Transcript Highlights:

• But I think this proposal wouldn't achieve that because it's open, so...
• to draw on lots of different folks as well as academic research.
• And then lastly, of course, academics as well.
• other environmental recognitions and achievements.
• To achieve the state's ambitious methane reduction goals. Thank you.

Summary: The subcommittee heard extensive testimony on the governor’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit, which would provide a $1 to $2 per gallon credit against the diesel excise tax for SAF sold for use in California from 2026 to 2036. The Department of Finance and CARB argued the proposal would help decarbonize aviation, support a long-term transition in the fuel sector, and encourage in-state investment and jobs. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and several outside witnesses recommended rejecting the proposal, saying it is a relatively expensive way to reduce greenhouse gases, could have uncertain or limited net climate benefits, and may shift limited feedstocks away from renewable diesel rather than create additional fuel supply. A major point of debate was whether the credit would mainly benefit California refineries and workers or instead subsidize out-of-state producers while reducing revenue for transportation programs. Supporters, including union members, refinery workers, airlines, Boeing, and airport representatives, said SAF is one of the few viable near-term options for aviation, that California should keep fuel production and jobs in-state, and that the credit would help maintain refinery operations and support the industry’s transition. Opponents, including the LAO, trucking and fuels groups, environmental organizations, and county/road advocates, warned that the proposal could raise gasoline and diesel prices, reduce diesel excise tax revenue for highways and local streets and roads, and provide limited climate benefit compared with other uses of state funds. Some members also raised concerns about feedstock availability, food-system impacts, and whether the policy should be more narrowly targeted if the goal is to support a specific refinery. No vote was taken. The chair stated at the outset that all items on the agenda were being held open for a future hearing, and public comment was taken after the first item because of the level of interest. The hearing then continued with public testimony, which was split between strong support from labor and industry and strong opposition from environmental, transportation, and local government groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• earned her the Daily Record's inclusion as a Top 100 Women's Circle of Excellence and Sustained Achievement
• </c><00:21:49.120><c> award,</c><00:21:50.159><c> the</c><00:21:50.320><c> James</c> sustained achievement
• award, the James sustained achievement award, the James W.<00:21:51.120><c> Rouse</c><00:21:51.440><
• These members represent<00:28:37.440><c> academic,</c><00:28:38.320><c> professional,</c> represent academic
• , professional, represent academic, professional, technology,<00:28:41.200><c> skill,</c><00:28:42.159

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association's license plate, with the funds from the annual fee going toward Needspace Scholarships, academic
• funds generated by the Northwestern Alumni Association license plate would directly support very academic
• But I have to also speak to the academic achievements. That's right.
• But I have to also speak to the academic achievements that have been made, and it's taken a lot of community
• Northwestern Senior High School, although they do have a very, very good football program, their academics

Summary: The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• and go on and achieve to whatever level they can achieve to.
• Our research quote shows that voucher students begin to recoup their academic losses in the third and
• But it's not just the academic effects that matter.
• Do you have any idea about what the academic consequences have been? Mr. Enloe: Yes sir.
• So you're seeing generally the results show higher student achievement, a smaller statistic.

Bills: HB 3

Keywords: emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure, Project 25, P25, broadband emergency alerting, outdoor warning sirens, homeland security, disaster response

Transcript Highlights:

• $12 million short, so we're going to be looking at, unfortunately, having to impact class size, academic
• But you don't grade us on food and mental health; you grade us on academic performance and graduation
• and graduation academic performance and graduation rates<00:20:12.520><c> and</c><00:20:12.720><c> I
• as well as to improve paying achievement as well as to improve paying benefits<00:42:14.200><c> for<
• I fear that PSO graduates will face greater resistance from future schools if the academic integrity

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You do not have to be academically strong to be gifted. In fact, a lot of gifted kids...
• So it's not all academic performance.
• But we have to remember that gifted is not always academic gifted.
• Not all gifted kids are high achievers.
• Not all gifted kids are high achievers.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a huge achievement for us as a state.
• initial days in office through executive order, and the budget includes over $800 million to try to achieve
• our new CFO, and we are now centering our financials around the operations directly sustained by academic
• My mom was an academic advisor at the local university, and my father was a teacher and coach, a football
• And my connection to the college is multifaceted. was an academic advisor at the local university.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, the locally adopted norm-referenced achievement test.
• It might be like a California achievement test or Iowa Test of Basic Skills, something such as that.
• Education, minimum standards for public school approval and the academic standards.
• And the most used test was the California Achievement Test, and that was 1,127 students took the CAT
• Uh, they choose things like the CAT, California Achievement Test, because I...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Skipping down to line 22 is the summer academic enrichment program.
• removes the requirement that OHE determine whether institutions in other states maintain certain academic
• Our research efforts strive to achieve translational advancements that result in earlier diagnoses and
• FIG allowed me to breathe, focus on my academics, and imagine a future that once was mine.
• But why are we removing maintaining academic standards to stand for equal?

Bills: HF2312

Keywords: higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct

Transcript Highlights:

• recognize and commend Liberty Common High School, the graduating class of 2026, for its exceptional academic
• achievement and distinguished achievements.
• composite SAT score ranking third in the state of Colorado, underscoring the rigor of the school's academic
• These honors reflect both individual merits and a broader culture of high expectations and achievement
• recognizes and congratulates the Liberty Common High School class of 2026 for its outstanding achievements

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill is rooted in fear fear achieve this bill is rooted in fear fear of<00:09:15.519><c> diversity
• </c> sends a message that our achievements sends a message that our achievements are<00:09:37.360><c>
• It forced me to focus on my academics to make sure that I could continue to play the sports that I loved
• It forced me to focus on my academics to make sure that I could continue to play the sports that I loved
• to make sure that I could academics to make sure that I could continue<00:15:28.199><c> to</c><00:15

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this statute kind of lays out some broad goals that they need to achieve.
• I know this statute kind of lays out some like broad goals that they need to achieve.
• As background, an LTEL is generally defined as an English learner student who has not achieved English
• An English learner student who has not achieved English language proficiency within a specified number
• achievement over simplifying data metrics.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specialized programs include academic, vocational programming, substance abuse programming, preforestry
• Academic education allows for growth through literacy, basic education, earning a high school diploma
• Yes, we have rehabilitative achievement programs that address those concerns in regard to their culture
• Rehabilitative achievement programs address those concerns in regard to their cultural policies.
• They believe that this proposal is part of the next step toward achieving those goals.

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The general's going discuss the activities and achievements of Cyber, Florida.
• I don't know that USF are that that we would have an academic platform is the best way to do it.
• We've got great faculty buy-in and they have to make it achieve Abul for them.
• It academic mentor and a social mentor.
• It's with youth in residential care who often have already achieved.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's have the Department of Revenue take a look and determine if our tax policy is, in fact, achieving
• the goal of Revenue, take a look and determine if our tax policy is, in fact, achieving the goal of
• Let's have the Department of Revenue take a look and determine if our tax policy is, in fact, achieving
• The WCCC base subsidy rates must achieve the 85th percentile of market, and these base rates are adjusted
• Last summer... ...Running Start allowed me to continue taking classes and to stay academically engaged

Bills: SB5808, HB2254, HB2385, SB6006, SB6351, SB6198, SB6260, SB6353, SB5949, SB6129, SB6228, SB6231, SB6229, SB6173

Keywords: health insurance, premium assistance, funding, healthcare access, state budget, HB 2254, Washington, Health Care Authority, partnership access line, psychiatric consultation line, first approach skills training, behavioral health, mental health, assessment, administrative costs, health carriers, self-funded plans, multiple employer welfare arrangement, MEWA, employers

Transcript Highlights:

• My portfolios of responsibilities are in the areas of academic affairs and student affairs, student welfare
• The State Board of Higher Ed Committee, called the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, that I support
• The Academic and Student Affairs Committee that I support in my role as a deputy commissioner at the
• And it's a committee or a council that I chair of all the other academic officers.
• ... ...credit hours and the simplicity of the FTE models, you know, we're always trying to achieve a

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Miller then said he had a quick comment, largely academic at this point, and that it is
• Representative Miller said that, as a matter of macroeconomic fact, tariffs can create a price floor and achieve
• Just a quick comment, largely academic at this point.
• Representative Miller said that tariffs can create a price floor and achieve the same outcome without

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement activity, the institution must ensure that the student's absence or inability to satisfy academic
• at the institution will assist undocumented students in accessing all available financial aid and academic
• shield undocumented students from the fluctuating immigration policies that may jeopardize their academic
• and secure educational environment, we can help ensure that undocumented students can thrive and achieve

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on July 16, 2025, with a quorum present and 51 bills on the agenda. The chair reviewed public testimony rules, noted Assemblymember Arambula was absent, and took up the consent calendar. Several bills were approved on consent in two motions: one group eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group approved do pass with amendments. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved, covering a long list of Senate bills that were not individually heard. Two bills were presented before the committee. Senator Sívants presented SB 307, which would require CSU and UC to adopt protections for undocumented students affected by immigration enforcement, including preserving nonresident tuition exemption status, providing access to financial and academic support, and creating policies for grade withdrawals and re-enrollment. The California Faculty Association supported the bill, and an Assemblymember spoke in favor, citing the need to protect undocumented students; the bill was sent out on a roll call. Senator Allen presented SB 413, which would allow limited access to juvenile court records in certain civil and government claims cases to speed resolution and reduce costs, while maintaining privacy safeguards. The County of Los Angeles sponsored the bill, and it also moved out on a roll call, with Assemblymember Dixon not voting. After those presentations, the committee opened the floor for public comment on bills not heard that day, but no additional testimony was offered. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Academics who wish just... ...burial place that honors their humanity.
• To close this gap, AB 1093 creates the Higher Education Development and Academic Exchange Program, a
• It also establishes the California-Mexico Higher Education Development and Academic Exchange Program
• In an era of rising political tensions, it is in California's best interest to invest in our academic
• We waived enrollment fees for two full academic years.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met with a quorum and first approved a consent calendar containing AB 341, AB 1098, and AB 1316, sending those measures to the Human Services, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees respectively. The committee then heard AB 977, which would require CSU to audit surplus land and work with California tribes to identify three regional burial sites for Native American remains that cannot yet be repatriated. Supporters, including tribal leaders and archaeology groups, said the bill is needed to honor ancestors and address the large number of remains still held by CSU; CSU said it is committed to repatriation but had no formal position. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. Members also heard AB 1093, creating a California-Mexico higher education exchange program, and AB 1035, expanding the California College Promise to cover tuition for students pursuing community college bachelor’s degrees. AB 1093 drew support for strengthening cross-border educational and economic ties, but some members raised concerns about border-region sewage problems and the bill’s budget implications; it was held for later consideration. AB 1035 received strong support from community college leaders and faculty who said it would help low-income and first-generation students complete workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees, but several members questioned whether it would stretch Prop. 98 funding and whether the state should prioritize broader affordability concerns. AB 1035 passed to Appropriations on a 3-2 vote. The committee next approved AB 922, which would let the University of California keep access to federal criminal-history information for hiring background checks, avoiding delays and added costs if statutory authority is required. UC said the bill is needed to maintain safety and hiring operations, and it passed to Public Safety on a 5-0 vote. AB 1346, protecting military dependents from losing in-state residency status because of family travel, also passed unanimously to Military and Veterans Affairs. AB 1212, allowing UC to use low-income housing tax credits to build affordable housing for faculty and staff on UC land, drew support from UC and labor groups but opposition from members concerned about preferential access to public resources; it was held for later action. Finally, the committee approved AB 500 and AB 684, both aimed at increasing transparency around UC admissions policy changes and UC BOARS decision-making, sending AB 500 to Education and AB 684 to Governmental Organization, each on 5-0 votes. The hearing then moved on to AB 1122 on dual enrollment, with the author and witnesses presenting the bill as a way to expand college access for high school students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, they are preparing for regional competition in music, academics, and athletics.
• Additionally, they are preparing for regional competition in music, academics, and athletics.
• Speaker, the Salem Sun Devils have been a pillar of academic excellence in Virginia Beach.
• Speaker, that when students eat, they experience better nutrition, reduced hunger, and stronger academic
• access to no-cost school meals and supporting the academic success and overall wellness of their students

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all