Video & Transcript : 'stem education' :
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/15/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The Career and Technical Education Center really is the next step after your base education, which is
- The Career and Technical Education Center really is the next step after your base education, which is
- The Career and Technical Education Center really is the next step after your base education, which is
- The Career and Technical Education Center really is the next step after your base education, which is
- </c><01:10:36.840><c> for</c> uh just as a matter of education for uh just as a matter of education for
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JT Business, Trade & Economic Development w/State Government & Tribal Relations Jul 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Revenues generated through gaming support healthcare, behavioral health services, education, housing,
- community, revenues generate throughout the gaming support, healthcare, rehab for health services, education
- The funds have helped strengthen public safety, health and human services, education, youth programs,
- The Tulalip tribes continue to invest in employee training, responsible gaming education, self-exclusion
- Education through gaming revenue, including the early years before we even opened our casino, has supported
Summary:
A joint hearing of the Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee and the House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee reviewed tentative tribal-state compact amendments involving the Tulalip Tribes and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Washington State Gambling Commission staff explained the compact approval process under IGRA and said the commission and ex officio legislators would take public comment and vote at an August 28 special meeting on whether to forward the agreements to the governor or send them back for further negotiation. The amendments would not take effect until published in the Federal Register.
Tulalip Chairman Hazen Chappell testified in support of the Tulalip restated compact, describing tribal gaming as a governmental enterprise that funds health care, education, housing, elder services, public safety, natural resources, and other services. He said the tribe has employed more than 3,000 people, contributed over $113 million to charities and community programs since 1993, and continues to emphasize responsible gaming and regulatory cooperation. Commission staff said the Tulalip restatement consolidates 12 prior amendments, updates appendices and definitions, adds new appendices, removes some older provisions, and includes higher wager limits, jackpot sharing, and an option to increase player terminal allocations.
Cowlitz Chairman William Ayala and Ilani Casino President Kara Fox LaRose presented the tribe’s sixth compact amendment. They highlighted the tribe’s history, community investments, education and elder programs, language revitalization, public safety support, and more than $35 million in foundation contributions since 2017. The proposed Cowlitz amendment would raise wager limits up to $1,000, create a special higher-limit player process with due diligence and responsible gaming safeguards, enhance signage and marketing requirements, allow temporary gaming areas, and adjust TLS ticket pricing when the state lottery raises ticket prices. Committee members asked about self-exclusion and credit practices; Cowlitz officials said hundreds of people have used the self-exclusion program and that higher-limit play is tied to front money or a $100,000 minimum credit line. No votes were taken at the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Boston has already largely supported this, and voter education work is being done.
- We know that there is a concern about voter education, but this is a system that has worked in other
- Concern about voter education, but this is a system that has worked in other states, in Maine and Alaska
- In terms of voter education, the work is being done and will continue to be done, but it is critical
- My name is Cheryl Clyburn-Crawford, and I am the Executive Director of Massachusetts Voter Education
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents.
Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature.
No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to start with an education campaign as opposed to a weaponized enforcement. of the National
- I'd like to start with an education campaign as opposed to a weaponized enforcement.
- Why not do an education campaign on their side?
- They're the ones that are going to comply with these regulations, so if the education campaign is part
- With the suggestions of the opposition, that education campaign seems appropriate.
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with two bills on the agenda after opening remarks on hearing rules and public conduct. AB 2279 by Assembly Member Gibson proposed changes to the California Advanced Services Fund for regional broadband consortia, including expanding their authority to support broadband deployment and adoption, increasing multi-year funding, and shifting grants from reimbursement-based to performance-based payments. Supporters, including representatives from Cal Poly Humboldt, Valley Vision, and several broadband and technology organizations, said the bill would help consortia better close the digital divide and reduce administrative burdens. There was no opposition, and members discussed the high audit and accounting costs under current rules. The committee passed AB 2279 with a due pass as amended recommendation and re-referred it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo, which would add existing dispatcher training requirements for pre-arrival medical instructions to the standards public safety agencies must meet to receive CETNA funding, without changing the funding amount or structure. Proponents, including emergency medical dispatch and ambulance representatives, argued the bill would help ensure consistent life-saving instructions for 911 callers. Opposition from CalNENA and a Riverside County Sheriff’s Office representative focused on the bill’s timing, since the underlying law from AB 645 does not take effect until 2027, and on concerns that withholding CETNA funds could harm PSAP operations. Members questioned where compliance gaps exist and whether education or other alternatives might work better. The committee ultimately passed AB 2041 with a due pass recommendation and re-referred it to the Committee on Emergency Management, with one member not voting at the time of the roll call.
At the end of the hearing, the secretary completed roll calls on both measures after additional members arrived, confirming AB 2279 passed 9-0 and AB 2041 passed 8-0 with one not voting. The committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to start with an education campaign as opposed to a weaponized enforcement. for our opposed
- I'd like to start with an education campaign as opposed to a weaponized enforcement.
- Why not do an education campaign on their side?
- They're the ones that are going to comply with these regulations, so if the education campaign is part
- With the suggestions of the opposition, that education campaign seems appropriate.
Committee:
House Communications and Conveyance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Nov 18th, 2025
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the committee this year was the Left 1 study, which has been a recurring topic, along with some educational
- the committee this year was the Left 1 study, which has been a recurring topic, along with some educational
- And so this one has been kind of an educational item that's been deferred.
- That is something that we could send via email if you wanted as an educational item.
- That is something that we could send via email if you wanted as an educational item.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The executive committee approved the October minutes and received brief updates from the Assistant Attorney General and the committee actuary. The actuary reminded members that OSA prepares actuarial fiscal notes during session and said staff would begin work soon on analysis for the upcoming session, including updates related to the COLA bill and other pension measures. Senator Conway asked that updated actuarial materials be shared with committee members as they are completed, and staff agreed to do so.
Most of the meeting focused on committee discussion of pension policy issues, especially the ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees and the broader study work on Left 1/Plan 1 topics, including merger and termination-restatement bills such as Senate Bill 5084. Members discussed the need for a COLA, the overfunding of some pension plans, the role of the legislature versus the committee, and the importance of keeping the State Investment Board separate from pension policy recommendations. Several members said the interim work had clarified many questions and would make future legislative decisions easier, while also noting that the committee’s study role had been completed.
The committee also reviewed constituent correspondence, which included 15 items, with substantial public interest in the ad hoc COLA and related pension bills. Staff presented the draft interim work plan and proposed December agenda items, including possible education on excess compensation and an update on demographic experience studies. After discussion, members agreed not to hold a December meeting, with the understanding that any remaining informational items could be sent by email. The motion to skip the December meeting passed unanimously, and the committee then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:56:03.359><c> systems</c> have one of the best education systems have one of the best education
- </c> education we're providing for our kids. education we're providing for our kids.
- </c> scenario that every higher educational scenario that every higher educational institution<01:44:
- </c><03:23:39.040><c> for</c> providing a broad-based education for providing a broad-based education
- </c> driver's education is the most valuable. driver's education is the most valuable.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jul 2nd, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Rules: The committee, to whom was referred the Senate order granting the Committee on Education
- expanding access to family-friendly and neighborhood child care administered by the Department of Early Education
- The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the Senate order granting the Committee on Education until
- July 31st, within which time to make its final report on current Senate documents relative to education
- After the fall of Saigon in 1975, he was imprisoned for nine years in a re-education camp because of
Summary:
The Senate took up several bills and conference matters, including a bill on the dissolution of the Holmes Park Water District, which was amended by substitute draft Senate No. 3160 and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also handled House Bill 464 on enhancing child welfare protection, where the House had rejected the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee; the Senate voted to insist on its amendment and appointed Senators Comerford, Kennedy, and O’Connor as conferees.
The chamber concurred in House amendments to Senate No. 2967, concerning ownership and maintenance of the Town Line Brook and Linden Brook culverts and dam, and to House Bill 4359, which authorizes the town of Milford to expand an alcohol license from wine and malt beverages to all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to the appropriate committees.
The Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted orders extending the Education Committee’s reporting deadline on two matters: Senate No. 2934, relating to expanding access to family-friendly and neighborhood child care administered by the Department of Early Education, and Senate No. 2769, relating to education matters more generally. The Senate also adopted an order setting up future consideration of Senate No. 30, a bill protecting children from addictive social media feeds, with a new draft from Ways and Means, Senate No. 3164. The session adjourned in memory of Doe Kwong M. of Dorchester, after a moment of silence.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Next bill, 5711, is laid aside by the sponsor. 5727, Harckham, and that's when the Education Law.
- Next bill, 5711, is laid aside by the sponsor. 5727, Harckham, and that's when the Education Law.
- All in favor, opposed. 9272, Fernandez, in that amendment the Education Law.
- Myers, Senator Mayer, Senator Harckham, on favor of the bill is reported. 9853, Bailey, and then the Education
- The bill was reported. 9885, Sutton, the Education Law.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Rules met and reported a long list of bills, with most measures advancing on unanimous or near-unanimous voice votes after motions and seconding by various senators. The bills covered a wide range of topics, including Environmental Conservation, Education, Executive Law, Civil Service, Public Health, Public Service, Election Law, Social Services, Correction Law, Traffic Law, General Law, Administrative Code, Retirement and Social Security, and several chapter-amendment or authorization measures. In many cases, the chair noted the bill number, sponsor, and subject area, then asked for objections; none were recorded, and the bill was reported.
A few measures were laid aside by the sponsor, including bills referenced as 5711, 5727, and 9539, though the transcript is repetitive and some bill numbers/topics are difficult to discern because of transcription errors. Several bills involved retirement-related changes, including retroactive Tier 4 membership and other retirement system provisions, while others amended existing laws or chapters. The committee also reported bills affecting city administrative code provisions, public authorities, elder law, and public officers law.
No substantive debate or testimony appears in the transcript; the meeting was largely procedural, focused on motions, seconds, and reporting bills out of committee. The final action on the listed measures was committee approval and reporting, with no recorded roll-call votes or amendments described in the transcript.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- Educational student employees passed legislation to establish a legal framework for bargaining in 2023
- We know that the top barrier to post-secondary education is cost.
- Higher education uniform personnel, campus police, also have interest arbitration.
- Thank you all for all the education and information that you provided.
- Thank you all for all the education and information that you provided.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment.
Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1.
The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's education when you have on-the-job training.
- I've built my career in public education, and I rely on CalSTRS for retirement.
- Our educators deserve the same security.
- Keeping educators in CalSTRS is good for them, and it's good for the fund.
- Every educator pushed out is a member lost.
Summary:
The Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several bills, beginning with AB 2483, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire fire crew members to receive certification and pursue firefighting jobs after release. The author and supporters described incarcerated firefighters as highly trained workers who perform dangerous frontline fire suppression work but often leave without credentials or a clear hiring path. The chair strongly supported the bill, and there was no opposition.
The committee then considered AB 1619, which would raise trustee stipend limits for retirement board members from $100 to $320 per meeting for county retirement systems, CalSTRS, and CalPERS, subject to local approval. Supporters argued the current stipend is nearly 40 years old and no longer reflects the complexity and fiduciary responsibility of overseeing large pension systems, and that higher stipends could improve diversity and participation. The bill was passed on a 7-0 vote and sent to Appropriations. The committee also passed its cleanup bill, AB 2780, making technical and conforming changes to retirement laws, and AB 2519, which corrects an unintended consequence of prior CalSTRS legislation so certain charter school employees can remain eligible for CalSTRS membership; both bills advanced unanimously to Appropriations.
AB 2017, the California Eid State Holiday Act, was heard next. The bill would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in California and provide excused absences for students observing the holidays. Supporters, including Muslim students, educators, and advocacy organizations, said the measure would promote inclusion and help Muslim Californians feel seen and respected. Members spoke in favor, and the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2656 would require public employers to give employee organizations 45 days’ written notice before developing or using generative AI in represented job classifications. Supporters said the bill would ensure transparency and labor input, while county and special district groups raised concerns about scope and implementation but expressed willingness to keep working on the measure. It also passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the meeting adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (3-24-26)
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I like to call this seventh meeting of the House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education to order
- I've always said that it's important that we be selfish in terms of the young people that we educate
- So, thank you for a very good bill. educate in this state to look to make educate in this state to look
- And also, I'd be negligent if I did not recognize our House majority education policy analyst, Karen
- c><00:16:05.000><c> policy</c><00:16:05.400><c> analyst,</c><00:16:05.720><c> Karen</c> majority education
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She takes great interest in education policy and about every other policy.
- Education. HB 2389, replace the new certificates and environmental compatibility.
- HB 2429, rentals, vacations, vacations, vacations, vacations, education, public schools. Education.
- Education. HB 2868, installation license and insurance rules. Public safety.
- HB 409, school safety, school procedures, criminal classification, education.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In the Senate, Senate Bill 1227, as amended in the House by the Education Committee, an act relating
- to education, to provide for legislative intent; to require the State Department of Education to develop
- House Bill 762 by the Education Committee. Senate Bill 1358 by the State Affairs Committee.
- In the House of Representatives, Housewell, 762, by Education Committee.
- In the Senate, Senate, Senate, Bill 1358 by State Affairs Committee. 762 by Education Committee.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior journal. Committee and message reports were received, including enrollment of several bills and resolutions, gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho State Racing Commission and State Building Authority, and multiple House bills referred to standing committees. The chamber also advanced a large slate of bills through first and second reading, with several measures sent to the third-reading calendar.
The Committee of the Whole considered and amended several bills. Amendments were adopted on House Bill 494 (temporary caregiver background checks), Senate Bill 1294 (hearing screening timelines for infants and midwives), Senate Bill 1299 (digital ID enforcement and police-requested deletions), House Bill 728 (definitions cleanup), House Bill 703 (restoring an individual fine provision for surveyors and engineers), Senate Bill 1335 (veterinary medicine clarification), Senate Bill 1330 (small claims court attorney fees), Senate Bill 1359 (virtual currency kiosk consumer protection), and Senate Bill 1348 (clarifying the location of a North Idaho gun club). The committee reported all of those measures back as amended without recommendation, while several other bills remained on the 14th-order calendar.
A major floor action involved House Bill 745, which had been held in the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Under Rule 14E, a motion was made to excuse the committee from reporting the bill forthwith. After extended debate over committee prerogatives and the Senate’s ability to force consideration of held bills, a roll call vote was taken. The motion to excuse the committee passed 25-1 with one abstention, meaning House Bill 745 would remain in committee for the rest of the session. The Senate then reordered the third-reading calendar, received announcements, and adjourned until 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- If you'd be so good as to bring those back, possibly even with the Department of Education, how that
- If you'd be so good as to bring those back, possibly even with the Department of Education, how that
- Chairman Hawkins, members of the Education Committee, I serve as a superintendent of Middleton School
- That's dyslexia day in education.
- It's dyslexia day in education.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 9th without objection. It then introduced RS 32974, which would set a uniform school start date of the Tuesday after Labor Day. Supporters said it would create consistency for families and help tourism, while members raised concerns about impacts on rural districts, harvest schedules, fairs, and finishing the school year before Christmas break. The committee also introduced RS 33138C1, an apprenticeship-style option for filling principal and superintendent vacancies in rural areas, and RS 33325, which would create a voluntary high school civics seal and related district endorsement for students meeting civics and volunteerism requirements.
The committee then heard House Bill 608, a clarification bill for the public school facilities cooperative fund. Sponsors explained that the bill would clean up eligibility rules, repayment terms, and priority criteria for districts seeking grant money for school facilities, especially where safety needs exist or a bond has failed. Testimony from Camas County and Middleton School District supported the changes, saying the current law can force districts to run repeated bonds even when grant amounts are smaller than prior bond requests, creating confusion and eroding public trust. Members discussed how the bill differs from other school facilities funding laws and how it is intended to help districts with urgent needs and limited bonding capacity. HB 608 was moved to the floor with a do-pass recommendation and approved.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 636, which would allow school districts to use remaining school district facilities fund dollars for lease-purchase agreements and related long-term facility investments after required bond and levy obligations are met. The sponsor and a West Ada superintendent said the bill would give districts more flexibility to address growth, aging buildings, and debt repayment without increasing property taxes, while still preserving local control. Members asked about the size and funding source of the facilities fund and noted concerns about disparities between rural and urban districts. HB 636 was also sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and the committee adjourned after announcing its next meeting location.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- and gentlemen of the House, I'd like to recognize a group of individuals with the Career Technical Education
- House Bill No. 588, by the Education Committee: an act relating to education, amending Section 33-1619
- House Bill No. 588, by the Education Committee: an act relating to education, amending Section 33-1619
- , Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding virtual education programs, amending Section 33-502A, Idaho
- "House Education Committee will meet Thursday, February 5th at 9 a.m. in Room EW 41, Hawkins, Chairman
Summary:
The House convened with 65 members present, approved the journal, and received Senate Bill 1221, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including House Bills 502, 512, 494, 531, and 542, while House Bill 570 was re-referred to Judiciary, Rules and Administration. The House also introduced a number of new bills and resolutions, including measures on justifiable homicide, copyright/piracy repeals, court-rule review, LLC formation, short-term rentals, unauthorized workers, inspection requirements, the FAST Act, rangeland improvement, virtual education, income tax changes, the parental choice tax credit, indigent eligibility, patient immigration status, and a constitutional amendment on state-owned land. House Concurrent Resolution 26 supporting wildlife crossings was filed for printing.
On the floor, House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring the firefighters and engineer affected by the Coeur d'Alene brush fire incident passed 68-0, and House Bill 515 on school notification procedures for serious bullying incidents passed 68-0 after debate over whether it should also apply to private schools. House Bill 511, which would raise the cap on fire protection charges in the wildland-urban interface, passed 46-22. House Joint Memorial 9, urging Congress to reaffirm FLPMA for federal land exchanges, passed 69-0. House Bill 518, authorizing the Attorney General to take on human trafficking investigations and prosecutions when requested by local law enforcement, passed 68-0 with support from members who said it would strengthen anti-trafficking efforts.
The House then returned House Bill 522 to committee due to a clerical error after the sponsor described it as a drone-restriction bill aimed at prison security. House Joint Memorial 10, supporting the use of natural sugar in school meal programs and aligning with the MAHA movement, passed by voice vote. House Bill 504, aimed at stopping lottery syndicates from bulk-buying tickets, passed 62-6. Announcements followed on legislative receptions, an ICAC presentation, Disability Advocacy Day, a Medicaid listening session, and committee meetings, and the House adjourned until 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Feb 3rd, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- income earners in our state to pay a portion of their income to support our shared needs, to support education
- for our state: to improve our tax code, to make it more sustainable, and to enable us to invest in education
- To enable us to invest in education and health care and to help businesses and low-income families all
- know our state wants and that our community needs in public schools, in human services, in higher education
- we have a high quality of life, that this is a desirable place to live, and that we have a highly educated
Summary:
House and Senate Democratic leaders announced and defended a new “Millionaire’s Tax” bill, saying it is intended to raise revenue from the highest earners while reducing reliance on sales tax and B&O tax and funding education, health care, community safety, and other state needs. They said the proposal is a starting point and will likely change as they continue talks with the governor, business groups, local governments, and other stakeholders. They also said the bill is not subject to cutoff because it affects state revenue, and that the Senate hearing is scheduled first in Ways and Means, with the House expected to follow after the Senate version moves over.
The leaders described the bill as narrowly targeted at roughly 30,000 individual payers, with the first $1 million of income taxed at zero and the rate matching the state capital gains tax above that level. They argued the measure is not a broad income tax and rejected claims that it creates a marriage penalty, saying the structure mirrors the capital gains tax and uses Washington’s capital gains definitions. They also said the bill includes credits and deductions to address pass-through businesses, including dollar-for-dollar credits for B&O and public utilities taxes and an election allowing some businesses to pay the tax at the entity level.
A major part of the discussion focused on how the bill would use revenue. Leaders said about 5% would go to counties for public defense costs tied to a new Supreme Court mandate, while the rest would support tax relief and new spending. They said the package would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, increase the small business credit, end the B&O surcharge a year early, and exempt some hygiene and grooming products from sales tax, with the tax-relief share estimated in the 20% range. They also said the necessity clause is needed because of structural budget problems and federal policy changes, and they expressed confidence that voters and lawmakers have become more open to taxing high earners, citing the capital gains tax vote and broader public concern about inequality and federal cuts.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- income earners in our state to pay a portion of their income to support our shared needs, to support education
- for our state: to improve our tax code, to make it more sustainable, and to enable us to invest in education
- To enable us to invest in education and health care and to help businesses and low-income families all
- our state wants and that our community needs in public schools, in human services, and in higher education
- And it was through that education process and those discussions with the public of people understanding
Summary:
House and Senate Democratic leaders, joined by Speaker Laurie Jinkins and House Finance Chair April Berg, introduced a “Millionaire’s Tax” proposal and framed it as a way to reduce Washington’s reliance on sales tax and B&O tax while raising revenue from the state’s highest earners. They said the bill is a starting point and will continue to change through negotiations with the governor, business groups, local governments, and lawmakers. The leaders also said the proposal is intended to support education, health care, public safety, and tax relief measures such as sales tax exemptions on hygiene products, an expanded working families tax credit, a larger small business tax credit, and an early end to the B&O surcharge.
The governor had already said he could not support the bill in its current form, which the sponsors said surprised them because they had spoken positively with him the day before. They said the bill will not be the same by the time it reaches his desk and that they expect continued talks to address his concerns, including more money for small business relief and the working families tax credit. They also defended the bill’s structure, saying it mirrors the state capital gains tax, uses Washington’s capital gains definition, and includes credits intended to prevent double taxation for pass-through businesses and others already paying B&O or related taxes.
Much of the discussion focused on criticism from Republicans and outside groups that the proposal amounts to a marriage penalty or could drive away high earners and tech businesses. Democratic leaders rejected those concerns, saying the tax applies only to income above $1 million, that the first million is taxed at zero, and that the state would still compare favorably with other income-tax states. They said about 30,000 taxpayers would be affected and estimated the bill would raise roughly $3.5 billion, with about 5% dedicated to county public defense costs. They also said the bill is not subject to cutoff because it affects state revenue, and that the Senate public hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Ways and Means, with the House expected to hear the Senate version later in the process.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment directs the Department of Education to develop the related course curriculum in consultation
- This bill updates the pre-licensure education requirements for the 440 customer service representative
- This bill updates the pre-licensure education requirements for the 440 customer service representative
- To be eligible to apply for licensure, to create a pathway through our public education system for another
- credential certificate opportunity that ultimately can be leveraged upon in greater higher education
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286, which expands Florida’s first responder recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel, and establishes a PTSD institute within DFS. Supporters from the fire service and local government spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks. After adopting a substitute amendment, members heard testimony from consumer advocates, industry representatives, and credit unions about scam prevention, elder financial exploitation, and the need for regulatory certainty. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Members also approved SB 772, which allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and SB 1504, which creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure through insurance and personal finance coursework.
Later, the committee approved SB 1038 and SB 1040, which together create a Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and the related trust fund, both with technical amendments. SB 1440, dealing with public records exemptions tied to cybersecurity events and financial regulation, was also reported favorably after amendment. The committee then heard SB 1668 on the NICA program, with testimony both supporting solvency reforms and raising concerns about benefits and retroactivity; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 570 created a task force on payment scams under DFS, was amended to reduce FDLE staffing requirements, and was reported favorably. The meeting ended after senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Education Committee to notice AB 1296, Bonta, for their hearing on Wednesday, April 30.
- They are dedicated to providing a holistic education to their students, which not only promote their
- The designation is not just an honor, but a solemn duty to remember, to educate, and to ensure that the
- I rise to present AB 322, which will require the California Department of Education to encourage local
- education agencies to participate in programs which offer reimbursement for school-based health and