Transcript Highlights:

• with you part of our history of innovation, the establishment of a capital project plan and internal service
• This funding mechanism is encapsulated in four internal service funds that are reviewed annually as part
• under 200 in population, and if they call us, we still answer the phone, but they don't need our services
• I hope that you'll consider this bill as an opportunity to expand the services for families. is in need
• , including transit. and other services.

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service.
• Thank you for your service.
• Congratulations, and thank you for your service.
• But I can tell you, with service, that's the way I look at it.
• We are a research and service organization.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I call upon the elder senior senator with continuous service, the Honorable Mark C.
• Thank you for your service, and your committee is discharged of all responsibility.
• Public service is a high calling.
• Your service to this body and our country is invaluable.
• And thank you to the members, all of you, for your service.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators. The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session. In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement. The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trucks account for roughly 9% of vehicle miles traveled in Washington. ...and services.
• district. ...regional transit authorities to create a passenger-only ferry service district.
• It also requires passenger-only service routes to be categorized by purpose and need.
• It also requires passenger-only service routes to be categorized by purpose and need and must minimize
• Finally, it directs passenger-only service districts to add a surcharge to fares for the Department of

Bills: HB2495

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: vehicles, streetcar operation, public safety, urban regulation, transportation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That put on hold vital services that are instrumental to the city of St.
• So we're going to be pulling away from vital city services. Because, again, city services...
• So we're going to be pulling away from vital city services.
• I'm someone who relies on the services provided by those taxes.
• I'm someone who relies on the services provided by those taxes.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a classic battle between customer service and fraud prevention. Excuse me, sir.
• It's a classic battle between customer service and fraud prevention.
• services like sewer and water, which is critical for the city. 30 seconds.
• And thank you for your service.” “Okay, appreciate that.
• I thank you for your service. Thank you, sir. Then, Alexandria Mendoza. Mr.

Summary: The House Committee on Government heard and advanced several bills, beginning with HB 2842 on deed fraud prevention. The bill would create an early alert system so escrow agents notify the Arizona Department of Real Estate when a property transaction is opened, allowing property owners to be alerted before a fraudulent sale is completed. Representative Contreras, a victim, and other witnesses described serious deed fraud cases and said the bill would provide proactive protection; the Department of Real Estate commissioner said most tracked fraud cases would have gone through escrow and outlined a simple registration and alert process. The committee adopted a Blackman amendment changing the receiving agency from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department and then passed HB 2842 with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed HB 2667, which tightens eligibility for state first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs by requiring two years of Arizona residency and two years of owner occupancy, and barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as vacation or short-term rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to ensure the programs benefit Arizonans who are invested in the state, but committee members and representatives from local housing entities warned it could conflict with federal FHA rules, reduce lender participation, and create unintended consequences for local IDA programs. Despite those concerns, the bill received a do pass recommendation. HB 2020, which reduces certain school disruption offenses involving minors to a class one misdemeanor and narrows the definition of interference with an educational institution, also passed after testimony from a parent describing a student being charged with a felony for a school altercation and a nonprofit witness urging more trauma-informed treatment of children. Other measures advanced included HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and modernizes notice requirements, with amendments clarifying treatment of municipally owned adjacent territory and allowing electronic newspaper publication; HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to request suppression of identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers to protect privacy while preserving title plant access; and HB 2858, which gives Arizona bidders a preference in state procurement tie situations, supported by local business groups as a way to keep public money in-state. The committee also passed HB 2660, which sets procedures and due process protections for health profession board licensing actions and adds JLAC to the list of entities receiving investigative reports, with the sponsor and a naturopathic physician arguing that board actions can chill speech and lack adequate oversight. Finally, the committee approved HB 2063 to appropriate $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, HB 2681 to change civil service appeal deadlines from calendar days to business days, and HB 2812 to raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; members discussed possible future amendments to let retirees direct those funds into health savings arrangements. Most bills were reported out with do pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fire protection districts are one way that fire protection services can be organized in Washington.
• Finally, it would allow a fire protection district service authority to contract with the city for services
• Fire and EMS services are among the most essential responsibilities of local government, but many cities
• And ultimately, again, fire and emergency services are our top line.
• Those are lodging, travel services, attractions, recreation, beverage producers, and restaurants and

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on several tax and local government bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the additional $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; supporters from destination marketing organizations said the revenue has produced strong returns for tourism and events, while questions were raised about how the local ordinances would continue. HB 2583 would lower the population threshold for cities to impose a higher lodging tax and expand authority for public facilities districts; the sponsor and Vancouver supporters said it would help fund a proposed performing arts center and other tourism investments, while hospitality, short-term rental, and some local advocates raised concerns about stakeholder input, equity, and whether the bill was too broad. HB 2224 would change how a city forming a single-city fire protection district handles levy reductions and would exempt part of one levy from the local tax limit; city and firefighter groups supported it as a needed tool for fire and EMS funding, while hospital districts and tax opponents warned about prorationing, governance, and higher taxes. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program funded by participating tourism businesses; supporters from tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups said it would provide a competitive, industry-driven statewide marketing program, while members questioned impacts on specific communities and the need for broader local benefits. HB 2431 would expand from 15 to 50 days the amount of fundraising activity allowed in nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places, and the Grange supported it as a practical way to keep community halls open. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session and advanced three bills. HB 2584, a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm equipment sold to eligible farmers, passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2610, which modifies the property tax exemption for nonprofit homeownership development, also passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2615, which codifies the voluntary disclosure tax program and authorizes temporary tax amnesty, likewise passed 14-0 with one excused. The chair also announced a deadline for amendments on items to be acted on the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 164, an act relating to coverage for hearing aids and related services.
• .<00:08:32.959><c> Representative</c><00:08:33.519><c> Hein,</c> services.
• Representative Hein, services.
• </c> of hearing aids and related services of hearing aids and related services that<00:09:19.920><c>
• </c><00:35:09.280><c> and</c><00:35:09.520><c> House</c> services in the Commonwealth. and House services

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:04 Orders of the Day 06:01 HB 143 06:11 HB 164 08:07 HB 314 11:07 HB 398 21:17 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 29:02 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 34:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 35:40 ConC/Rules Report 40:15 Floor Amendments 41:15 Adjournment 41:26, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide a unique service beyond municipal waste disposal that includes narcotics, evidence, and
• A small portion of this but important service that ports rely on are their special handling and assured
• destruction services.
• And for your utility service territory, what is the median income for the residential households?
• , and help social service agencies in the state with the public duty of helping the poor and infirm.

Summary: The Environment and Energy Committee heard testimony on three bills. HB 2426 would allow the Pollution Control Hearings Board, with unanimous agreement of the parties, to use alternative board compositions for appeals, including a single member or other qualified environmental adjudicators, so long as one member is a Washington-licensed attorney and the panel has environmental law expertise. The bill sponsor and supporters from business and conservation groups said it was a narrow, consensus-based change intended to improve efficiency and predictability. ELUHO’s director supported the concept but flagged technical issues in the bill language about attorney and Growth Management Hearings Board member qualifications. HB 2416 would provide no-cost allowances under the Climate Commitment Act to Spokane’s waste-to-energy facility, which is not currently covered until the second compliance period. Supporters, including Spokane officials, labor, and local partners, said the facility protects a sole-source aquifer, provides waste disposal and electricity for about 13,000 homes, and faces large compliance costs that could raise rates and threaten jobs. Opponents from environmental groups and Ecology argued the bill would give the facility preferential treatment, subsidize most of its emissions through 2050, and fail to ensure real emissions reductions; AWB raised concern about market impacts if new allowances are added. No vote was taken. HB 2373 would require electric utilities to offer monthly bill discount programs with tiered income levels, expanded outreach and enrollment, and updated reporting on low-income energy assistance. The sponsor said the bill is meant to make assistance more consistent and accessible statewide, while utilities and rural co-ops warned it could create unfunded mandates and significant rate increases for non-low-income customers, especially in smaller systems. Supporters from community action agencies, Commerce, and some utilities said monthly assistance is needed because energy burdens are rising and current programs are patchwork, though several urged pairing the bill with state funding or amendments. The committee heard extensive testimony but took no final action on any of the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that motion was critical at that time because the chief clerks and council service and other legislative
• And I would offer a number of positions at the council service do not work well with an elected office
• And I just think I've never asked a drafter at council service, any employee at council service, I've
• I think Council Service does this on a regular basis when we hire people.
• When we really need Constituent services help, and so I don't think we need to be careful.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• Peak hour level of service.
• And that is a perspective of what is the quality of service.
• The level of service manipulation, and I'll try to hurry, Mr.
• adopted level of service, or LOS standards, in order to justify this.
• And I think what I mentioned was the level of service.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session and took up impact fees, with an opening overview from Eric Poole of the Florida Association of Counties. Poole explained that impact fees are one-time charges on new development used only for new infrastructure capacity, not existing deficiencies or maintenance, and must satisfy the dual rational nexus test. He traced their history in Florida and described how comprehensive plans, concurrency, and later mobility fees relate to local infrastructure funding. He argued that impact fees are restricted, tied to capital improvements, and are one tool for paying for growth. Panelists representing counties, cities, builders, and community developers largely agreed that growth creates real infrastructure costs but differed on how those costs should be allocated. County and city representatives said impact fees are a necessary, targeted way to fund roads, water, sewer, fire, schools, and parks without spreading costs across all taxpayers. They pointed to long periods without fee updates, rising construction costs, and examples of large increases justified by studies. Builder and developer representatives argued that fees are often unpredictable, can be doubled or tripled, and contribute to housing affordability problems; they also said the system can be inconsistent across jurisdictions and may encourage sprawl. Several witnesses emphasized that fees must be transparent, proportional, and tied to actual benefits, and some suggested a statewide framework or mobility-fee model with more consistency and peer review. Members asked about how long local governments can hold fee revenue, whether fees can generate profit, what they can be spent on, and whether they can pay for police stations, fire stations, or other public safety facilities. Witnesses said the funds must be used for capital projects and cannot be used for salaries or unrelated purchases, and that refunds may be required if money is not spent within the local ordinance’s timeframe. The discussion also covered examples of local fee increases, the use of impact fees versus direct construction or “pipelining” of infrastructure, and concerns about level-of-service changes and extraordinary-circumstance increases. No votes were taken; the meeting ended after the panel discussion and member questions, with the chair noting the conversation would continue.

Transcript Highlights:

• example where a publicly contracted private transportation network company is the backbone transit service
• It works in conjunction with the local bus service.
• today speaking in support of Senate Bill 371, which aims to address the affordability of rideshare services
• To choose a service that best fits their needs.
• like streaming services and e-commerce that benefit greatly from increased access to broadband do not

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 1318 by Assemblymember Bonta and others, an act relating to public social services and
• The 2020 full report on access to services and health care.
• to those who experience these challenges through services like primary care, aging services, and other
• This bill will require health care service plans to provide coverage for effective HEPA purifiers for
• The offender with services and treatments so that they can reintegrate in society and not re-offend.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for their service and the sacrifice of time away from their families.
• Understand that 200,000 veterans leave service every single year.
• Speaking of transparency, the bill creates an honest service registry for all charities that register
• An honest service registry will prohibit Florida charities from soliciting contributions from foreign
• I think it's just a, you know, they do consumer services through FDACS, and this is a consumer service

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions, including family members, university guests, local officials, and student groups. The chamber then moved to special order bills, beginning with two Open Government Sunset Review measures: SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both bills passed unanimously after brief explanations and no amendments. The Senate also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, and SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill. SB 832 drew debate over a possible lawsuit and created a narrow strict-liability defense for landowners who survey and record notice of former phosphate property. SB 700 generated the most extended debate, especially over a provision removing fluoride from public water systems and related amendments on public health, local control, and study requirements; several fluoride-related amendments failed, while a technical amendment passed. The bill also included provisions on agricultural regulation, labeling, drones, lending, charities, housing for agricultural workers, and youth programs. The Senate then approved several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric Miles Jr. and Jennifer Miles, and Marcus Button, all involving catastrophic injuries and settlements paid by the relevant public entities. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements passed after an amendment that increased penalties for texting while driving and added a distracted-driving education component. SB 1718, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking an abortion without parental consent or notification, also passed unanimously. Several other bills were temporarily postponed. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and move CS for SB 7016 back to second reading; all motions were adopted. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• One would be the service area.
• So the relative service area in which a School of Hope could open would be after, So the relative service
• In the service area of a low-performing school.
• They have some of the same services. Some of them aren't. One is a little higher end.
• It's a whole bunch of wraparound services.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and took up several education bills. SB 1150, which would remove an unrelated exam barrier for school social workers to help districts retain them, was briefly explained and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1514 on anaphylaxis in public schools, which would require emergency action plans and training for school personnel; amendments narrowed and clarified the bill, including applicability to K-8 schools and FDA-approved epinephrine devices. Orange County Public Schools waived in support, and CS/CS/SB 1514 was reported favorably. The committee spent the most time on SB 1708, which expands Schools of Hope and creates a co-location framework allowing high-performing charter operators to share space in underused public school facilities, with the sponsor explaining that agreements would address safety, supervision, grade levels, emergency protocols, and liability. Members raised concerns about who would be served, lottery access, accountability, and whether the bill would worsen inequities or strain public schools; many public speakers opposed the bill on similar grounds, arguing it would divert resources from already underfunded schools. The sponsor clarified that Schools of Hope recruitment is exempt from lottery, that the bill would not use classrooms already in use, and that districts would receive $600 per student plus associated funding for vacant space. Despite mixed debate, CS for SB 1708 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 822, which updates charter school governance by limiting sponsor-imposed deadlines, preventing enrollment caps below facility capacity, improving data sharing, and allowing high-performing charter schools to assume existing charters. A charter school advocate supported the bill as a fairness and efficiency measure, while senators pressed him on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for the bill’s deadline changes. After brief debate, CS/SB 822 was reported favorably. The meeting ended with members recording votes on prior tabs and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, Rio Dell relied on voluntary donations to assemble recovery services.
• It also requires that this funding go through the California Department of Emergency Services.
• An erotic service provider is anybody who earns a living from their erotic labor.
• That is why so many of us in the fire service support AB 270. Thank you.
• All right, Assembly Bill 549, Gabriel, Emergency Services, Human Trafficking.

Summary: The Emergency Management Committee met to adopt its rules and hear a series of disaster- and public safety-related bills. Several measures were placed on consent and approved, including bills sending items to Appropriations, Natural Resources, Judiciary, Labor and Employment, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 262, by Assembly Member Caloza, proposed a California Individual Assistance Act to create a state grant program for disaster-related costs when federal aid is unavailable; supporters cited Rio Dell’s earthquake recovery as an example, while some members raised concerns about eligibility, cost, and whether the bill could aid undocumented residents. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote. AB 549, by Assembly Member Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics, with supporters emphasizing public safety and anti-trafficking planning. An opposition witness argued the bill could be used to justify prostitution arrests and misuse trafficking funds, but the committee members largely supported the coordination concept, and the bill passed 6-0 to Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 270, by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, would establish a three-year pilot for autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters overseen by the Orange County Fire Authority; supporters described it as a way to extend wildfire response into conditions where crewed aircraft are limited, and the bill passed 6-0 to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, sought to require Ventura County water districts in high fire-risk areas to top off tanks during red flag warnings, maintain backup generators, and harden critical water infrastructure. Water agencies opposed the bill unless amended, citing cost, flexibility, and liability concerns, while the author argued the requirements were necessary after failures during the Thomas Fire; it passed 6-1 to Utilities and Energy. AB 615, by Assembly Member Davies, required emergency response plans to be submitted with initial applications for battery energy storage and other energy facilities and to be reviewed with local responders; it passed 7-0 to Utilities and Energy. AB 1075, concerning privately contracted firefighters, also passed on consent to Natural Resources. Finally, AB 1143, by Assembly Member Bennett, would create a voluntary statewide home hardening certification program through the State Fire Marshal; supporters called it a best-practices approach to reduce wildfire losses and insurance risk, and it passed to Natural Resources. The committee then completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned after all bills were moved out.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think not just for public information, but this improved service delivery, the research and service
• Thank you, Chair. with this improved service delivery, the research and service delivery, it's going
• mental health centers, college health services, private practice, and academia.
• In Florida, we have 2,500 psychiatrists, and the need for psychiatric services is great.
• We understand that it's to increase access to mental health services.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to share that before I joined the state, I ran a local direct service organization in the Bay
• I ran a local direct service organization in the Bay Area for 40 years and worked with people and so.
• direct service organization in the Bay Area for 40 years and worked with people in the community trying
• How is the service level determined?
• So there's kind of two pieces to that current service level adjustment.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Across California, we're seeing an increase in intentional disruptions of worship services.
• That's 10% of the nation's attacks on faith and worship services.
• But there is a line between expressing disagreement and intentionally disrupting a worship service.
• . ...cannot get in or get out, and they can terrorize them while they're in those church services.
• We just want to make sure that the evidence can support the Department of Social Services as well.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the non-tax revenue receipts is their phone service. The residential services program.
• We talked about some of the positions not being in the shared services area.
• Leslie Fiskin, Secretary, Shared Administrative Services.
• services for departments.
• services for departments.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first adopted revised JBC rules, which staff said were updated to reflect legislation passed in the 2025 session. It then heard a presentation from DFA Secretary Jim Hudson on the governor’s proposed balanced budget for FY27, with no action taken. Hudson said the budget reflects three priorities: limiting state-government growth, continuing investments in education, and advancing income-tax cuts. He highlighted increases for education funding through EFAs, pay-plan costs for Corrections, DPS, and the Attorney General, higher education productivity funding, drug task forces, a Corrections medical contract, the governor’s 1033 initiative, SNAP error-rate reduction efforts, and an additional $100 million set aside for Medicaid sustainability. Committee members questioned the size of the tax cuts, the balance requirement, public education funding, Medicaid trust-fund levels, EFA funding, and the expected impact of new SNAP cost-sharing rules. The Division of Higher Education then presented its productivity-based funding recommendations. Officials said institutions were 2.61% more productive overall, with funding changes driven by a statutory formula that rewards degree production, underserved populations, and high-demand fields. Members asked about declines at UA Little Rock, the formula’s multipliers, the role of the Arkansas Access Act and a new return-on-investment metric, and how two-year colleges are adjusted for size. The committee also reviewed special items and approved two letters: one authorizing 17 net personnel changes across nine institutions, and another adding special language for North Arkansas College’s entry into the University of Arkansas system. The committee then adopted the Higher Education Coordinating Board’s recommendations for all institutions. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on the University of Arkansas system, especially Fayetteville’s athletics funding and the broader impact of the House/NIL settlement. Chancellor Charles Robinson and system officials explained that the board had waived a longstanding campus transfer and directed the university to provide an additional $6 million to athletics, with some costs likely to be passed through to students but partially offset by existing budget growth. Members debated whether the university should prioritize academics or athletics, how the transfer originated, and whether the athletic changes would affect affordability. The committee also discussed the 1890 extension program at UAPB and the Division of Agriculture’s land-grant funding. UAPB officials said the state match is intended to be one-to-one, that the current recommendation aligns appropriation with actual spending, and that a $2 million set-aside remains available if needed. The Division of Agriculture later clarified that its Smith-Lever extension and Hatch research funds are part of the UA system’s separate budget and that the state matched about $6.2 million in federal extension funding last year. The committee then moved to the Department of Corrections. It approved G1, transferring 51 positions to the secretary’s office to activate a recidivism program, with an estimated cost of about $4 million. Staff then began walking through the department’s FY27 budget, noting an increase of about $8 million for administration and shared services, including a $170,000 sex-offender assessment appropriation moved under Act 723 of 2025 and roughly $6 million more for medical contracts. Questions on the Corrections budget had just begun when the transcript ended.