Transcript Highlights:

• Vanessa Cahina with the California Academy of Family Physicians, here in support.
• Vanessa Cahina with the California Academy of Family Physicians, here in support. Good afternoon.
• Lizzie Gwonsona, on behalf of the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in support.
• Seeing none, Kelly Macmillan on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics in support.
• Angeles, Greater Fresno Parkinson's Support Group, Parkinson's Network of Mount Diablo, California Academy

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• education foundation, he developed the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Academy
• to empower thousands of entrepreneurs from underserved groups. ...and Small Business Academy to empower
• first woman to serve as the special representative to the Legislature and as commander of the CHP Academy
• Her distinguished career in... ...of the CHP Academy.
• the state of California and the first female emergency vehicle operations course sergeant at the Academy

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians, co-sponsor of AB 2651.
• I am here on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians co-sponsor of AB 2651.
• are, first, a former student, Oliver Quintana Bravo, a recent graduate from Creative Connections Academy
• I recently graduated from Creative Connections Arts Academy here in Sacramento.
• changed when I got the opportunity to enter the after-school program at Creative Connections Arts Academy

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a lengthy agenda of education-related bills, with quorum established at the start and several measures taken up on consent or special order. The committee also announced that AB 1644, AB 2362, and later AB 2197 were pulled from the hearing. Members reminded the public of hearing rules and limited testimony to two witnesses each in support and opposition. AB 2651, by Assemblymember Bonta, would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd-immunity thresholds. Supporters, including physicians, the California State PTA, public health groups, and school employee organizations, argued that families need timely, school-specific information to protect children and vulnerable community members. Opponents raised concerns about privacy, stigma, and whether school-level snapshots could be misleading. The bill passed the committee 5-1 and later 7-1 on the roll call. AB 2509, by Assemblymember Schultz, would allow districts to use a five-year rolling average for ADA funding calculations; supporters said it would stabilize funding amid attendance declines, while one member noted concerns about masking long-term enrollment problems. It passed 5-1 and later 7-2. The committee also approved AB 2430, which would expand after-school access, especially for high school students, improve funding and transparency, and create a work group on program quality. Testimony emphasized the value of expanded learning for youth development and working families, and members discussed the need to address middle school access as well. AB 2526, focused on special education funding, would expand the low-incidence fund to include students qualifying for the California alternate assessment; supporters said it would better align funding with student need, while some concerns remained about over-identification. AB 2325, the Pathways to Bilingual Teaching Act, would create a grant program to build bilingual teacher pipelines through partnerships among schools, community colleges, and universities; it received strong support and passed unanimously. AB 2460, presented by Assemblymember Pellerin for Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, would update school mental-health referral protocols to address trauma related to immigration enforcement; it also passed unanimously. AB 2404, which sought to require Central Valley representation on several governor-appointed bodies, drew debate over geographic representation and board composition and ultimately failed on a 2-5 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians, co-sponsor of AB 2651.
• are, first, a former student, Oliver Quintana Bravo, a recent graduate from Creative Connections Academy
• I recently graduated from Creative Connections Arts Academy here in Sacramento.
• And I recently graduated from Creative Connections Arts Academy here in Sacramento.
• changed when I got the opportunity to enter the after-school program at Creative Connections Arts Academy

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget also recommends a $10 million reduction to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy.
• On a different topic, I want to look at the Idaho Digital Learning Academy recommendation here.
• So you've got in your budget a $10 million reduction to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. ...recommendation
• So you've got in your budget a $10 million reduction to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy.
• And just for everybody's clarity, Idaho Home Learning Academy and Idaho Digital Learning Academy are

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee opened the session with roll call, confirmed a quorum, and introduced new members, staff, and pages. Co-chairs and staff then reviewed JFAC’s role as the legislature’s main budget committee, the committee’s daily schedule, and the resources available through legislative staff, the impact team, and the newly released 2026 Legislative Budget Book and related budget tools. The committee received a detailed briefing from the Division of Financial Management on the JFAC calendar and then from Governor’s Budget Director Lori Wolf on the governor’s FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget recommendations. Wolf said the budget is balanced but tight, relying on a mix of ongoing reductions and one-time actions rather than reserve fund transfers. Major budget actions included a 3% ongoing reduction across most state agencies, reversions of certain one-time balances to the general fund, no recommended pay increase for state employees or teachers, and higher employee health insurance costs. The budget also proposed reductions or policy changes in Medicaid, virtual school funding, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and some transportation and water-related funds, while preserving funding for public safety, education, water, and transportation priorities. Members questioned the assumptions behind the budget, especially the projected ending balances, the use of one-time transfers, the impact of rising health insurance costs on employees, the effect of Medicaid cuts on services and cost shifts, and the rationale for reductions to online education and IDLA. Several members also asked about the proposed federal tax conformity changes, including the timing of implementation and the treatment of Idaho’s existing R&E tax credit. Wolf said the conformity estimate was based on Tax Commission analysis and that the administration was not recommending use of the budget stabilization fund. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee concluded by noting that the Economic Outlook Committee would meet later in the week and that JFAC would continue budget hearings the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 28 is the funding for the Law Enforcement Academy Scholarships.
• This is funding that is sent out to the different training academies.
• Page 286 is the Corps for the Academy. Page 292 is our core for our vehicle and driver safety.
• Page 286 is the Corps for the Academy. Page 292 is our core for our vehicle and driver safety.
• Page 286 is the Corps for the Academy. Page 292 is our core for our vehicle and driver safety.

Summary: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway presented the Office of the Attorney General’s FY 2027 budget request and outlined her office’s priorities: reducing violent crime, targeting illegal and unregulated activities she described as a “vice squad” focus, protecting Missourians from fraud, and improving the office’s legal work. She highlighted major cases and enforcement efforts, including litigation over insulin pricing, Dollar General pricing practices, a criminal prosecution in Hermann, the Jackson County assessment dispute, and a new lawsuit involving Misha’s board policy. Committee members asked about cybercrime enforcement, cooperation with federal authorities, VLTs, ballot and referendum litigation, and the office’s approach to diversity-related legal issues. Hanaway said cybercrime and no-call enforcement rely heavily on multi-state and federal cooperation, and she emphasized that many cases begin with citizen reports. Members also questioned the cost and scope of ongoing election-related litigation, including redistricting and referendum cases, and Hanaway said her office is defending the laws and ballot processes as required. She estimated roughly $600,000 in staff time over about six months for the referendum/redistricting work combined. Several members raised concerns about the Misha lawsuit and whether similar statutory provisions elsewhere in state government could raise the same legal issues; Hanaway responded that the case involved a board rule, not a statute, and turned on whether the requirement functioned as a quota. The committee also discussed child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, Medicaid fraud, and the use of outside counsel and pro hac vice fees. Hanaway said the office is using non-GR funds where possible and is not requesting pay increases this year. The Missouri Office of Prosecution Services then presented its budget. Officials explained that MOPS trains and supports prosecutors statewide, including on DWIs, child sex cases, and new prosecutor training, and that its budget request matches the governor’s recommendation. Members asked about support for local prosecutors, the nine counties without elected prosecutors, and the new conviction integrity unit; staff said the unit’s positions were shifted between line items and that the office can help answer prosecutorial questions through its general counsel. The committee then moved to the Department of Public Safety budget. DPS reviewed funding for crime victims notification, law enforcement recruitment and retention, drug task forces, academy scholarships, Blue Star grants, local crime prevention, school safety, World Cup security, 988 trainings, wastewater testing in schools, and other programs. Members asked about the $59 million federal FIFA World Cup grant, school safety app funding, and wastewater testing participation; DPS said the World Cup funds require no state match, the app funding is being phased out, and schools opted into the testing program. The committee recessed before finishing the DPS book, with plans to return later.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third one was Blair Academy. Blair Academy is almost a college campus.
• The private school tuition of a typical student going to Blair Academy is $81,950 a year.
• a district where probably a fraction of that 1% of the families can afford to send a kid to Blair Academy
• ...send a kid to Blair Academy, are they going to be made to subsidize a Class 3 officer in that school
• Catherine Claus, American Academy Pediatrics, in favor, no need to testify.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to education, to revise provisions regarding the creation of the Idaho Digital Learning Academy
• If you're referring to the Idaho Home Learning Academy folks, they're total virtual, so they would not
• A couple senators now have raised the issue of the Idaho Home Learning Academy and the Idaho Digital
• Learning Academy, right?
• So the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, or IDLA, is a state-created online learning program.

Transcript Highlights:

• members will be hosting a breakfast tomorrow and to promote and celebrate the Western Legislative Academy
• Legislative Academy. So, please join us Legislative Academy.

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriation; SCR 1011, congressional term limits conventions; SCR 1012, community college students teachers academy
• appropriation; SCR 1011, congressional term limits conventions; SCR 1012, community college students teachers academy
• appropriation sr 1011 congressional term limits conventions sCR 1012 community college students teachers academy

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed attendance, and approved the prior journal. Several senators then used points of personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visitors, including Chaplain Ron Lagata, an Air Force air traffic controller apprentice shadowing Senator Gabaldón, a guest of Senator Farnsworth, and a group connected to Arizona’s space industry and Special Olympics Arizona. Senator Bolick read a proclamation for “Not in Our State,” condemning human trafficking and calling on Arizonans, schools, churches, nonprofits, law enforcement, and businesses to work together to prevent trafficking and support victims. Senator Tothley then gave an emotional statement about the death of an eight-year-old girl in his community, criticized delays in the turquoise alert system, and urged statewide changes so alerts go out more quickly and broadly. The Senate observed a moment of silence in the child’s memory. The chamber then moved through second reading of a long list of bills and resolutions covering topics such as counseling after traumatic events, military permitting, EMS reciprocity, election procedures, court-ordered treatment, assisted living, juvenile detention education, Alzheimer’s funding, gaming appropriations, short-term rentals, law enforcement mask prohibitions, fire district formation, prison and correction officer issues, port of entry funding, appeals court structure, and congressional term limits. Several bills were also referred to committees, including measures on voting centers, candidate petition circulators, weather modification, federal land acquisition consent, bleed control kits, foreign donations, unemployment benefits, and SNAP purchases. The Senate also announced upcoming committee meetings and then adjourned until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> was I served as a Minnesota Academy was I served as a Minnesota Academy president<00:15:23.320><
• c> Minnesota</c><00:15:23.720><c> Academy</c><00:15:23.959><c> of</c> president Minnesota Academy of
• president Minnesota Academy of Opthalmology<00:15:24.639><c> president</c><00:15:25.040><c> in</c><00
• of ey Physicians and surgeons Academy of ey Physicians and surgeons and<00:44:18.720><c> I'm</c><00:
• The Minnesota Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons does not stand alone in opposing this legislation

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• whereas she is a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, currently serves on three National Academy
• :07:59.720><c> National</c> currently serves on three National currently serves on three National Academy
• 00:08:01.560><c> and</c><00:08:01.720><c> is</c><00:08:01.840><c> a</c><00:08:01.880><c> past</c> Academy
• of Science panels, and is a past Academy of Science panels, and is a past president<00:08:03.160><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are honored to have special guests with us up in the gallery from LifePoint Academy in Concord
• Student leaders of LifePoint Academy, thank you so very, very much.
• Today we are honored to have special guests with us up in the gallery from Life Point Academy in Concord
• Let's welcome them to the capital student leaders of LifePoint Academy.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several routine announcements. Senator Weber Pierson removed SB 977 from the consent calendar. The chamber then took up a series of gubernatorial appointments, including Irena Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board, Monica Erickson as director of the Department of Human Services, Armin Mayor as senior deputy commissioner at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and Uca Dunkay to the California State Lottery Commission; all were confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls after brief presentations by Senator Grove. The Senate also considered several commemorative resolutions. SCR 152, by Senator Reyes, designated April 10, 2026 as Dolores Huerta Day. Senators from both parties spoke in support, praising Huerta’s lifelong labor, civil rights, and nonviolent organizing work, and noting her role in the farmworker movement and the contributions of Filipino farmworkers. The resolution passed unanimously. SR 91, by Senator González, recognized Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week; SCR 149, by Senator Valadares, marked World Autism Awareness Day and emphasized early intervention and adult services; and SCR 150, by Senator Choi, recognized National Librarian Day and the public value of librarians. Each of these resolutions was adopted with broad support. The Senate also passed SB 1078 by Senator Laird, an urgency measure giving Santa Cruz County voters the opportunity to consider a local tax increase above the combined local tax rate cap to help fund services, including medical services; the bill passed 29-9 on both urgency and final passage. SR 98 by Senator Wiener, designating Heat Pump Week in California, also passed with strong support, highlighting energy savings, emissions reductions, and the state’s electrification goals. After lifting the call, the chamber confirmed the earlier appointments and adopted the remaining consent calendar items without objection. The session ended with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Deanna Mooney, a nurse and community leader, with the Senate scheduled to reconvene on April 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll post it on a virtual academy, all of that.
• As far as Virtual Academy, right now we have 1,667 current users.
• And then recently, we just added the Grand River Dam Authority to Virtual Academy, so we'll be setting
• And then recently, we just added the Grand River Dam Authority to Virtual Academy, so we'll be setting

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the February 5 regular meeting and the March 9 special meeting, along with the January 2026 financial report. The authority also recognized the Emergency Telecommunicator of the Quarter, Claire Gutierrez of the Pott County Sheriff’s Office, for her work during a fast-moving wildfire incident, and the Emergency Technologist of the Quarter, Jason White of the City of Shawnee, for his support of the 911 center’s technology needs. Members approved the City of Norman’s in-person 40-hour telecommunicator training program as a vetted training option. They also approved Washington County 911’s request to submit an amended hardship application for a radio console grant match waiver, rather than granting the waiver outright. In addition, the authority approved the annual land area and population percentages used to determine 911 telephone fee distributions for fiscal year 2027, and approved a new PSAP call-taking boundary change form for future boundary adjustments. The authority approved three grant requests: Creek County for APCO/Telecom training, the City of El Reno for ADA and facility improvements to its dispatch center, and the City of Moore for ADA furniture and a larger dispatch setup. Committee and staff reports covered audit completion, boundary verification and population model work, recruitment website updates, upcoming 911 Day at the Capitol, NG9-1-1 and GIS progress, cybersecurity training planning, 988 integration efforts, and ongoing concerns about TCPR policy and liability. The legislative report noted House Bill 2710 passed the House after amendments removing 911-related language and was sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The meeting ended with public comments, a brief new business item wishing member Brent Hawkinson well after surgery, and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• and I asked if I would help him make the contacts because he would like to attend the West Point Academy
• reached out to him, and he just called to tell me that he has been accepted to attend the West Point Academy
• attend the ask if I would help him make the contacts because he would like to attend the West Point Academy
• reached out to him, and he just called to tell me that he has been accepted to attend the West Point Academy

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several House bills. Substitute House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, would allow limited medical cannabis use for qualifying end-of-life patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities; supporters said it would improve quality of life, and it passed 46-2. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1604, dealing with search procedures for transgender and intersex individuals confined in local jails and codifying federal Prison Rape Elimination Act-related standards, drew debate over whether amendments were needed and whether the bill would burden or protect staff and inmates; two amendments were rejected, and the bill passed 30-19. Second Substitute House Bill 1906, as amended, increased transparency and consumer protections for water system rates, especially for older or smaller systems, and passed unanimously 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 tightened voter registration challenge procedures and gave county auditors more discretion in handling challenges; an amendment to broaden who could challenge voters statewide was rejected, and the bill passed 49-0. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2110, as amended, allowed registered nurses without EMT certification to staff certain inter-facility ambulance transports under specified conditions to reduce delays, and it also passed 49-0. The Senate also passed Second Substitute House Bill 2429, which extends and updates the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and aligns agency planning with the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan; a committee striker was adopted despite concerns about added government structure, and the bill passed 49-0. Second Substitute House Bill 2384, increasing oversight of continuing care retirement communities through actuarial review and Office of Insurance Commissioner oversight, passed 37-12 after the chamber rejected the committee striker and adopted a revised striking amendment. The session ended with a point of personal privilege from Senator Lovick and an adjournment motion, and the Senate adjourned until March 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• by the Pledge of Allegiance provided for us today by Gabrielle Hill of the Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
• . ...provided for us today by Gabrielle Hill of the Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy.
• This bill has to do with the Idaho Home Learning Academy, otherwise known as ILA.
• of this past year, I participated with the GILOC Committee in requesting an evaluation of the ILA Academy

Transcript Highlights:

• But I just want to say that the American Academy of Pediatrics did do an article called Sex Education
• And I appreciate the reasoning behind it, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says everyone should
• The American Academy of Pediatrics says everyone should be involved because it should be appropriate,
• But I just want to say that the American Academy of Pediatrics did do an article called Sex Education
• And I appreciate the reasoning behind it, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says everyone should

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• proud to welcome to the Senate Chamber some of New York's shining stars visiting us from the Mercaz Academy
• PROUD TO WELCOME TO THE SENATE CHAMBER, SOME OF NEW YORK'S SHINING STARS VISITING US FROM THE MERCAZ ACADEMY
• The Mercaz Academy provides preschool through sixth grade students a foundation in Judaic studies, emphasizing
• actually won their races and have joined us in the gallery today along with the group from Mercaz Academy
• ACTUALLY WON THEIR RACES AND HAVE JOINED US IN THE GALLERY TODAY ALONG WITH THE GROUP FROM MERCAZ ACADEMY

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• tutoring or academic enrichment outside of their contract hours, like after-school programs and summer academies
• tutoring or academic enrichment outside of their contract hours, like after-school programs and summer academies
• tutoring or academic enrichment outside of their contract hours, like after-school programs and summer academies
• tutoring or academic enrichment outside of their contract hours, like after-school programs and summer academies
• tutoring or academic enrichment outside of their contract hours, like after-school programs and summer academies

Summary: House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not. Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in. In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have students from South Valley Academy in the South Valley of Albuquerque who have chosen gun violence
• But I'm hoping you might have an announcement for our Estancia Valley Classical Academy.
• Estancia Valley Classical Academy in the House, please rise to be recognized.
• The last two days, yesterday and today, we have had students from the Estancia Valley Classical Academy
• From the Estancia Valley Classical Academy here joining us from Torrance County, and they have been patiently

Bills: HB95 , HB111 , HJR1 , HB32 , HB33 , HB61 , HJM2 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB8 , HB30 , HB43 , HB156 , HM2 , HM16

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order