Transcript Highlights:

• was done to streamline transportation planning in LA County by unifying competing transportation agencies
• Well, I think the challenge I have with this is that the chair is right.
• Notably, the railroads have not challenged Ohio's law.
• Train accidents and incidents represent a persistent challenge to rail safety in the United States, with
• thousands of incidents. ...a persistent challenge to rail safety in the United States, with thousands

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard SB 220, which would require the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to submit an earlier governance reform report to the Legislature in light of Measure G, including consideration of the new countywide executive and future board changes. Senator Allen argued the bill was only a vehicle to prompt a locally driven discussion before 2028, while Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and several committee members opposed it as premature and unnecessary because local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After debate over local control and timing, the committee voted 3-2 to send SB 220 to Senate Appropriations, with the bill left on call for absent members. The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require wayside detector systems on freight rail lines at specified intervals, with exceptions for some short-line railroads, and would require railroad response plans to be submitted to the CPUC. Supporters, including rail unions and labor groups, said the bill was a needed response to the East Palestine derailment and other safety risks, while opponents from freight railroads, passenger rail operators, business groups, and agricultural interests warned it could raise costs, slow freight and passenger service, and create a disincentive to invest in faster track. Members questioned the cost, implementation timeline, preemption issues, and possible impacts on passenger rail and the supply chain. The committee approved SB 667 on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations, with the bill also left on call. Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which would designate a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. The Assembly Member author and community witnesses described the designation as a recognition of San Jose’s large Vietnamese American community and its history as refugees and contributors to the region. Numerous supporters from the community, local government, and the public testified in favor, and there was no opposition. Members praised the cultural significance and noted connections to other Vietnamese communities, including Westminster. The resolution was adopted unanimously, with 10 votes, and sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• County by unifying competing transportation agencies.
• Well, I think the challenge I have with this is that the Chair is right.
• Notably, the railroads have not challenged Ohio's law.
• Train accidents and incidents represent a persistent challenge to rail safety in the United States, with
• A persistent challenge to rail safety in the United States, with thousands of incidents occurring annually

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• since, plugged in, obviously, into this environment and working within the process, serving in state agencies
• But the one piece I would challenge you on is reach into the families.
• And I would challenge you with the same thing that we spoke about just a second ago.
• the department is dismantled is that those same dollars and the same programs will live at other agencies
• The ability to challenge those opinions as another board member, and I think that he would bring a wealth

Summary: The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction. For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote. Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I believe we all have our challenges and opportunities and the demand... And the readiness.
• Yeah, I believe we all have our challenges and opportunities and the demands for expansion, but it's
• So we have our challenges. So thank you for supporting us because it's not easy. Thank you.
• It is the largest challenge that we face.
• And one of the biggest challenges that we faced was we couldn't get gas at gas stations.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee held a panel discussion focused on Florida seaports and their role in the state economy. Florida Ports Council CEO Mike Rubin opened with statewide figures from a 2023 economic impact study, saying Florida seaports support about 1.2 million jobs, generate roughly $195 billion in economic value, and produce about $7.4 billion in state and local taxes. He emphasized that ports are critical for fuel, food, medical supplies, construction materials, and hurricane response, and argued that continued state and federal investment is needed to expand capacity and move projects forward faster. PortMiami Director Heidi Webb described Miami’s cruise and cargo operations, noting the port generated about $61 billion in economic impact and 334,000 jobs. She highlighted record cruise activity, major private investment by cruise lines, the launch of shore power at cruise terminals to reduce emissions, and ongoing capital projects including a new Royal Caribbean terminal, berth reconstruction, and an inland port concept to reduce congestion. Members asked about security, hurricane procedures, AI use, infrastructure planning, collaboration among ports, and smuggling prevention; Webb said the port uses layered security with local law enforcement, CBP, Coast Guard, and radiation monitors, and that hurricane planning is coordinated in advance with county and federal partners. Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso said Tampa is the state’s largest port by land area and a major energy hub for Central Florida, with an estimated $34.5 billion economic impact. He discussed diversification into containers, food distribution, fertilizer, and construction materials, along with major needs such as a deep-dredge project and more warehouse space. He also addressed resilience and fuel distribution during hurricanes, and said the port is preparing for future LNG and alternative-fuel demand through partnerships, land planning, and education. Jaxport’s Nick Primrose then described Jacksonville’s container, auto, breakbulk, aggregate, military, and LNG businesses, including 1.3 million TEUs last year, major state-funded crane purchases, harbor deepening, auto-processing expansion, and its role as a strategic military port. He said Jaxport is a leader in marine LNG and has trained all employees on human trafficking awareness. The discussion ended with Port Panama City being introduced as a smaller but important Panhandle economic engine, with Rubin noting its cargo, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects and its continued need for state and federal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Long, I'm curious: what is the biggest challenge to the Outfitter Guide Council? Mr.
• Chairman, Senator Cook, I think one of the biggest challenges that we have right now is access and the
• What do you think the greatest challenges for this board and this industry are going forward?
• The GAO 2022 report found over half of federal agencies still miss minimum consultation timelines.
• The challenge of managing America's public lands. Wrong, but of values and visions.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• King challenged us to confront systems. Dr.
• He challenged systems of power. He confronted racism head on. He demanded economic justice.
• He challenged systems of power. He confronted racism head on. He demanded economic justice.
• King, we must challenge those in power, not protect them.
• That's what I'm going to challenge myself today, and I hope that you would join me.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including unanimous consent to print a letter in the journal. The main item on the floor was Senate Concurrent Resolution 107 honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing King’s legacy of nonviolence, civil rights, economic justice, solidarity across communities, and the need to continue his work amid current concerns about discrimination, immigration enforcement, and threats to civil liberties. Senator Richardson closed on the resolution, and the roll was called; SCR 107 was adopted. After the resolution, the Senate moved to adjournment memorials. Senator Pérez requested adjournment in memory of Alhambra Police Department Officer Alex Sanders, describing his service, family, and death in a duty-related car pursuit accident. Senator McGuire then honored Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy, Bay Area roots, and charitable work. Senator Becker and Senator Laird added remarks about Weir’s cultural impact and the Grateful Dead’s place in California history. The Senate also adjourned in memory of the victims of a Stockton mass shooting, with Senator McNerney and Senator Alvarado-Gil speaking about the lives of the four young victims, including children and a teenager, and condemning gun violence. The Pro Tem closed by reflecting on the day’s themes of justice, loss, and civic responsibility, and announced the Senate would reconvene on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:11:14.839><c> and</c><00:11:15.000><c> the</c><00:11:15.120><c> Federal</c> enforcement agency
• and the Federal enforcement agency and the Federal Department<00:11:15.880><c> of</c><00:11:15.959><
• </c> by federal HHS and the the drug by federal HHS and the the drug enforcement<00:21:53.120><c> agency
• that they were trying enforcement agency that they were trying to<00:21:55.000><c> put</c><00:21:55.159
• </c> position by the drug enforcement agency position by the drug enforcement agency around<00:27:52.679

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Challenge. Good<00:32:40.000><c> morning.
• , transitional housing for state agencies, transitional housing for people<00:50:08.800><c> leaving</
• for disimbursement to an state agency for disimbursement to an outside<02:13:04.159><c> entity.
• So, is the appropriate state agency.
• </c><02:13:47.119><c> to</c> be willing to be that state agency to be willing to be that state agency

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you heard, the Leadership Board is a trustee agency.
• that is a state agency.
• that is a state agency.
• And it also allows the agency to do outreach on those dates.
• And it also allows the agency to do outreach on those dates.

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2006 session with member and staff introductions, then took up five bills. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Muzzall testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan cooperation. The bill drew 20 pro and 53 con sign-ins, but no questions or vote were taken at the hearing. Senate Bill 5825 would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments. Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the change would help sustain youth leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement programs, with an initial fundraising goal of under $50,000 and policies to be developed with OFM and legal counsel to manage donor expectations. Testimony from board members and volunteers was strongly supportive, and the sign-in sheet showed four in favor and one opposed. Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in legislative offices from the prohibition on using public resources for campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify ethics rules and allow harmless historical or decorative items, but members and staff raised concerns about what counts as “previous” campaign material and suggested tightening the language. The hearing on Senate Bill 5863 focused on preserving Lakeland Village historical records until at least fiscal year 2030 and allowing archival access after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and disability advocates described the bill as an act of respect and historical accountability, and testimony from family members and advocates was unanimously supportive. Finally, Senate Bill 5840 would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require more regular C-4 filings; the PDC said the goal was greater transparency and easier compliance, while several treasurers supported simplification but warned about burdens from zero-activity filings and some timing provisions. The committee noted the bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And third, the expansion of reading and math... ...these challenges in three notable ways.
• We are having a challenge getting people to come into the classroom.
• The classroom, we're having a challenge keeping people in the classroom.
• Without clear safeguards, our schools face significant challenges.
• Each public agency...

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, we primarily have referrals on entire agencies, sometimes four or five agencies under control by
• </c> the different agencies and departments? the different agencies and departments?
• </c> different agencies and departments? different agencies and departments?
• , agencies, agencies, issue<01:24:08.600><c> subpoenas</c><01:24:09.400><c> and</c><01:24:09.560><c>
• </c> review processes for agency programs. review processes for agency programs.

Bills: HF1338

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• The challenges that we've faced, of course, is the inadequate coverage for hearing aids.
• So So So the<00:56:44.040><c> challenges</c><00:56:44.440><c> that</c><00:56:44.560><c> we've</c><00:
• 56:44.720><c> faced</c><00:56:44.960><c> of</c> the challenges that we've faced of the challenges that
• </c><01:09:27.880><c> our</c> this is not a bill that challenges our this is not a bill that challenges
• </c> in in many cases your endorsing agency in in many cases your endorsing agency would<01:35:57.800

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:10 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 00:44:26 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 414 00:50:25 Discussion of 25RS SB 27 00:53:44 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 27 00:55:49 Discussion of 25RS SB 93 00:57:57 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 93 00:59:29 Discussion of 25RS SB 132 01:37:39 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 132 01:40:55 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 01:42:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 01:43:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 414 with a committee substitute. The bill, described by sponsors and supporters as a continuation of prior maternal-health legislation, was framed as a clarification of medical standards and an effort to improve care for women and families facing complicated pregnancies. Representative Tate, Representative Nemes, Adair Wushar of Kentucky Right to Life, and Dr. Jeff Goldberg of ACOG Kentucky all testified in support, saying the substitute was developed collaboratively to reduce confusion in the law and help physicians provide evidence-based care without fear of criminal penalties. Supporters said the committee substitute was intended to define what is not an abortion under Kentucky law and to spell out medical treatments for conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, sepsis, hemorrhage, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal demise. Dr. Goldberg said current statutes contain significant ambiguity and have created unintended barriers to treating pregnancy complications, including emergency situations, and he gave examples of patients who were delayed or harmed because physicians were uncertain about what the law allowed. Representative Nemes said the measure was the result of unusual cooperation among groups that do not usually agree and described it as a first step toward fixing a discrete problem. Representative Wilner raised concerns that the language could effectively require a patient to be in severe distress before treatment is clearly permitted and that it was too prescriptive about how physicians should manage miscarriages. In response, Dr. Goldberg and the sponsors said the substitute was not perfect, was meant as a short-term solution, and was designed to give doctors more confidence in providing routine, medically necessary care for pregnancy complications. The transcript indicates the committee substitute was adopted, but no final vote on the bill itself is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• One in sub two, where the law enforcement agency, the sheriff or the law enforcement agency otherwise
• This is one of the challenges that I think we're missing.
• Law enforcement agencies, etc.
• Law enforcement agencies, etc.
• I don't think this is new power that I know exists in Idaho law anywhere, that an agency, a state agency

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• educated and engaged foster and adoptive parents, and provided counsel to those who are facing challenges
• one another and understanding that we're human beings moving through this life with our own... challenges
• Thank you. ...physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while recognizing the unique health challenges
• To meet those challenges districts are facing, the Allotment for Basic Costs is covering what the basic
• Villarreal led a successful transition of the agency to the governor's office effective September 1st

Bills: HB5560 , HB2 , HB24 , HB3233 , HB1397 , HB2067 , HB3133 , HB5696 , HB5680 , HB2885 , HB3966 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB144 , HB26 , HB2038 , HB521 , HB4 , HB 1178 , HB42 , HB 1211 , HB783 , HB3963 , HB2240 , HB1690 , HB 1234 , HB3372 , HB27 , HB4211 , HB2243 , HB2853 , HB4638 , HJR7 , HB 100 , HB 126 , HB3783 , HB5138 , HB2512 , HB5616 , HB4751 , SB17 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB21 , SB2778 , SB260 , SB8 , SB12 , SB37 , SB379 , SB441 , SB1566 , SB2878 , HB4112 , HB3866 , HB4749 , HB2844 , HB150

Keywords: groundwater, civil penalties, water conservation, drought contingency, environmental protection, public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, zoning, public notice, local government, residential development

Transcript Highlights:

• for my colleagues on the challenging for my colleagues on the other<00:15:59.680><c> side</c><00:15:
• </c> property taxes to rise and challenges property taxes to rise and challenges for<00:33:23.039><c>
• </c><00:47:12.559><c> and</c> its teaching function as an agency and its teaching function as an agency
• </c> work um it is just very much a challenge work um it is just very much a challenge for<01:02:03.240
• </c><01:19:21.560><c> with</c> end up having uh it's challenging with end up having uh it's challenging

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This act provides the same exemption from background check requirements for a qualified constable agency
• A qualified constable agency representative means a constable working for an employer that has authorized
• Senate Bill 1 addresses two of Delaware's most pressing health care challenges: strengthening primary
• Senate Bill 1 addresses two of Delaware's most pressing health care challenges, strengthening primary
• And sometimes those challenges seemed overwhelming, but I knew that the work couldn't stop.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, if the agencies are late in filing their financial reports, they get penalized just like the
• And the fact is we have an agency at the state level gaming fish that works with the federal government
• And while other states do do it, they also have more crashes, more challenges, more challenging...
• This proposal blurs that line and invites needless legal challenges over the separation of church and
• That line and invites needless legal challenges over the separation of church and state.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of the work that the AG does for agencies and all non-agency work is reported publicly and to the
• I want to emphasize that state agency work of our office is mostly determined by the agency board of
• Which agency? I don't know.
• You're talking about the commissioner in this agency; we're talking about this other agency."
• I either ask the agency to, not agency, I ask my office to do a job; they know the mission.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The challenge there is just getting those final sign-offs from the railroad company.
• leadership about that project and a few others, and some things did move a little bit, but, you know, challenges
• leadership about that project and a few others and some things did move a little bit but you know challenges
• But first of all, human trafficking has been a focus for our agency this year.

Committee: All ALC-HIGHWAY COMMISSION REVIEW AND ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee received a report from Director Wiley of the Arkansas Department of Transportation on a series of routine and quarterly items, including the closeout of the department’s efficiency review. Wiley said all five remaining recommendations from that review had been implemented, highlighted a new public maintenance dashboard on the agency website, and reported four surplus properties sold since the last meeting. He also noted that ARDOT had obligated $3.14 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to date and reviewed the annual expenditure report tied to 2019 revenue changes, which funded $98.7 million in maintenance projects last year. Members asked about the balance between maintenance and new construction, with Wiley saying about 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system and that ARDOT’s overall spending is overwhelmingly focused on upkeep because of the size of the state highway network. He also discussed major projects and corridor priorities, including Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings, passing-lane improvements on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, Highway 82 widening in south Arkansas, and long-range plans to widen Interstate 40, possibly including a toll study. On the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, he said the design had been revised to reduce public impacts and would not require a long-term bridge closure. The committee also discussed safety and enforcement tools in work zones. Wiley said new work-zone cameras and cell phone detection tools were being used on projects such as I-30, I-57, and I-49, mainly to improve safety rather than issue citations. In addition, he said ARDOT spends about $8 million annually on litter control and is expanding anti-litter efforts, including a spring cleanup day involving more than 2,500 operations employees and some office staff. He also announced agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for field and office staff and the Street Smart education program for middle school students, with plans to expand it to high school content next year. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the director’s presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• down to the Capitol, share your priorities, share your interests, share your triumphs, share your challenges
• The challenges facing African-American communities, from health disparities to educational inequities
• . ...Governor's Office, serve as an advisory to our legislature, working directly with our state agencies
• community and all people, when I see the faces of people who look like me, who have some of the same challenges

Summary: The joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from Buffalo Soldiers of America used the occasion to correct the program name and briefly described the organization’s history, community events, and interest in obtaining a vacant building for a museum. Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from African American leaders and advocates on issues such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, individual freedoms, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the 100-year recognition of Black History Month and the importance of honoring African American contributions in Arizona and nationally. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office. Representative Leah Landrum Taylor introduced the guest speakers, including Senator Kiana Maria Sears, who spoke about Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for justice, food security, housing, and economic parity. She reflected on her father’s military service and the barriers Black veterans faced in Arizona, including difficulty using VA benefits to buy homes, and urged attendees to use their voices and votes. Representative Blackman also offered remarks connecting the day’s message to biblical themes of courage and perseverance. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction from Representative Cruz, who stressed building community across districts and thanked participants before the joint protocol session was dissolved.