Transcript Highlights:

• clean, meaning that nothing will appear on his background check if he volunteers at an elementary school
• Senate Bill 1181 by Senator Hurtado, an act relating to school safety. Senator.
• This bill is a modest pilot that turns it to local communities through their school districts, their
• You have to get the commitment of the school districts to participate.
• as of lately, as we've seen rises in school shootings.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through motions, appointments, and third-reading bills. Senator McNerney moved SB 1011 to the inactive file. The chamber confirmed Preston Prince to the California Housing Finance Agency Board and Stephanie Landrugin to the State Mining and Geology Board, both by recorded vote. The Senate also adopted a large consent calendar and later announced budget subcommittee meetings before adjourning House of Origin work for the year. Several policy bills passed unanimously or with broad support. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby requires disclosure when advertisements use synthetic performers created by AI. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire updates fisheries management, including Dungeness crab rules and steelhead trout provisions. SB 995 by Senator Pérez creates stronger oversight for involuntary residential facilities, including immigration detention and secure youth treatment facilities. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado establishes an Office of Food Security and Affordability to improve coordination of food assistance programs. SB 1266 by Senator Stern changes how copper wire theft damages are valued, SB 1211 by Senator González clarifies authority for conviction integrity units, and SB 1302 by Senator Wahab reauthorizes the Board of Registered Nursing. The most debated measure was SB 1373 by Senator Grove, which would narrow mental health diversion eligibility and exclude certain serious offenses, especially crimes against children and other violent conduct. Supporters, including Senator Rubio and the Senate Public Safety chair, argued it preserves treatment access while restoring public safety guardrails; the bill passed 32-0. SB 1181 by Senator Hurtado, aimed at youth safety and coordination on threats such as trafficking and online exploitation, drew discussion over the removal of fusion centers from the bill; several senators supported the amended approach while others wanted more detail, and it passed 33-0. The Senate concluded by noting it had dispensed with 341 bills during the month and announced the next floor session for June 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's pretty old school, and he doesn't even have a debit or credit card. He still has a flip phone.
• past two weeks, I've had examples of people from my district who... ...took junior high and high school
• Yeah, it wouldn't be the worker. school super that has put that policy in place.
• School superintendent, if it's a Misha thing? Well, Misha would be held responsible for that.
• Louis boy; I grew up, graduated from Kirkwood High School, bounced around the St. Louis area.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So my father-in-law is pretty old school, and he doesn't even have a debit or credit card.
• Because you used an example of like a Misha, you know, a high school event.
• Would a high school event be considered a retail establishment?
• School superintendent, if it's a Misha thing? Well, Misha would be held responsible for that.
• High School bounced around the St. Louis area.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3256, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Dernel, which would require businesses to accept U.S. cash and prohibit cashless-only establishments, with exceptions such as unattended fuel pumps, card security deposits, and businesses that convert cash to a no-fee prepaid card for on-site use. Dernel argued the bill protects seniors, veterans, children, and unbanked or underbanked consumers who may be excluded by cashless policies, and said cash is legal tender and important for privacy and access. She also said she would remove an outdated subsection referencing banks or credit unions. Members raised concerns about whether the bill improperly limits business discretion, whether cashless policies can improve safety and reduce costs, and whether the bill’s definitions were too broad or unclear. Questions focused on what counts as a “retail establishment,” whether the bill would apply to schools, doctors, apps, and event venues, and who would be liable for violations. One member noted possible conflict with existing Missouri law on legal tender and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions and revisions. Testimony was mixed. The Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association supported the bill, saying cashless trends and credit card fees hurt gas stations and convenience stores, though they asked for practical exceptions. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposed the bill, arguing businesses should decide their own payment policies, especially for safety and operational reasons, and objected to the proposed Class D misdemeanor penalty, which they said is harsher than penalties in other states. Additional witnesses from consumer and advocacy groups spoke in favor, emphasizing consumer choice and the continued need for cash. No final vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board. Third.
• Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board.
• Dene Gus was elected Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.
• A 39-year educator with a doctorate in educational leadership, she supports 24 school districts, eight
• Jim had a quick sense of humor, teaching all the boys at the high school, at the all-boys high school

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and journal requirements to facilitate the floor session and a budget subcommittee hearing notice. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 114, designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, property rights, and California’s economy. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote, 40-0, and Grove introduced Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association, as a guest. The main item of the day was Senate Resolution 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar presented the resolution, highlighting women’s leadership and the need to continue advancing equity, pay protections, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Pérez, Hurtado, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, each underscoring the contributions of women in public service, civil rights, labor, science, education, and community leadership. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded with an extended recognition ceremony for the 42 Women of the Year honorees from Senate districts statewide, with brief biographies read into the record. The session also included an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby, who described his work as a teacher, coach, and community volunteer. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board.
• Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board.
• Dene Gus was elected Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.
• A 39-year educator with a doctorate in educational leadership, she supports 24 school districts, eight
• Jim had a quick sense of humor, teaching all the boys at the high school, at the all-boys high school

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board.
• Prior to that, she served four years on the Folsom Cordova School Board.
• Dene Gus was elected Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.
• A 39-year educator with a doctorate in educational leadership, she supports 24 school districts, eight
• Jim had a quick sense of humor, teaching all the boys at the high school.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• municipality who has a property tax that, you know, they put in prior to 1975, any fire district, school
• Louis, for example, that had a school district property tax before 1975... Yes.
• They love their school district. They love their community college.
• Again, no offense to the public school system, right?
• Again, no offense to the public school system, right?

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up in the gallery today, we have the Blaine County School District Superintendent, Mr.
• Fowdy, along with Lara Stone, who is the chair of the school district board.
• Up in the gallery today, we have the Blaine County School District Superintendent, Mr.
• Fowdy, along with Lara Stone, who is the chair of the school district board.
• You know, in the gallery we've got some members of the Coeur d'Alene school district.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are here visiting the Capitol to kick off School Choice Week.
• And again, you might remember from last week, school choice advocate Shiri Sapir is with us.
• SB 1315, public schools and operable communications requirements. Education.
• SB 1299, bleed control kits, school districts. SB 1301, business relocation.
• Our children in school should not be witnessing this horrific situation...

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates, Arizona Society of CPAs members, the Arizona Airports Association, and students from Onyose Day Academy. A proclamation was read declaring January 26, 2006, as Arizona Aviation Day, highlighting the economic and public-safety importance of Arizona’s aviation sector and its airports. The bulk of the meeting consisted of points of personal privilege and floor statements, many focused on condemning recent deaths and injuries involving federal immigration enforcement actions in Arizona and other states. Senators called for investigations, transparency, due process, and an end to what they described as excessive force and warrantless enforcement. One senator also read a resolution supporting human rights and the people of Iran, condemning state violence and supporting secular protections and international accountability. The chamber also handled routine business, including gubernatorial nominations, which were referred to the appropriate committees, and the introduction and first reading of numerous bills and resolutions covering topics such as taxes, education, immigration, elections, health care, water, labor, housing, firearms, and appropriations. After committee announcements, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed/adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are here visiting the Capitol to kick off School Choice Week.
• SB 1315, public schools and operable communications requirements. Education.
• SB 1370, patriotic youth groups school access. Education.
• Our children in school should not be witnessing this horrific situation.
• SB 1408, appropriation, public schools, trees.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The national anthem will be performed by the Wapato High School Choir, directed by Aaron Nix.
• As high school students, Colleen and her sister worked at a metals plant where they're a very school.
• As high school students, Colleen and her sister worked at a metals plant where their dad was employed
• We should also use the gains from the millionaire's tax to put more money back into K-12 schools and
• For example, would you consider going to your high schools to promote this wonderful opportunity?

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The joint session of the Washington Legislature convened to receive Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address, with the House and Senate roll called and a quorum confirmed. The chamber recognized Supreme Court justices, statewide elected officials, tribal leaders, consular corps members, and other guests before the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem by the Wapato High School Choir, a prayer by Reverend Indiana Driver Gimmer, and a poem by State Poet Laureate Derek Sheffield. The governor opened by thanking those present and highlighting recent flooding as a major test of the state’s resilience, praising first responders, National Guard members, WSDOT crews, and local leaders for their response and recovery efforts. In his address, Ferguson said Washington’s economy remains strong but argued the state must make major investments in transportation, ferries, housing, and affordability. He proposed more than a billion dollars for bridge repairs, $164 million for road paving this summer, another billion dollars for three new ferries, and a $244 million housing investment. He also called for a millionaire’s tax to fund expanded Working Families Tax Credit benefits, tax relief for small businesses, more K-12 funding, and affordability measures such as utility bill credits and expanded energy assistance. He criticized federal immigration enforcement tactics and changes at the CDC, urged action on a bill limiting masked law enforcement, and said Washington should rely on science-based public health guidance through state-led efforts. The governor also highlighted several bills and proposals he said he would support, including expanded early learning for military families, modular housing standards, reckless driving changes, improved crash data access, wildfire air support for local fire departments, fee refunds when agencies miss processing deadlines, and a campaign to improve FAFSA completion rates. He said his administration has already reduced processing times for several licenses and wants government to be more responsive. After the address, the joint session was dissolved by motion and vote, and the House then adjourned until January 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• A beloved community member, he is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart.
• He attended and graduated from the San Miguel School District.
• a train while walking to school.
• As a Milby High School alumna, it's very sad because I remember even in my...
• Milby High School is in the district that I represent, and his tragic passing is devastating.

Bills: HCR114 , HB137 , HB283 , HB1398 , HB1960 , HB2153 , HB2431 , HB2638 , HB2699 , HB2999 , HB3208 , HB3389 , HB3413 , HB3510 , HB3642 , HB3859 , HB3974 , HB3986 , HB4142 , HB4173 , HB4174 , HB4542 , HB4605 , HB4663 , HB4731 , HB5064 , HB5216 , HB5218 , HB5332 , HB5453 , HB5577 , HB137 , HB283

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law

Transcript Highlights:

• DEVELOPING CURRICULUMS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL AT THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL LEVEL, AT THE STATE COLLEGE
• COULD BE IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD BE IN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
• GETTING INTO SCHOOLS, GETTING INTO COMMUNITIES AND TELLING OUR STORY.
• AND THEN CONTINUING TO GROW PARTNERSHIPS WITH ACADEMIA IN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND
• ALSO PARTNERING WITH ACADEMIA WITH OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS, WITH HIGH SCHOOL, WITH UNIVERSITIES TO DEVELOP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They deliver, they provide these Courses in over 90 of our public schools in 32 communities across New
• You can launch them in your school, and it really is amazing, amazing results for the kids.
• A lot of our leaders have gone through that school and have continued to come.
• Senate Bill 163, introduced by Senator Shendo, an act relating to public schools permitting public school
• Graduation ceremonies or public school events.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of using it for the school? of using it for the school?
• . school. school.
• </c> rebuild the school. rebuild the school.
• Our schools were made for walking, events, everything—school, not for parking.
• Our schools were made for walking, events, everything—school, not for parking.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• schools, million young people statewide.
• schools, California has made bold investments: CalKIDS, universal preschool, universal school meals,
• and community schools.
• Each community school has a community coordinator or county coordinator that helps connect schools and
• That is not a school problem.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• a fair amount of non-basic aid school districts.
• We had fewer basic aid school districts back then.
• The link to non-Basic Aid and Basic Aid school districts is what gets you.
• The link to non-Basic Aid and Basic Aid School District is what gets you.
• Alpine County has a K-8 school.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides that flashbang grenades shall not be deployed near school grounds, parks, or other
• One issue I think we talked about was the definition of school. Are we talking about K-12 schools?
• But what you described, throwing a flashbang into a school...
• I do believe that, you know, as those of us who went to law school learned, if somebody comes walking
• It's a partnership with local law enforcement, schools, car dealerships, and community partners.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is why my kids are going to school in Utah, right?
• But as we're looking into the cost of schools, the cost of schooling is so expensive for our universities
• The schools are incredibly expensive. Why?
• This is why my kids are going to school in Utah, right?
• But as we're looking into the cost of schools, the cost of schooling is so expensive for our universities

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held an informational hearing on California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or Rainy Day Fund, with opening remarks focused on the state’s long history of revenue volatility and the role reserves play in smoothing downturns. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that California’s personal income tax base is highly volatile because high-income earners’ income is tied to capital gains and other fluctuating sources, and that Proposition 2’s current reserve rules set aside 1.5% of General Fund revenues plus a share of excess capital gains, but cap constitutional deposits at 10% of General Fund taxes. The LAO said its analysis evaluates reserve policy over decades and found the current system would cover about 30% of funding shortfalls in a 90th-percentile downturn scenario over 50 years, which is an improvement over no reserve but still inadequate. The LAO recommended raising the reserve cap substantially, ultimately to 50% by 2055, with an immediate increase to 20% and gradual increases thereafter. It also suggested either replacing Proposition 2’s deposit formulas with broader rules that capture volatility across all tax revenues or, alternatively, depositing all excess capital gains rather than only a share. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s prior proposal similarly sought to raise the cap from 10% to 20% and exclude reserve deposits and withdrawals from the state appropriations limit, arguing those two constraints limited the state’s ability to save during recent revenue surges. Other panelists and members discussed whether reserves should be paired with broader structural changes, including unemployment insurance reform, safety-net funding, infrastructure reserves, and the projected surplus temporary holding account. The California Budget and Policy Center supported reserve reform but emphasized balancing savings with current needs and noted other tools such as revenue increases, borrowing from special funds, and the new surplus-holding account. Members debated the causes and effects of Proposition 13, the appropriations limit, business departures, and whether reserve policy should be more directly tied to protecting Californians’ access to health care, food assistance, child care, and other core services. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my dad was an elementary school teacher in a poor district.
• This is why my kids are going to school in Utah, right?
• But as we're looking into the cost of schools, the cost of schooling is so expensive for our universities
• This is why my kids are going to school in Utah, right?
• But as we're looking into the cost of schools, the cost of schooling is so expensive for our universities

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee held an informational hearing on California’s Budget Stabilization Account, or Rainy Day Fund, with presentations from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, Practical Idealism Economics, and the California Budget and Policy Center. The LAO explained that California’s revenue volatility is driven largely by the personal income tax and high-income capital gains, and described how Proposition 2 deposits work, the 10% cap on the BSA, and the LAO’s evaluation that the current policy would cover only about 30% of funding shortfalls over 50 years in an unfavorable benchmark scenario. The LAO recommended raising the cap to 50% over time and either adopting broader deposit rules or depositing all excess capital gains. Finance said the administration had proposed raising the cap to 20% and excluding reserve deposits and withdrawals from the state appropriations limit. The Budget Center supported reserve reform but stressed balancing savings with current service needs and noted other tools such as revenue changes, borrowing from special funds, and the new Projected Surplus Temporary Holding Account. Committee members debated the purpose and adequacy of reserves, the role of the state appropriations limit, and whether reserves should be paired with broader fiscal reforms. Several senators argued that reserves are needed to preserve core services during downturns and that the current system is too complicated and too small, while others emphasized the need to protect spending on health care, child care, and other services for working Californians. There was also discussion of infrastructure spending as a possible countercyclical tool and whether deposits for infrastructure should be treated differently under reserve and SAL rules. The LAO said the Legislature has flexibility in defining infrastructure spending and suggested an infrastructure fund could function as a separate reserve-like mechanism. A significant portion of the hearing turned to broader tax and budget policy, including repeated references to Proposition 13, the state’s revenue structure, business departures, unemployment insurance financing, and the impact of inequality on California’s fiscal resilience. Some members argued Prop. 13 was driven by affordability concerns for homeowners, while others said it created loopholes that benefit corporations and constrain local revenue. The hearing did not take any vote or formal action; it remained informational, with the chair indicating the committee would continue questions and public comment after the panel discussion.