Transcript Highlights:

• Overall, this is a balanced budget package.
• Moving on with additional no-cost items, in our fraud detection and prevention package, we've added a
• very important task in front of us that the governor is In terms of determining how to put forward a package
• That is Willie Jett, and I do believe that is the Department of Education, and that matches and I have

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm focusing here on the $100 million, which is a pot of money for grants to match federal grants to
• I'm focusing here on the $100 million, which is a pot of money for grants to match federal grants to
• I'm focusing here on the $100 million, which is a pot of money for grants to match federal grants to
• core to make sure that we have matching core to make sure that we have matching dollars<00:43:43.319
• And this operating adjustment is part of the governor's budget, which is part of the overall package

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislative budget package will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101, which we will consider on the
• We're available for questions, and if it's all right, I had a couple of reflections on the package as
• So we don't always see the dollars match up accordingly.
• of rate increases, and it was in that package.
• But when Prop 35 was approved, it undid the legislative package. Interesting.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• 50% matching funds. 50% matching funds.
• I know it wouldn't match<05:37:19.720> me<05:37:19.920> but<05:37:20.400> um match
• My reservation was specifically because this was part of the OHA package.
• <05:44:01.920> OHA this was part of the OHA package.
• OHA this was part of the OHA package.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We—yes, Representative Trollsey, I'm not sure it's matching, but we have on 178 and 179, that's where
• HB 171 is a large bill that combines many unrelated education policies into one package that includes
• should be a place at HB 1071 is a large bill that combines many unrelated education policies into one package
• HB 1071 is a large education bill that combines many different and unrelated policies into one package
• call the big bad bill, because it combines a wide range of unrelated K-12 policies into one massive package

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures. In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So altogether, when we get everything in the package It's $2,600.
• So, we tried to kind of package them and bring those resources to them in the regions across the route
• So, we tried to kind of package them and bring those resources to them in the regions across the route
• There's also a federal or grant matching rate of 8% for salaries that are paid by external or non-state
• then, you've got the breakdown of the dedicated revenue, member contributions, and the employer matching

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, it's what I experienced in our company where we were selecting benefit packages for our 1,200 employees
• think, make it attractive to work for the state, at least from a monetary standpoint, is our benefit packages
• I noticed that the first organization that was named in the letter didn't match what I knew to be true
• I noticed that the first organization that was named in the letter didn't match what I knew to be true
• We don't allow that on tobacco packaging, and that the federal labeling is sufficient.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition. House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1. The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1. The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Package, distribute throughout the entire nation, all 50 states, uh, through all the major retailers.
• Our H-2A program doesn't match controlled environment agriculture.

Transcript Highlights:

• He concluded his collegiate career with a record of 99 and 4. collegiate match with a score of 2 to1.
• collegiate match with a score of 2 to1.
• He concluded his collegiate matches.
• The the bill associated with a match.
• boxing matches boxing matches and<03:34:14.000> now<03:34:14.239> being<03:34:14.880

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their budget line item on the PUC doesn't match what they're actually passing today.
• It's just matching the amount that they're actually passing. >> Okay. So everything is status quo.
• the amount that they're matching the amount that they're actually<00:22:08.400> passing.
• House as both um your packages or your House as both um your packages or your themes<01:11:10.239>
• It also has your package and ship out.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have several bid packages out for the capital building that include the electrical gear and transformers
• We have several bid packages out for the capital building that include the electrical gear and transformers
• reconciliation of all the B bid packages reconciliation of all the B bid packages with<00:25:54.200
• Have we gotten the bid package back on the air, the electric and early equipment procurement?
• What about the site and building utilities bid package? It is due February 27th.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 Capitol Renovations Update 00:00:40 Damage from Recent Disaster Discussion 00:33:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third meeting of the session and received an update on the Capitol renovation project from Finance and Administration Secretary Holly Johnson and State Budget Director John Hicks. They reported the project budget remains $291.52 million, with Messer Construction as construction manager, and said the temporary legislative chamber completion has slipped into 2025 because of wiring, voting machine, KET camera, and canopy work. They outlined the current bid schedule: site and utility bids due February 27, 2025; roofing and fourth-floor structural work due April 24; major renovation bids due May 23; bid review in late May and early June; roofing and fourth-floor work beginning in late June; and overall construction starting July 7, 2025. A major focus of the discussion was the project contingency, which officials said is only $10.8 million for an older building with significant unknown conditions. They explained that earlier investigations led to about $60 million in value engineering cuts, including more than $40 million tied to unexpectedly extensive terrace damage on the north, south, and east sides. The terraces were originally expected to need only minor work, but officials said investigations showed reconstruction would eventually be necessary and could not be handled by simple restoration. They also said the mechanical equipment plan changed from a basement location to a vault under the east parking lot, and that the west terrace will still see some ADA-related work. Committee members questioned why the terrace work was not included in the current budget, whether doing it later would cost more, and why bids and construction planning had taken so long. Officials said the terraces were left out because of cost, that future work would likely be more expensive because of market escalation, and that the timing reflected extensive investigation needed to produce reliable bids. Members also raised concerns about scaffolding and the temporary chambers; officials clarified that the scaffolding discussed was for the separate Capitol Dome project, not the chamber project, and said the Dome scaffolding is part of that project cost and is expected to come down in early 2027. They said the temporary chambers are expected to be used for three sessions, through the 28th session, with a return to the Capitol planned for the 29th session, and that public tours of the Capitol would likely end around June depending on the bid results and construction schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal raised the credit from the base tax credit from 20 percent to 30 to 40 percent, matching
• This bill contains all of the statutory provisions for our child care and preschool budget package, which
• This bill contains all of the statutory provisions for our child care and preschool budget package, which
• Today's budget package expedites a third-party technical evaluation of the project to determine what
• Today's budget package expedites a third party technical evaluation of the project to determine what

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sustainability and climate and transportation plans, and they have not aligned their own plans to match
• SB 629 is one of 13 bills in the Senate’s fire response, recovery, rebuilding, and prevention package
• “It’s fire response, recovery, rebuilding, and prevention package.
• APR members are the companies that recycle close to five billion pounds of plastic packaging each year
• This bill is needed to solve a specific problem that beverage companies and other plastic producer packaging

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, adopted the consent calendar for SB 423 and SB 581, and then heard a series of bills, most of which were presented as streamlining or safety measures tied to transportation, climate, public lands, health care, and higher education. SB 71 by Senator Wiener would extend and expand a CEQA exemption for sustainable transportation projects, adding modes such as microtransit, paratransit, shuttles, and ferries, while also accepting committee amendments that narrowed a Tier 4 diesel rail provision, restored existing right-of-way language with utility protections, and set a new sunset date. Support came from transit agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups; some members raised concerns about the diesel rail language and possible interactions with housing-related legislation, but the bill advanced on a due pass vote as amended. The committee then heard SB 614 by Senator Stern on carbon dioxide pipeline safety. The bill would direct the State Fire Marshal to adopt safety standards for intrastate CO2 pipelines, building from federal draft rules and adding state discretion and possible enhanced protections such as planning zones and more detailed exposure modeling. Supporters argued California needs to fill a federal regulatory gap to advance carbon capture and climate goals, while environmental justice and conservation groups opposed unless amended, citing risks from CO2 leaks and asking for stronger siting restrictions and more specificity. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, with members noting the need for continued work on the safety provisions. Senator Arreguín also presented SB 304, which would temporarily lift public trust use restrictions on specific land at Jack London Square to allow the Port of Oakland more leasing flexibility under conditions and annual reporting. The measure was described as a limited, time-bound effort to address high vacancy and revitalize the waterfront, and it drew support from Oakland city and county representatives with no opposition in the room. The committee then approved SB 304 on a due pass vote. Arreguín’s SB 830 followed, creating CEQA streamlining for Sutter Health’s new Emeryville hospital campus and designating the City of Emeryville as lead agency; supporters said it would preserve East Bay hospital access before seismic deadlines, and the bill passed with broad support and no opposition. Finally, Senator Caballero presented SB 486, a higher education planning bill intended to align UC and CSU enrollment growth with regional sustainable communities plans and to remove the need to analyze a no-project alternative in certain long-range development plans. Supporters said the bill would better integrate university enrollment forecasting into regional planning, while opponents warned that eliminating the no-project analysis could weaken accountability for housing and infrastructure impacts around campuses. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for further clarification, but the bill was moved out on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The transcript then shifted to SB 629, a fire response and rebuilding bill, with the author describing amendments to apply fire safety requirements in wildfire-burned areas, update fire mapping, and require annual defensible space inspections, though the discussion was cut off before any final action was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal will match how many days they can bill with that factor so that it's equivalent.
• how much how many days they will match how much how many days they can<01:20:31.560> bill<01:
• resources matching resources matching um<01:24:55.040> funds<01:24:56.000> um<01:24
• So this year, the fraud package includes changes in authority, ability for earlier intervention, and
• <01:45:32.840> includes this year the fraud package includes this year the fraud package includes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I was trying to get this to be part of a larger package.
• I was trying to get this to be part of a larger package.
• I was trying to get this to be part of a larger package.
• I was trying to get this to be part of a larger package.
• I was trying to get this to be part of a larger package.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 379 is this year's securities package that seeks to build off the modernization and reforms that have
• This year's securities package will amend Chapter 517 of the Florida Statutes in the following ways.
• These changes will allow OFR to continue to work with the FBI and use their database to process and match

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the local government road fund has a 25% match, whereas the transportation project fund has a 5% match
• And so it's a very different local match on those different funds. And I believe, Mr.
• And then line 84 is tied to a federal program that we could potentially get a very big match for if they
• That's the package. Fantastic.
• Chair, the money's been—so number 351, the Secretary said of the bonding package, it's done.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another strength is that the evaluators plan to use a matched comparison group design, which increases
• As you can see, there's a matched comparison group, a control group.
• high-quality materials is that they'll look at the actual standards being taught and how well they match
• I fear I may not be fully answering, but it's not necessarily just about matching standards; they are
• Package, and so that should be something that the legislature, along with the executive, looks at as

Transcript Highlights:

• But I got to know her even more when we had a retreat, and we sat down, and we all had to be matched,
• He was instrumental in the tax package known as an act to improve the Commonwealth's competitiveness,
• made bus service free, funded low-income MBTA fares, and passed the most comprehensive tax relief package
• made bus service free, funded low-income MBTA fares, and passed the most comprehensive tax relief package
• We've already worked together to pass one of the largest tax reduction packages in our state's history

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:

• We have a behavioral health package overview, Adrian. Wonderful. Mr.
• Today, I'm going to give you a brief overview of the behavioral health package, which comprises three
• to be able to connect these behavioral health systems to criminal competency and whatever criminal package
• The success of that model is what's basically inspiring this package. What I say, Mr.
• So, the LFC framework proposes a state Capital outlay package totaling about 525 million dollars, 275