Transcript Highlights:

• She is an educator and truly a historic woman here in the city of Annapolis.
• Colleagues, please give her a warm Senate welcome. continued commitment to civic education continued
• She is an educator Blackshear herself.
• </c><00:12:29.960><c> And</c> left, and I'm done my education."
• And left, and I'm done my education."

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate version does not include a small exemption for chatbots used specifically for educational
• So we think an exception for these types of very narrow education-based tools makes sense.
• You could also put language near Section 2, be a new Section 3, for narrowly tailored educational tools
• So we think an exception for these types of very narrow education-based tools makes sense.
• And as I mentioned, there are some educational provisions that are in the House bill as well that are

Summary: The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the bill provides rulemaking authority to the Board of Education, as with any education policy.
• And then I had to physically sign a piece of paper, and I had to do that twice a year. the education
• organization for the Department of Education.
• Foundation, which is our direct service organization 1179 for the Department of Education at this fund
• Either the 1180 for the Department of Education at this fund.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, beginning with HB 423 on school elopement plans for students with autism or other elopement risks. The sponsors described the bill as a statewide framework for school elopement response plans, immediate parent notification, campus search procedures, and staff training. Public testimony from parents, disability advocates, and a teacher emphasized the dangers of elopement and the need for standardized procedures; members from both parties spoke strongly in support. The bill was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. The committee next considered HB 1253, which allows coaches to use limited personal funds, up to $15,000 per athletic team per year, to support student-athletes with food, transportation, and physical rehabilitation services. An amendment added guardrails, including that the coach be a school employee, clarified the scope of athletic associations covered, and refined the rehabilitation language. Members discussed the bill as a way to help students in need while avoiding recruiting concerns, and the bill passed favorably 14-0 after the amendment was adopted. HB 1091 addressed dental screenings for K-12 students in districts that voluntarily offer them. The bill requires advance written notice to parents and an opt-out process, and clarifies that screenings are informational only, with any findings sent to parents rather than compelling treatment. An amendment added the language to student welfare provisions as well as school health services. Public testimony from dental and health advocates supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably 14-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 765 on child care and early learning services. The bill expands before- and after-care options for certain school-based preschool programs without requiring a child care facility license, removes a flu brochure inspection requirement, bars insurance cancellation based on providing child care, creates a professional recognition program, and establishes a child care tuition fund. Two amendments broadened the bill to public and nonpublic elementary schools and created the Brighter Futures fund concept. After debate, the bill passed favorably 13-1, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Teaching our kids about the accurate history helps our educational institutions.
• We pride ourselves on being a state that educates doesn't indoctrinate.
• Educators and researchers would face confusion that is standard everywhere else in the world.
• It simply addresses state... documents and proper education.
• Kathleen Marie: I am the State Education Director for Citizens Defending Freedom speaking in support

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:22.960><c> um</c><00:08:23.599><c> you</c><00:08:23.840><c> know</c><00:08:24.400><c> educating
• </c><00:08:24.960><c> and</c> kind of um you know educating and kind of um you know educating and providing
• She asked whether they would be amenable to getting more education.
• You've got to create some incentive before we start the education process.
• them on how to work together educating them on how to work together on<00:13:09.200><c> this</c><00:

Committee: House Health Services

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 02:05 - Discussion of 26RS HB 178 14:05 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 178 15:05 - Discussion of 26RS HB 280 20:00 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 280 22:00 - Discussion of 26RS HJR 24 24:30 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HJR 24 26:00 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair Canady: EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE WILL COME TO ORDER.
• IS THERE ANY TYPE EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT
• AND YOU MENTIONED HIGHER EDUCATION.
• OF THOSE 18 PERCENT CAME FROM SCHOOLS OR EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS.
• FLORIDA IS REMOVING EDUCATION AND REMOVING ANY EDUCATIONAL POSSIBILITY FOR MINORS TO LEARN ABOUT, PREVENT

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Judiciary Committee, to whom has been referred Senate Education Committee substitute
• health providers to ensure that I don't believe we're going to move the needle in this state on education
• Care Program to the Early Childhood Education Fund.
• Today with us we have Christine Becker and Robert Becker from Sundance Educational Consulting, and they
• Becker and Robert Becker from Sundance Educational Consulting, and they do a myriad of work on behalf

Transcript Highlights:

• Orange and maroon Legislative Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of higher education
• to a thriving city of over 42,000 residents with a strong infrastructure built on the pillars of education
• Of educating all students for success, I see the faculty and staff every day work tirelessly to foster
• a supportive, challenging, and safe educational environment.
• It has built a reputation as a hub of innovation, industry, education, and tourism.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will provide education and training for mental health professionals.
• </c><01:10:46.040><c> and</c> veterans in need public education and veterans in need public education
• </c><03:00:24.800><c> component</c> uh implemented an educational component uh implemented an educational
• </c><03:41:10.000><c> and</c> hard to remove and based education and hard to remove and based education
• </c><03:52:51.399><c> the</c> their part as well right educating the their part as well right educating

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Courtney Salas Ford, Department of Education. Greg Rogers, Department of Education.
• And I just want to say thank you so much to the Department of Education for your entire work on this
• revenue because it is not addressed in these statutes and not governed at all by the Department of Education
• tax revenue because not addressed in these statutes and not governed at all by the Department of Education
• . ...has not been addressed in these statutes and is not governed at all by the Department of Education

Committee: All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered an emergency rule from the Department of Education amending consolidation and annexation rules to implement Act 919 of 2025 and Act 157 of the 2026 fiscal session. Department staff explained the change was needed to support newly detached isolated school districts while avoiding financial hardship for the parent districts by preserving declining-enrollment funding, local tax revenue, and using existing unused department funds rather than new appropriations. Senator Irvin emphasized the policy background and financial mechanics, and the committee reviewed and approved the emergency rule without objection, effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on June 19, 2026. The committee then approved an emergency rule from the Department of Human Services allowing hospitals to open separate adolescent substance use disorder units and receive payment for residential services provided to adolescents. Senator Irvin requested the item be brought to the Public Health committee for an update, and the rule was approved without objection, also effective June 19, 2026. The committee next heard a waiver request from Whitehall for cooperative purchasing over $1 million for construction services tied to a specific vendor and system; the athletic director said the vendor had a strong track record and the project would begin in late August 2026 and finish in November 2026. The waiver was approved on motion. In the director’s report, the committee adopted the same per diem, mileage, and expense allocations for the coming fiscal year, noting committees had not spent their full allocations. It also approved a motion to cancel the July 2026 Legislative Council meeting because of scheduling conflicts, while allowing subcommittees to meet in July only for items with imminent need; any July subcommittee actions will be final and reported to the full council at its August 21, 2026 meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's Letter 20 is for the Department of Education.
• that the Department of Education will pay the EBD employer contribution for school districts.
• Governor's letter number 20 is for the Department of Education.
• Also for the Department of Department. 39 through 43 pages also for the Department of Education this
• amends Arkansas code to comply with Act 909 of 2025 designating that the Department of Education will

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Summary: The Special Language subcommittee met with a quorum and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members heard housekeeping about the subcommittee’s call-based schedule and its role in reviewing only special language, not appropriations or personnel items. The committee then considered amendments affecting the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Correction, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Safety, shared administrative services, Commerce/Workforce Services, and Environment and Quality. Key items included language directing DFA to limit administrative costs for pregnancy help organizations to 25% of awards; removing conflicting language so county jail reimbursement funds can only receive transfers in, not out; updating code to assign child nutrition responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture; implementing Act 909 of 2025 changes for school district EBD employer contributions and teacher equalization funds; and allowing the state CFO to waive a 3% central services fee for agricultural promotion boards to keep more funds in the industry. Members also discussed using Camp Robinson facility revenues for maintenance, allowing shared services billing under the Arkansas Forward Initiative, designating Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as the state unit for vocational rehab grants, and capping used tire program reimbursement rates at $2.31 starting July 1, 2026. There was brief discussion on the agriculture fee waiver, with questions about its purpose, duration, and possible precedent; agency officials said it was a discretionary, point-in-time waiver meant to help the farm sector during a crisis. Another question addressed reporting on crisis pregnancy center grants, with DFA noting no grant funds had yet been distributed this fiscal year. Each amendment was adopted by voice vote, item 9 was skipped because it was superseded by item 10, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like I said, this isn't educational.
• Like I said, this isn't educational.
• individualized education fit within the individualized education plan<01:15:51.199><c> so</c><01:15:
• </c><01:17:22.600><c> so</c> child to be able to get an education so child to be able to get an education
• </c><01:17:57.400><c> that</c> helping a kid get the education that helping a kid get the education that

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are invited back as active members of the community to events, educational classes, retreats, and
• We need a grant program that supports organizations just like that one, ones that uplift, educate, and
• It also provided the foundation for our prenatal and parenting education programs, which equip mothers
• It also provided the foundation for our prenatal and parenting education programs, which equip mothers
• It also provided the foundation for our prenatal and parenting education programs, which equip mothers

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, she’s head of Joint Finance, the Education Committee.
• system, particularly in the area of special education.
• No child is considered non-educable. No child is considered non-educable because of you.
• No child is considered non-educable because of you.
• But unlike some of the other bills, it did go through the Education Committee.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education is tasked with enforcing federal civil rights laws in education and may request
• higher education.
• The Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act is simple.
• and defund higher education.
• The Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act is simple.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on AI, privacy, and surveillance. SB 903 would prohibit AI from independently providing psychotherapy or presenting itself as a licensed mental health provider, require disclosure and informed consent, and reinforce confidentiality and privacy protections for therapy records. Supporters, including a mother and therapist whose son died by suicide after extensive chats with ChatGPT, argued the bill is needed to prevent harmful, crisis-related interactions. Behavioral health groups and labor/privacy organizations supported the measure, while TechNet, the California Medical Association, and the California Hospital Association opposed unless amended, saying the bill could restrict useful clinical tools and create conflicts around triage, screening, and data use. The committee passed SB 903 4-0 to Appropriations, with members noting the need for further work on definitions and implementation. SB 1119 would create a broader framework for chatbot safety for children, including annual risk assessments, crisis response protocols, default child protections, parental controls, notice and time limits, restrictions on advertising and use of children’s data, incident reporting, audits, and a private right of action. The author and supporters again cited the death of Adam Raine as evidence that chatbots can reinforce suicidal ideation and isolate children. Common Sense Media and several labor and privacy groups supported the bill. CalChamber, TechNet, the California State Sheriffs’ Association, and other industry and local government groups opposed unless amended, raising concerns about vague standards, overlap with SB 243, prescriptive design mandates, and litigation risk. The committee approved SB 1119 4-0 to Judiciary, with amendments to be taken there. The committee also heard SB 1013, which would tighten rules for automated license plate reader data by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, and a 30-day retention limit for most data. Supporters said the bill responds to documented misuse and over-retention of data that mostly belongs to innocent drivers. Law enforcement groups opposed, arguing the retention limit would hinder investigations and reduce the usefulness of ALPRs in serious or delayed cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 1292, a local control bill for six cities, would allow camera or sensor-based enforcement of curb and loading zones, with a human reviewing each violation before issuance. Supporters said it would help cities manage congestion and unsafe blocking of bike lanes and loading zones; privacy advocates warned about expanding automated surveillance. It passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard SB 1101, which would require higher education institutions to notify students, faculty, and staff when personal information is shared with federal agencies and limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters framed it as a transparency and anti-doxing measure in response to recent federal investigations and subpoenas; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. The committee then began hearing SB 951, the California Worker Technological Displacement Act, which would require advance notice and reporting when employers displace workers due to technology and give displaced workers priority for openings, but the transcript cuts off before the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• on local education regulatory burdens on local education providers. providers. providers.
• </c> 1299 and the education committee report. 1299 and the education committee report.
• part of the bill in relation to educator evaluations, and we ask for your yes vote on the education
• part of the bill in relation to educator evaluations, and we ask for your yes vote on the education
• </c> education committee report as amended. education committee report as amended.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “In other public settings, especially in the Department of Education.
• Motions do pass to Education Committee. Callra? Aye. I. Dixon.
• Every child in California deserves to pursue a public education without fear.
• CABE works to promote bilingual education and quality educational experiences for all students in California
• Sam Nash, on behalf of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, in support. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• He went on to work at Cal State Fullerton in the area of education.
• ,</c><00:14:34.639><c> public</c> Menor Duncan, a devoted educator, public Menor Duncan, a devoted educator
• </c> dedicating his life to education, Mr. dedicating his life to education, Mr.
• </c><00:15:13.600><c> Then</c> Fullerton in the area of education.
• Then Fullerton in the area of education.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So people that are trying to get to work, whether it's in the medical field, the education field, or
• So people that are trying to get to work, whether it's in the medical field, the education field, or
• And every day, I mean, we're working on enhancing our education, our vocational training, our skills,
• Education, the education recidivization. Certainly help the recidivism. Yes, ma'am, absolutely.
• Education—the education recidivism rates, I think, are at 24%.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 4037 creates the educational opportunity tax credit and specifies how much the tax credit
• It's only the household that has a child that chooses not to engage in non-public education that gets
• It entangles us with taxpayer funds and compromises our educational freedom.
• We did not seek out this, and it would fundamentally change our educational choice.
• choose an education category are treated collectively in policy and statute; they're not individuals

Committee: House House Ways & Means Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2290, which would clarify transaction privilege tax sourcing rules for tangible personal property by specifying that servers are not used to determine where an order is received and by defining business location. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill simply codifies existing origin-based treatment for Arizona businesses and provides certainty, while the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and ATRA warned it would shift revenue, create compliance problems, and potentially subject businesses to multiple tax rates depending on distribution or pickup locations. The Department of Revenue said it was neutral, noted a 2023 draft ruling had reflected a legal analysis of the issue but was never finalized, and said the bill would address a real need for clarity. After extensive debate over examples involving feed stores, Target, pizza delivery, and online orders, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return HB 2290 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 2373, which would add a space on the individual income tax return for taxpayers to voluntarily contribute part of a refund to the Veterans Donations Fund or Veterans Service Organization Fund. The sponsor and a veterans policy advocate said the measure would give taxpayers a simple way to support veterans organizations, with examples from Colorado and local veterans projects. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0 with one absent, and was returned with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 2143, a technical PSPRS measure that would limit the 5% ownership cap to publicly traded corporations. PSPRS representatives said the change would align the statute with its intended purpose, reduce unnecessary workarounds and legal costs, and preserve broader investment flexibility while maintaining other risk controls. Members discussed how the cap compares with ASRS and other retirement systems, and the bill was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.