacy conscious American citizens.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fort Lewis College is a Native American-serving non-tribal college located in the Four Corners region
• Fort Lewis College is a Native American-serving non-tribal college located in the Four Corners region
• <00:30:55.200> to and workshops, empowering students to and workshops, empowering students
• African American women giving birth. African American women giving birth.
• the African American community. the African American community.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including House Bills 1237, 1081, 1208, and Senate Bill 103. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, during which members welcomed students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University, as well as Volunteers of America and Zonta International, and recognized Volunteers of America’s 130th anniversary. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 1120 on mobile home taxation and delinquent property tax collection after adopting a technical amendment, and passed House Bill 1007 on distributed energy resources after debate focused on safety, UL listing, utility coordination, and affordability. It also passed House Bill 1253 on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality and House Bill 1145 on water quality in mobile home parks, though the latter drew more opposition. House Bill 1044 on maternal health equity was amended to change language from a “statement of rights” to a required notice and to revise task force language, then passed after sponsors emphasized disparities in maternal mortality and provider training. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, which placed House Bills 1186 and 1044 on the calendar for third reading and laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bills 1071 and 1084 until April 6. The chamber also confirmed three governor’s appointments to the State Board of Parole: Katherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luévano, and Greg Size. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee meeting notices and a brief personal privilege about the Artemis 2 launch, followed by a recess until noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• DOE or the students.
• It keeps students in school.
• As you already know, Indigenous people include Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans
• Our students don't just learn leadership; they take action through student projects.
• Our students don't just learn leadership; they take action through student projects.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief. Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility. Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the old South Broadway community, which was the enclave of our first Afro-Americans that moved
• Americans in New Mexico.
• I'm a mestizo of mixed descent, which means part Native, part Hispano.
• The 20th century was a time of Americanization and commodification of water.
• of Law, as well as the selection of students who participate in the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• It repeals the fee waiver from undocumented students and prohibits undocumented students from receiving
• Unless you are a Native American Indian, there's an immigrant somewhere behind you that came here for
• And except for Native Americans, Native Indigenous Americans, everyone descends from immigrants.
• And these students are the students that graduate from high school with honors, some of the best students
• This is an American that does that.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B on immigration, along with discussion of anticipated Senate changes. The sponsor described the bill as creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, establishing an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, expanding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses by unauthorized aliens, ending undocumented-student fee waivers, and providing substantial appropriations for enforcement and related programs. Members also questioned the Senate version’s proposed mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses involving unauthorized aliens, as well as pretrial detention, 287(g) participation, DMV reporting requirements, and the bill’s effects on schools, teachers, social workers, and local agencies. The sponsor and supporting members repeatedly said the bill required broad cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and that existing federal law would control where conflicts arose. A major portion of the debate focused on whether the bill would allow or require immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive settings, and whether teachers, school resource officers, and social workers could be placed in conflict with federal privacy or professional obligations. Members also raised concerns about detention based on suspected status, the standard of proof for immigration-status determinations, prison and jail impacts, workforce shortages, and the fiscal effects on counties and state agencies. The sponsor said the bill did not provide DMV funding, that the state would need to study some implementation questions, and that the appropriations included $25 million for a local law enforcement participation incentive program and up to $350 million for broader implementation and coordination. Several amendments were offered and failed. Representative Chambliss proposed protecting schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; Representative Escamani offered amendments to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers and to grandfather currently eligible students; Representative Woodson offered a similar Dreamer-related amendment; and Representative Bartleman proposed barring local law enforcement from entering schools during school hours to detain children solely for immigration status. Supporters of these amendments argued they would protect children, preserve educational access, and prevent trauma in schools and houses of worship. The House rejected each amendment by voice vote, and the transcript ends during debate on the Bartleman school-safety amendment before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And um we also have the Native American Disability Law Center, which is, um, which serves the four corners
• We wrote it that way, that they advocate for students and families.
• Of its kind in the entire country that does focus its advocacy on students and families.
• And some students can't. Tell you that they want a person there, right?
• American constituent services within our staff, we do.

Transcript Highlights:

• As pointed out, Latinos, Asian Americans, and maybe to a lesser extent, African American Blacks have
• I'm a native Texan.
• and 2,500 Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders resided Americans and 2,500 Native Hawaiian and
• It's extremely disappointing to myself as an American.
• It is regressive, racist, and it is un-American.

Summary: The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting met virtually for its West Texas regional hearing, established a quorum, and explained that the hearing was part of a series of statewide information-gathering sessions before any map was filed. The chair outlined the Zoom procedures, the two-minute testimony limit, and the availability of written comments through the committee’s public portal. Senators also discussed the logistics and transparency of the process, including the expectation that any proposed map or amendment would be made public once filed and that additional hearings would follow. Senator Blanco, whose district includes West Texas and the border region, said the area’s communities of interest should be kept together and warned against repeating the loss of representation that followed the last redistricting cycle. Senators Alvarado, Hinojosa, Miles, and others debated the value of virtual hearings versus in-person hearings, the number of people who had testified, and whether the committee could subpoena witnesses after the regional hearings ended. The chair said he was awaiting legal guidance and would consider a subpoena motion at a formal meeting the next day. A lengthy exchange also occurred over the tone of public testimony and the chair’s view that some comments directed at Republicans and the president had been offensive or historically inaccurate. Invited witnesses and public commenters largely opposed mid-decade redistricting and argued that any new map should reflect population growth, especially among Latino and other minority communities, and comply with the Voting Rights Act. Nina Perales of MALDEF said the hearings were not meaningful without a draft map and testified that Texas has a long history of discriminatory redistricting; senators questioned her about litigation, DOJ’s July 7 letter, and the 2021 congressional map. Tania Chavez Camacho, Luis Figueroa, and several El Paso residents emphasized that maps should preserve communities of interest, avoid cracking and packing, and be transparent and participatory. A smaller number of witnesses supported redistricting, including one El Paso resident who said the current districting leaves the area underrepresented and another who argued that some communities want to return to a map closer to the earlier District 16 configuration. Several witnesses also criticized the DOJ letter as inconsistent with the state’s position that the 2021 maps were drawn race-blind, while others said the current process was too rushed and lacked sufficient public input.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is endemic native rare and also endangered and also a catalyst for conservation here in Florida.
• I'm a student from Seminole High School and I attend the Scrub Club, Environmental Conservation Club.
• long history, vibrant appearance and how it is native to our great state.
• We have fought for the scrub jay so hard students because Florida technically has no state bird.
• To all the students who came, it's it's really impressive. New spoke beautifully.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2018 through Proposition 68 to fund the restoration and enhancement of riparian lands, oak woodland, native
• Twenty-three projects were delivered in partnership with California Native American tribes, including
• We just note that if this request is denied, it will harm California's highest-need students and local
• So we've been able to reach 49% of students.
• Rebecca Marcus, on behalf of American Farmland Trust and the California Certified Organic Farmers, we

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Underserved students.
• and immigrant students and ensures, among other things, interpreters for parents and students who are
• But we know what impact that has on all students who participate, but specifically students who come
• speakers and native English speakers, as well as native speakers of other languages, to learn a second
• Now if students— Now if students—imagine, I'm from Boston, you know, like I went to the John D.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• , including ...schools as safe havens for all of our immigrant students, including undocumented students
• However, we are still working on some language to ensure soil testing and protection of Native American
• However, we are still working on some language to ensure soil testing and protection of Native American
• These students have a lot of grit.
• college students experiencing housing insecurity.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then moved through guest introductions, including students and fellows from California Lutheran University, UC Merced’s CAPE program, the Maddy Institute, and Madera High School’s Madtown Robotics Team 1323, which was recognized for multiple robotics world championships. The chamber also adopted an adjournment in memory and took up the daily file. Several bills and resolutions were considered and passed, including AB 1390 on school board compensation thresholds, AB 1338 on air district cost recovery for fence-line air monitoring, AB 648 on community college housing, AB 1207 on cap-and-trade price ceilings, ACR 66 recognizing Skin Cancer Awareness Month, AB 49 on keeping ICE out of public schools, AB 317 on a CEQA exemption for certain single-family homes, AB 527 on geothermal exploratory wells, AB 665 on the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation ombudsman report, AB 940 creating quantum innovation zones, AB 1021 on workforce housing for education agencies, AB 1112 on property tax apportionment in Rancho Mirage, AB 1318 on nonprofit eligibility for public funding, and AB 1470 on using student housing loan funds for affordable housing in downtowns and commercial districts. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 49 and AB 1318 were urgency bills and passed with the required higher vote threshold. The floor also adopted H.R. 40, declaring May 25 as Rosenda’s Day to honor a teen killed by a drunk driver, and H.R. 42, recognizing May as Behavioral Health Awareness Month. Both drew extensive personal testimony from members about mental health, suicide, substance use, and the need to reduce stigma and expand access to care. Additional health-related bills passed, including AB 408 creating a physician health and wellness program, AB 546 requiring coverage for HEPA purifiers for certain enrollees after wildfire disasters, AB 967 expediting licenses for out-of-state physicians, and AB 968 expanding pharmacist authority to provide non-hormonal contraception. The Assembly also debated AB 1056 on phasing out gill net fishing and AB 1376 on limiting juvenile probation terms, with supporters framing both as conservation or rehabilitation measures and opponents warning about economic harm or public safety concerns. Both bills ultimately passed. Throughout the session, members repeatedly emphasized public safety, education, housing, climate, health care access, and support for immigrant and youth communities, with recorded roll-call votes and voice votes taken on each measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Black and African American students.
• the outcomes of all students, including Black and African American students.
• American students at our institutions.
• and also African American and Black students.
• I guarantee you it's Native Americans and African Americans, right?

Summary: The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee. The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations. AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney and the executive director of the Native American Disability Law Center.
• We focus, um, at the Law Center on representing Native American kids in, um, custody to ensure that their
• American children and children across the state.
• American children.
• He was a great student. He was involved in extracurricular activities. He was doing well.