Transcript Highlights:

• For this reason, we have taken an opposed-unless-amended position on AB 8.
• What organization you're with, if any, in position on the bill.
• Thank you very much. position of opposing AB 432 unless amended.
• They have an opposed unless amended position.
• Eventually, he gave up and took a position in another state.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some reservations about your past positions on vaccines and a couple of other issues.
• You will have the responsibility to restore trust in our public health institutions in this position
• And we both want that legacy to be positive.
• On positive impact on human health in this country.
• You are clearly an influencer; you would not be in this position today.

Transcript Highlights:

• The position of associate justice features the best part To the Delaware Supreme Court.
• The position of associate justice features the best parts of every job I've ever had.
• The position of associate justice features the best parts of every job I've ever had.
• So my position now is... How do you intend to approach that?
• I mean, it is not an easy position.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please step forward to your name, affiliation and position. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• The county likewise is also in a very strong fiscal position.
• We have a support-if-amended position on the bill.
• They have an opposed and less amended position. Their position is largely fundamental.
• So that's the position to have on the bill.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee heard and advanced several bills covering workers’ compensation, public pensions, workplace training, public works wages, and disability/paid family leave benefits. AB 1048 would require greater transparency when medical provider payments in workers’ compensation are reduced through network or administrator arrangements; supporters said providers need the underlying contract to verify reductions, while opponents argued the problem is overstated and existing dispute remedies are available. AB 1601 would give Sonoma County flexibility to provide targeted cost-of-living adjustments to retirees; supporters emphasized retirees have gone without a COLA since 2008 and that the retirement system is well funded, with no opposition testimony heard. AB 1439 would request a UC Berkeley study on labor standards in real estate and infrastructure projects funded through CalPERS and CalSTRS portfolios; labor groups supported it, while local governments, housing, and industry groups opposed it as unnecessary and potentially burdensome. AB 1697 would delay implementation of last year’s AB 692 on stay-or-pay and related employment contract provisions to 2027, with some support from the NFL and a support-if-amended request from the financial services industry for a 2028 date. AB 1803 would add anti-hate speech content to existing workplace harassment training; supporters framed it as a response to rising antisemitism and workplace hate, while opponents raised First Amendment concerns and argued current law already addresses harassment. AB 2120 would extend Los Angeles Unified’s selective certification hiring authority and allow retention of such employees in layoffs, and AB 2292 would bar providers from charging administrative fees for completing disability insurance and paid family leave certification forms; both drew support and no opposition testimony in the hearing. AB 1198, the Fair Pay for Construction Workers Act, would tie prevailing wage to the time work is performed rather than bid advertisement, with supporters calling it a fairness fix and opponents warning of uncertainty and higher costs on public projects. The committee later reconvened and voted all of the heard bills out, with most passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; AB 1439 was the only measure with recorded dissent, passing 4-1 on the final committee vote. Several items were also placed on call before final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have had employers in Fergus Falls remark I had one of your MAPSTARS students interview for a position
• MAPSTARS is also a source of pride for alternative education programs, leaving a positive impact on a
• I cannot overstate how hard the Council and staff work to have the most positive impact possible on the
• That's been a fairly new evolution, and I think a positive one.
• Math Corps puts more students on a trajectory to contribute in that positive way.

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• c> measure<00:09:30.320> which<00:09:30.560> seeks<00:09:30.880> to The positions
• So, I'm not going to go over that, but I just like to point out that the three positions, there are no
• civil service positions existing for these three positions that we want.
• identified in the DLE or in positions identified in the DLE or the<00:10:36.560> department<00
• to fill positions subject to certain<00:10:44.079> conditions.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several bills, mostly related to workers’ compensation, labor relations, retirement, and employment exemptions. HB 423 would clarify selection of certified rehabilitation providers and require automatic approval of vocational rehabilitation services when likely needed for suitable gainful employment; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested timeline amendments, including advancing the plan within 90 days of the initial evaluation and filing it with the employer, employee, and director within two days. HB 480 would let an attending physician request a functional capacity exam without employer permission and deem licensed occupational and physical therapists qualified to perform such exams; it drew support from the department, the Hawaii Insurance Council, and the Hawaii Medical Association. HB 162 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators for collective bargaining disputes by allowing the HLRB to request a list from FMCS as well as the ABA, and testimony from labor groups supported that change. HB 164 concerned indebtedness to the state and wage deductions; HGA supported it with comments, while the Department of Accounting and General Services raised concerns about the percentage structure but said it could implement the requested changes. The committee also heard HB 1152, which would permanently exempt three specialized Department of Taxation positions from civil service; the department supported the measure and said the positions are not currently civil service positions. HB 214 would allow certain retirees to work in school resource officer or investigator roles without losing retirement benefits, subject to conditions; ERS expressed concerns about shortening the required separation period from 12 months to 6 months and about uniform administration and cost implications, while the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Education supported the bill, and the Department of Law Enforcement asked to include its investigators as well. HB 874 would amend the Uniform Custodial Trust Act for child performers, requiring trust accounts for minors meeting certain earnings thresholds and making misuse of funds a fiduciary breach; SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii Nurses Association supported it, and members discussed that enforcement would likely need further research, possibly through labor or the film office. HB 159 would cap the civil service exemption for personal service contracts with qualified community rehabilitation programs at $850,000 in the aggregate per private person or entity; United Public Workers, HGEA, and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO supported it. No final votes were taken because the committee lacked quorum. After recessing and reconvening, the chair announced that decision-making on the agenda would be deferred to Wednesday, March 12 at 3:01 p.m. in Room 224.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think if the person were selected for that position and did not become a licensed member of the State
• Bar of Nevada, they lose a lot of credibility to be successful in that position.
• the governor selects that position.
• Under this change, the executive director would appoint or hire that public defender position.
• Effectively, the executive director serves as kind of the shield for that position.

Bills: AB58, AB275, SB46, SB457, SB465, AB320, AB344, AB381, AB541

Keywords: Nevada gaming, gaming regulation, sports pool, race book, interactive gaming, slot machines, restricted license, Gaming Control Board, Gaming Commission, game approval, administrative approval, service provider, cash access, wagering instruments, global risk management, information service, sports wagering, pari-mutuel wagering, casino regulation, gaming license

Transcript Highlights:

• It is evident to me that social media can make a positive and meaningful impact.
• I think it can bring so much positive if used in the correct way.
• So you're a position, just not testimony.
• So you're a position, so we're going to convert you to public. That's fine.
• Please give us your name and your position on the bill and your testimony.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 186, which would require social media platforms to verify users are 18 or older before allowing account creation. Invited witnesses in support, including Mary Elizabeth Castle and David Dunmoyer, argued the bill would protect children from harmful algorithms, addictive design, bullying, sexual exploitation, and mental health harms, and emphasized parental rights and the idea that minors should not enter binding contracts with platforms. Committee members questioned them about how algorithms work, whether parents could realistically monitor content, and whether the bill would still allow educational use; the witnesses said the bill was narrowly aimed at harmful social media use and not educational content. Public testimony on HB 186 was largely in opposition, though several student witnesses said they supported the bill’s goals but wanted the age lowered to 16 or the bill amended to allow parental consent or joint accounts. Opponents argued the bill would be ineffective because teens could bypass age checks, would cut off access to educational tools, school communications, recruiting and NIL opportunities, and would burden free speech and privacy. Some witnesses also said social media helps teens with mental health, community, and creative or professional opportunities, while others warned the bill could disproportionately harm disabled and marginalized users. After public testimony closed, HB 186 was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 5138, which Chairman Hughes said would respond to a court ruling limiting the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes unless invited by local prosecutors by changing the statute to require AG prosecution. Public testimony on HB 5138 was brief and opposed by at least one witness who argued it would further erode local control and expand state preemption. The bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3225, a library bill aimed at keeping sexually explicit books and materials out of children’s sections in municipal libraries and requiring age verification for checkout, including digital access, with parental consent and other revisions added in the House. Supporters said the bill would protect children from explicit material and keep such content in adult sections, while opponents argued it would amount to censorship, be costly and difficult to implement, and could be used to target LGBTQ+ or other marginalized content. Library workers, parents, students, and advocates testified that existing library sections already separate age-appropriate materials and that the bill could reduce access to books, burden libraries, and infringe on parental choice and free expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:04.840> today students interview for a position today students interview for a position
• That's been a fairly new evolution, and I think a positive one.
• That's been a fairly new evolution, and I think a positive one.
• One, it's really good to hear positive feedback about the portfolio process.
• <01:30:07.080> feedback really good to hear positive feedback really good to hear positive

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 14, literacy position for K through 3 reading program.
• Senate File 14, literacy position for K through 3 reading program. Ayes 56, noes 4, excused 2.
• Senate File 14, literacy position for K through 3 reading program. Senator Schuler. Thank you, Mr.
• Uh, this is Senate File 14, literacy position for a K-3 reading program. message number 260?
• appropriation and the full-time position appropriation and the full-time position authorized<01:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is that this our commission's position is that this would<00:07:53.680> be<00:07:53.759> a
• , but for judicial vacancies position, but for judicial vacancies across<00:26:34.799> all<00:
• of being the youngest over position of being the youngest over here,<00:32:55.519> I'll<00:32
• Uh, we'll insert the positions, the number of which will be left blank in the bill and request in the
• Uh we'll insert the<00:36:33.440> positions,<00:36:33.839> the<00:36:34.079> number<

Bills: SB2055, SB2152

Keywords: civil rights, helpline, investigator, data analysis, Aloha United Way, reporting, confidentiality, community support, mandatory retirement, Hawaii Constitution, judiciary, justices, judges, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing. The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring. Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Representative Dixon, we are asking for three additional positions.
• It's like 17% or more this year with three positions.
• not amended that position.
• Chairman, for their employees, they have 25 of 27 positions filled. Dr.
• The board is budgeted for 8 FTE and has no vacant positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:18.880> I positions. Mahalo, Senate Presidents. I positions.
• And I urge our colleagues to please support our friend, our former senator, and the new position he's
• confirmed for other positions? Proceed. confirmed for other positions? Proceed.
• Toma for a position on the district family court of the second circuit, which is Maui County.
• Toma for a position on the district family court of the second circuit, which is Maui County.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with all 25 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and heard several introductions, including visiting staff, guests, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was recognized for her work with the food bank and noted as acting governor that week. The chamber also received House communications returning several Senate concurrent resolutions adopted unamended, and one House-amended resolution, SCR 192, was taken up. Senator Wakai moved to disagree with the House amendments to SCR 192, the motion was seconded and carried, with conferees to be named later. Standing committee reports were then taken up, including reports 1931 to 1939 for one-day notice and report 1940 for adoption, which was adopted without objection. The Senate then considered a series of advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with education-related appointments. Senators spoke in support of nominees to the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, the State Board of Education, and the School Facilities Authority Board, while Senator Awa and others raised objections to several nominees, arguing that campaign donations by some appointees created the appearance of “pay to play.” Despite those objections, the nominations were ultimately confirmed. The chamber also confirmed Dwight Takamini as chair of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after strong support from multiple senators who cited his labor, legislative, and public service background. The Senate next confirmed Christine Sakuda as chief information officer for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, with supporters emphasizing her IT leadership and public service and noting she is the first female and Native Hawaiian to hold the post. The chamber also confirmed Kahuanoi AD Jackson as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit and Sonia H. Toma as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, with senators highlighting their prosecutorial and public service experience and the favorable testimony received in committee. After these confirmations, senators introduced the new appointees and their families in the gallery. Later, the Senate adopted additional standing committee reports on House concurrent resolutions and passed SB 849 HD2 on final reading, relating to wildlife conservation, by unanimous consent. The body also reconsidered and reversed earlier disagreement on House amendments to SB 116 and SB 946, agreeing that the amendments were technical and giving one-day notice for final reading. The meeting concluded with a late introduction of the Honokaʻa Jazz Band, which was praised for its national recognition and community service, and senators invited members to a later concert in the rotunda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your position and you have two minutes for your advocacy Thank you, Mr.
• Please state your name, position.
• Bennett, can you please state your position?
• Whitehurst, please state your name, position, and begin.
• In August of 22, our board added a full-time... compliance position.

Bills: SB264, SB542, SB924, SB1008, SB1029, SB1036, SB1057, SB1058, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1376, SB1569, SB1664, SB1697, SJR50

Keywords: SB 264, Texas Workers' Compensation Act, group self-insurance, self-insured groups, workers' compensation, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, certificate of approval, guaranty fund, trust fund, wind down, dissolution, labor code, insurance regulation, employer coverage, risk pool, business and commerce, trade workforce economic development, property owners' association, water conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• WT is in a prime position to provide.
• We create positive financial impacts for agricultural communities and producers.
• Number one, we want to add additional positions and for fire and emergency response.
• Hiring for vacant professional staff positions has taken over 200 recruitment days on average, which
• Without additional funding for our professional staff, we won't be able to fill positions we need to

Transcript Highlights:

• Organization they represent, if any, and their position on the bill.
• If so, you could just come to the mic, state your name, affiliation, if any, and position only.
• Oh, just come to the mic and express your name, organization, and position.
• Again, we have no position on the bill.
• Again, we have no position on the bill.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 25, 2026, with nine measures on the agenda and three bills taken on consent. The committee approved the consent calendar for AB 1736, AB 1853, and AB 2153. The committee also heard several election-related bills, including AB 1993 on ballot-envelope privacy, AB 1788 on nonprofit disclosure of travel payments for elected officials, AB 1560 on barring people convicted of public corruption from lobbying, AB 1539 on presidential and vice-presidential ballot eligibility certifications, AB 1919 on Santa Cruz Metro local tax initiative procedures, and AB 1562 on county selection of poll workers. The chair also noted membership changes and welcomed new and returning members and staff. AB 1993 drew the most debate. The author argued it was a common-sense safeguard to prevent voters’ choices from being visible through ballot-envelope holes, citing a Sacramento County incident and public concern about ballot privacy. County election officials, the Secretary of State’s office, and Disability Rights California opposed the bill, saying the holes also serve accessibility and processing functions, that existing voter instructions already address privacy, and that the measure would create implementation problems and an unfunded mandate. After extended discussion, the committee voted the bill out on a 2-6 roll call and it failed. AB 1788 was supported by the FPPC and the League of Women Voters and passed as amended to Appropriations, with members emphasizing transparency while seeking to avoid unintended coverage of organizations like NCSL and CSG. AB 1560 passed 6-0 despite the Secretary of State’s implementation concerns about how the office would learn of relevant convictions. AB 1539, which would require party representatives to certify presidential and vice-presidential nominees’ constitutional eligibility, passed 7-0 as amended. AB 1919, which would clarify procedures for a Santa Cruz Metro voter initiative to place a transit tax on the ballot, passed 6-2, and AB 1562, which would allow counties to randomly select poll workers, passed 7-1 after discussion about civic engagement, guardrails, and election administration. The committee then completed roll-call adjustments for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you testify, each witness will have to give your name, position on the bill, and the agency they
• Just state your name and your position. Thank you. I'm Tara Das.
• Blair, sir, if you could please state your name, who you represent. and your position on the bill.
• Name your organization, who you represent, and your position on the bill. Yes, absolutely.
• The position on the bill is again.

Bills: HB39, HB227, HB930, HB 1078, HB39, HB227

Keywords: highway designation, veteran recognition, commemorative, transportation, Brazoria County, Texas National Guard, combat duty, military activation, state requirements, emergency response, active combat duty, military service, Congressional action, Governor responsibilities, Congressional declaration, state law, conflict, armed forces, congressional approval, war declaration

Transcript Highlights:

• So still positive.
• But it's a tough position to be in. So our hope is that, yes...
• But it's a tough position to be in. So our hope is that yes, But it's a tough position to be in.
• We've since been able to fill all of our positions.
• This started before I came into this position.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department's requesting six permanent positions and three... year limited term positions to support
• the six permanent positions.
• We're requesting. a permanent position authority about six positions and 1.1 million dollars each of
• position authority request.
• Five of those positions are new.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to need to fund this position more so they coordinate.
• Position is great.
• And when we see positive results, we're supposed to make it replicable.
• My position is, I represent the CJA, California Inclusivity Project.
• So my position is that I'm here to represent the number of seniors.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.