Transcript Highlights:

• And apparently, at least from the calls that I've gotten, they're short-staffed and they're losing employees
• amount, the rate that you're paying for these positions competitive so that you can attract these employees
• I mean, I understand that you've lost maybe 30 employees just here recently, and I don't know if that
• We did lose 30 employees across all five in the last 30 days, which is a very high number.
• We did lose 30 employees across all five in the last 30 days, which is a very high number.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These contractors invest thousands, tens of thousands of dollars in training their employees, and some
• And then that contractor, yeah, they take their employees through CNN.
• But again, it's investing in their company and their employees.
• If there's anything that's paid, it's maybe that you allow your employees to go, they get certified,
• , those wages are limited to $500,000 per employee.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills in its final meeting, beginning with House Bill 200, which had previously been left on the table on a tie vote. The committee voted to bring it back and then approved it as amended on a 7-2 vote. House Bill 38, dealing with coverage for complex rehabilitation technology devices and allowing up to two devices in a three-year period, received testimony in support and was advanced on a 9-0 vote. Members then heard House Bill 270, which would require certain public works projects to contribute to apprenticeship and training programs or the state apprenticeship fund. Supporters argued it would create a level playing field and strengthen workforce development, while opponents said it would raise costs, burden contractors without accessible apprenticeship programs, and hurt small businesses. An amendment to delay the effective date failed 4-6, and the bill was then approved 6-4. House Bill 291, the Taxation and Revenue Department’s annual tax cleanup bill, was presented as a package of technical and policy updates, including rounding rules, fee changes, tax credit clarifications, and property tax collection adjustments; it passed 8-2. House Bill 108, a cleanup measure for watershed districts to address tax-levying authority after a change from elected to appointed boards, passed 10-0. House Bill 306, which limits facility fees for preventive care, vaccinations, and telehealth while exempting rural facilities, also passed 10-0 after brief discussion. House Bill 20, allowing Native American applicants to request a voluntary designation on driver’s licenses and ID cards with privacy protections, received supportive testimony from tribal and law enforcement representatives and passed 10-0. Finally, House Bill 309, expanding a special property tax valuation method to include electric power storage facilities, drew support from labor and energy representatives and passed 10-0. The chair closed by thanking staff and members and adjourned the meeting, noting it was likely the committee’s last of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll spell it: 3261 is a school support employee identification number bill.
• Right now, there's no way to consistently identify or track school support employees statewide when they
• 3261 solves that problem by creating a single identification number issued by SE for each support employee
• This would ensure accurate identification for school support employees' record continuity.
• But support employees do not. So, no new system necessarily would have to be created.

Bills: HB3674 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB3029 , HB2963 , HB3551 , HB2973 , HB3019 , HB3461 , HB2961 , HB3261 , HB3759 , HB3429 , HB3069 , HB3372 , HB3705

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill prohibits school districts from requiring or incentivizing employees to sign disclosure
• however, the bill certainly states that it would prohibit school districts from requiring their employees
• to sign non-disclosure agreements. from requiring their employees to sign non-disclosure agreements.
• It came to my attention in July from outside sources that 113 employees had been asked by the district
• They’re all public employees, and we live where the sunshine shines extremely bright.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill removes a provision that provides construction for the optician's repack to say that an employee
• direct supervision of a physician, does not need to obtain a license to practice. so long as the employee
• exception which begins on line 26. which says nothing in this part shall be construed to mean that an employee
• bill, Madam Chair, I have serious difficulty going back and explaining to my Tamala just how her employee
• the current practice of ophthalmology and optometry in this state allows an individual who is an employee

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And others continued to struggle through it and help their employees in the best way that they could.
• This is a federal employee Amendment 88.
• '</c> withholding um federal employees' withholding um federal employees' salaries<00:31:45.640><c> kind
• Uh, it's a federal employee personal loan guarantee program.
• ><c> are</c><00:35:06.040><c> paying</c> So these federal employees are paying So these federal employees

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, no employee or employer contributions are paid during a probationary period.
• So, the employee is not provided retirement service credit.
• An individual employer could elect to pay the employer contributions on behalf of its employees.
• This is allowed but not its employees.
• Or the employee could choose mandated.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lewis for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the Trial Court
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth
• O'Connor for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Irene O'Rourke, an employee of the Executive

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several committee reports and local bills, with repeated motions to suspend the rules so matters could be considered immediately. The Committee on the Judiciary reported ought to pass on a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, a Trial Court employee, and the Senate ordered it to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed. The Committee on Public Service similarly reported ought to pass on a sick leave bank bill for Irene O’Rourke, an employee of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and that bill was also advanced to a third reading. The chamber also acted on local legislation, including House No. 4004 validating the results of a special election in Hardwick, which was read a third time and passed to be engrossed after a title change by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. Another local bill, House No. 801 concerning Cheshire’s special election, was passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor. In addition, the Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 on several House and Senate petitions so they could be referred to the appropriate committees, including a House petition on applied behavioral analysis reimbursement rates that was referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m., with the clerk directed to dispense with printing a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• would do the work, or which employees would do the work, or how<01:21:52.199><c> quickly.
• It can't obviously delay payments to its employees.
• </c><01:59:46.800><c> or</c> the burden of the other 72 employees or the burden of the other 72 employees
• </c><02:01:18.800><c> And</c> new employee on the requirements.
• And new employee on the requirements.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trained on grants policy employees trained on grants policy requirements<00:22:14.279><c> aiming</c>
• You mentioned that you have trained about 300 state employees.
• </c> trained about 300 state employees trained about 300 state employees Minnesota<00:41:54.839><c> has
• <00:42:00.640><c> so</c><00:42:01.640><c> of</c><00:42:02.319><c> the</c> employees so of the employees
• </c><00:45:42.400><c> to</c> to allow you to go from one employee to to allow you to go from one employee

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the House bill establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the Department
• And the House bill establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett, an employee of the Department
• Edward Gillen, House No. 5528, and an act establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Bartlett, an employee

Summary: The House received and placed on file a resignation letter from Representative Rodney Elliott of Lowell, effective August 1, 2026. The Committee on Rules then reported two orders extending the reporting deadlines for the Committee on Health Care Financing on current House documents, and in both cases the House suspended the rules and adopted the orders. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling announced several local bills for House consideration, including measures for Wakefield’s senior property tax exemption, financial department changes in Holyoke, a traffic commission amendment in Westfield, a land transfer in Weston, additional liquor licenses in Southborough and Weston, and sick leave banks for Edward Gillen and Andrew Bartlett. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills through second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session. No recorded roll-call votes were taken; actions were by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also gives them a chance to really look at their own employees and mentors to see what other valuable
• So how did I figure doing this was to approach those employees that have been crying to me and saying
• requirements about it and having met with you folks has helped, as well as when I have met with employees
• And I have a couple of employees who are union and some of them are not.
• So that has also been something that every employee is going to be a little bit different in the structure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to discuss using registered apprenticeships to help address workforce shortages in disability services, human services, and other high-need fields. Co-chairs and staff introduced the session as a follow-up to earlier discussions with state labor officials and representatives from developmental disability and behavioral health provider associations. The panel focused on how apprenticeships can create paid, structured pathways into jobs while also supporting credentialing and retention. Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained how Massachusetts apprenticeship programs are registered and supported, including the roles of apprenticeship liaison staff, operations, quality assurance, and grant support. She described the core features of apprenticeships—paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, wage progression, and industry credentials—and contrasted them with internships or co-ops. Melissa Chabelli of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board described the intermediary role her board plays in designing programs, registering apprentices, coordinating employers, and handling compliance. She emphasized flexibility, employer investment, tax credits, retention benefits, and the importance of mentors and local workforce partnerships. Lisa Morris of UMass Chan/For Health Consulting described a developing apprenticeship for medical interpreters, built from an existing training foundation and designed to address the gap between classroom preparation and work experience. She said the model would combine pre-apprenticeship training, employer interviews, 2,000 hours of apprenticeship, and related technical instruction tied to national certification. Speakers also discussed examples for nursing, early childhood education, CNC machining, and programs serving neurodivergent learners, including Bridgewater State’s Excel program. In response to audience questions, panelists said state agencies can serve as intermediaries, recruitment can come through career centers, youth programs, community colleges, ESL centers, and incumbent workers, and accommodations or modified curricula can support apprentices with disabilities. No votes were taken; the session ended with encouragement for attendees to contact the presenters and Division of Apprenticeship Standards for help developing programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• and state or local agencies, typically, but not exclusively, law enforcement, whereby designated employees
• Agencies, typically, but not exclusively, law enforcement, whereby designated employees are deputized
• Many of our employees live in neighborhoods where friends, clients, and extended family members have
• bakeries, barbershops, cleaning services, contractors, child care providers operate with just a few employees
• We learned during the pandemic the value of our workers, deeming some of them essential employees.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses. Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role. Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• They believe in growth and opportunities for all of their employees.
• So there were surveys that were disseminated to employers, HR, neurodivergent employees, and neurotypical
• , part-time employee at Chick-fil-A.
• They're employees of a provider like SLS.
• They're employees of a provider like SLS.

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:

• They believe in growth and opportunities for all of their employees.
• So there were surveys that were disseminated to employers, HR, neurodivergent employees, and neurotypical
• , part-time employee at Chick-fil-A.
• They're employees of a provider like SLS.
• They're employees of a provider like SLS.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Carlos Lopez with the California School Employees Association, in support.
• Aleo Griffing, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, in support.
• Section 10516 prohibits any officer or employee from having a financial interest in any activity funded
• You need to follow policy or else we take action against that employee.
• You need to follow policy or else we take action against that employee.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard several bills focused on school nutrition, campus safety, college affordability, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize meal quality, cultural appropriateness, local sourcing, and sustainability. Support came from school nutrition officials, education agencies, and school business groups; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, and the bill was ultimately moved forward on a due pass motion. SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects by limiting unattended entry points such as open doors and gates. Supporters included Brady Campaign, Moms Demand Action, school employees, labor groups, and Prism. Members discussed how the bill would apply to both new construction and ongoing maintenance, and the measure advanced on a due pass motion. SB 959 was taken up on consent and also moved forward. SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award to a new minimum and tie future increases to inflation, with related supplemental awards for student parents and former foster youth also indexed. Support came from higher education advocates, CSU, student groups, and public advocacy organizations, with testimony from a Sac State student describing housing, transportation, and food insecurity. Members generally supported the bill, though questions were raised about fiscal impact; the author estimated about $21 million in first-year costs. The bill passed the committee on a due pass motion. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar businesses from contracting with the University of California if a UC executive is paid by, or has been paid by, that business within the prior year, aiming to address conflicts of interest in UC contracting. AFSCME and UC workers supported the bill, citing examples of executives serving on corporate boards while their institutions contract with those companies. UC and business groups opposed it, arguing it was overly broad, could capture ordinary dividends or unpaid advisory roles, and could disrupt essential contracts and operations. After extensive debate over existing conflict-of-interest laws and whether the bill would create practical problems, the committee approved SB 1141 on a 4-3 vote and then reported the remaining bills out 7-0 as calls were lifted, concluding the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carlos Lopez with the California School Employees Association, in support.
• Aleo Griffing, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, in support.
• Section 10516 prohibits any officer or employee from having a financial interest in any activity funded
• You need to follow policy or else we take action against that employee. So it's hard to...
• Approved it, you need to follow policy or else we take action against that employee.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard several bills related to school nutrition, campus safety, college financial aid, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement grants, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize quality, local sourcing, cultural responsiveness, and healthier meals. Supporters from school nutrition and education groups said it would help districts better serve students and local farmers without increasing state costs. After questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, the bill was moved do pass and later approved 7-0. SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects. Supporters said the bill closes a gap that can leave gates or doors unsecured and could help prevent unauthorized access to campuses. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the bill unanimously. SB 959 was also taken up on consent and passed. SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award and tie future increases to inflation using the California Consumer Price Index. Supporters said the current award has lost most of its value and does not cover basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and books, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. Members discussed the fiscal impact and the need to keep aid aligned with rising costs; the bill was moved forward and later approved 7-0. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar UC contracts with businesses that pay UC executives or where executives serve in paid roles, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest. UC and the Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill as too broad and potentially disruptive to operations, while supporters argued existing rules are insufficient because many contracting decisions happen outside public view. After extended debate over recusal, transparency, and the scope of the restrictions, the committee passed the bill 4-2 and then finalized all bills on the agenda before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Carlos Lopez with the California School Employees Association, in support.
• Aleo Griffing, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, in support.
• Section 10516 prohibits any officer or employee from having a financial interest in any activity funded
• You need to follow policy, or else we take action against that employee. So it's hard to...
• Approved it, you need to follow policy or else we take action against that employee.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff and employees need to know they're going to be hired.
• Is that the intent of the less than the two employees that were reducing there? Go ahead.
• Is that the intent of the less than the two employees that were reducing there?
• Employees.
• was that there was going to be some efficiencies, not just from the cut aspect, but the current employees

Summary: The committee received a general fund “green sheet” update from budget analyst Noah Peterson, who reviewed recent changes to the FY 2026 and FY 2027 balances, including large population-adjustment supplementals for Medicaid and Corrections and other committee actions. He also highlighted several policy bills with fiscal impacts, including county jail per diem changes, a state police-related bill, and a health and welfare board/position bill. Janet Jessup then walked the committee through several budget housekeeping items and supplemental/maintenance adjustments, beginning with the Department of Environmental Quality and a solid waste regulatory program change tied to House Bill 555. The committee approved multiple motions, including adding 4 FTP to DEQ and adopting revised language for a hazardous waste fund transfer; a FY 2026 Soil and Water Conservation Commission supplemental for the CREP program; and a major two-step reorganization moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission from Agriculture to Water Resources. The committee also approved the related FY 2027 reductions and additions for the commission and Water Resources, including CREP funding and a one-time restoration of a rescission to preserve stream-gauging and water monitoring services. Members discussed whether those restorations should be one-time or ongoing, with some favoring one-time adjustments to preserve budget flexibility and others warning about agency stability. The committee then handled the consolidation of the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources into a new Office of Species, Mineral, and Energy Coordination. It approved a reduction for the Office of Species Conservation and a reduction for OEMR, then considered competing motions for the new combined office. After extended debate over the appropriate number of FTP reductions and the importance of nuclear and mining coordination, the committee rejected a substitute motion and then rejected the original motion as well, leaving the new office budget unresolved. Finally, the committee approved the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses request for replacement vehicles and IT hardware, and adjourned with notice of upcoming budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's UI program is available to workers who are payroll employees. So most...
• When you're a payroll employee and you lose your job and you file a claim for unemployment insurance,
• I am also incredibly grateful to the nearly 9,000 employees at EDD who deliver our services every day
• And key to that continuous improvement is listening to our customers, our employees, the legislature,
• At EDD, we are committed to continual improvement for our customers and our employees and appreciate

Keywords: 988, house, all