Video & Transcript : 'MVP grant program' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jul 16th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- The first recommendation was to grant the Department of Health the authority to establish a system-size
- The second recommendation is to revise the statutes addressed by the municipal water law and grant Ecology
- state Medicaid agencies can determine SSI clients are no longer eligible for the state's Medicaid program
- And yet we’re talking about embarking on a new program.
- This program has grown to meet the needs.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted.
The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes.
The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They have applied for primacy, as was previously mentioned, and they may be granted that.
- The program isn't just enough.
- addressed before the Railroad Commission is granted oversight to Class VI CO2 injection.
- There was also a component that would allow training programs for law enforcement to...
- and degree and certificate programs.
Committee:
House Energy Resources
Keywords:
carbon sequestration, environmental policy, Texas, energy, climate change, regulatory council, geothermal energy, workforce development, education and training, energy industry, apprenticeship, energy production, energy policy, renewable energy, state council, administrative law, public information, transparency, government accountability, judicial process
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- expands eligibility requirements for financial assistance from the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Program
- We will join our regularly scheduled programming shortly.
- as well as nursing education programs.
- SB 1246 also establishes a standardized process for identifying health science programs eligible for
- The bill makes this program permanent with a statewide program and expansion into more diverse areas.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> into that program? into that program?
- ><c> we're</c> programs, duplicate programs that we're programs, duplicate programs that we're seeing
- </c> be in the Bratback program. be in the Bratback program.
- </c> program, we don't have that. program, we don't have that.
- . program. program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/13/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Labor and Commerce have granted this similar authority, and it was granted in 2019
- of the areas I do remember a legislative audit from about 10 years ago that audited the Medicaid program
- million at the time, it was over a billion dollars a year in waste and fraud within the Medicaid program
- of the areas I do remember a legislative audit from about 10 years ago that audited the Medicaid program
- <c> compact</c> public through a leak the leaked compact public through a leak the leaked compact grants
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So typically every state that mandates it will have a free program available, and the programs themselves
- I became program coordinator of You're With Us, and we were able to get subsidized programs. it.
- programs. ...became program coordinator of You're With Us, and we were able to get subsidized programming
- At UMass now, and she's doing the program for You're With Us.
- It is bizarre to me what we take for granted.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid public hearing with testimony on a wide range of labor, workforce, unemployment insurance, apprenticeship, disability services, farm labor, hospital staffing, and workplace harassment bills. Chairs Jake Oliveira and Paul McMurtry outlined hearing procedures, limited testimony to two minutes, and noted written testimony would be accepted after the hearing. Committee members and staff were introduced throughout the session as witnesses arrived in person or remotely.
A major portion of the hearing focused on unemployment insurance legislation. Greater Boston Legal Services, the AFL-CIO, and Rep. Joan Meschino supported bills to adjust UI eligibility for workers with fluctuating schedules and to streamline waivers and write-offs for non-fault overpayments, arguing the current system unfairly denies benefits or burdens workers who were not at fault. They also backed bills calling for more oversight and resources for the Division of Unemployment Assistance, citing persistent delays in benefit payments. NFIB opposed the UI changes, warning that the trust fund is headed toward insolvency and arguing the bills would worsen the system’s finances. Rep. Meschino and committee members emphasized that the proposals were meant to protect good-faith claimants and did not apply to fraud.
Another large set of bills addressed wages, workforce development, and working conditions. Testimony supported raising and modernizing direct care wages to address severe staffing shortages in human services and disability services, with advocates from the Massachusetts Developmental Disability Council, The Arc of Massachusetts, parents of adults with disabilities, and a direct care worker describing how low pay and turnover harm people needing support. The committee also heard support for apprenticeship-related bills from the AFL-CIO and the Carpenters, while Associated Builders and Contractors opposed mandatory apprenticeship ratios and urged changes to align them with licensing laws. Farm worker advocates supported a bill to raise farm labor standards, including minimum wage, paid breaks, and paid time off, while the Farm Bureau opposed parts of it beyond the minimum wage increase.
The hearing also featured testimony on workplace harassment training, overtime protections, hospital mandatory overtime, suicide prevention signage on construction sites, and a proposal to update the Massachusetts Medical Society’s mission language from “citizens” to “people.” Labor groups, educators, and compliance trainers strongly supported mandatory annual sexual harassment training, saying it would improve workplace culture and reduce harm. SEIU 1199 supported extending the hospital nurse mandatory overtime ban to the broader hospital workforce. Witnesses on the suicide prevention bill described personal losses in construction and recovery work and urged posting 988 information on job sites. The committee took no votes during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports, and members asked follow-up questions on UI calculations, apprenticeship ratios, small-business impacts, and emergency exceptions for hospital staffing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Cannabis Regulation, where I helped stand up the largest municipal cannabis licensing program
- Grant Miller to walk through how the bill addresses these challenges.
- Grant Miller from the California Veterinary Medical Association.
- Grant Miller to walk through how the bill addresses these challenges.
- Grant Miller from the California Veterinary Medical Association.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several cannabis-related measures drawing the most testimony. AB 1598 would extend and standardize licensing timelines for behavioral health professionals, AB 1850 would clarify that real estate wholesalers are subject to licensure and disclosure rules, AB 1794 would allow enteral formula to be shipped directly to patients’ homes, and AB 2402 would update an old cap on fees for multi-service health club studios. The committee also heard AB 1990 on compounded GLP-1 drugs, AB 2249 on cannabis packaging attractive to children, AB 2532 on cannabis beverage serving sizes, AB 2537 on prioritizing cannabis enforcement, and AB 1826 on due process protections for cannabis businesses facing embargoes or recalls.
Testimony was generally split between public health or consumer-protection advocates and industry representatives. Supporters of the cannabis bills argued for clearer rules, better consumer safety, and more predictable enforcement, while opponents warned that some proposals could overreach, burden compliant businesses, or restrict legitimate branding and access. On AB 1990, supporters said compounded GLP-1 products need stronger testing and truthful advertising, while pharmacists and compounding advocates said existing law already covers much of the conduct and that the bill could create access problems. On AB 2249 and AB 2532, public health witnesses emphasized risks to children and accidental overconsumption, while industry groups sought narrower language and more implementation time.
The committee took several roll-call votes after quorum was established. AB 2249, AB 1826, AB 2402, AB 1794, and AB 2532 were all approved and sent to Appropriations, and AB 1826 was sent to Judiciary. The chair and members repeatedly noted accepted committee amendments and, in several cases, said they were prepared to support the bills with those amendments. Some measures were left open or held pending further action as the hearing continued.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Grant? Senator Johnson? Senator Kolkhorst? Senator Menéndez? Senator Middleton?
- On the pole replacement program, if there was fund activity in the previous year.
- Three, it streamlines the process of awarding grants and loans to the program. And four.
- It also ensures that state-funded grants for broadband programs are tax exempt. We have resources.
- program and that is authorized by this state to serve a geographic area of the state."
Bills:
SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, this bill grants basic fairness to California taxpayers who have lost a parent or grandparent
- The authority granted under this bill preserves transparency, accountability, and local control.
- public safety, emergency response, parks and facilities, economic development, and youth and senior programs
- The Legislature has granted other jurisdictions this sort of authority many times.
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Summary:
The committee heard several tax and local revenue measures. SB 288, by Senator Seyarto, would clarify that for inherited homes going through probate, the Proposition 19 one-year deadline to move in and claim the homeowner exemption begins when the property is legally declared to belong to the heir, rather than during probate. The author accepted committee amendments; Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the bill, and it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 347, by Senator Choi, would reduce the state annual minimum tax from $800 to $600 for LLCs, LLPs, limited partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. The bill was supported as a small-business tax reduction and passed 5-0 to Appropriations.
The committee also considered two veterans property tax measures. SCA 4, by Senator Archuleta, would allow eligible veterans to stack the homeowners exemption with the veterans’ or disabled veterans’ exemption and remove outdated property-value limits in the constitutional veterans’ exemption. Testimony from veteran advocates and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association supported the measure, and it was adopted 5-0 and referred to the Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments. SB 623, the companion statutory bill, would make conforming changes to implement SCA 4; it also drew support from veterans’ groups, the County of San Diego, and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.
SB 762, by Senator Archuleta, would authorize the city of Hercules to place before voters a local sales tax increase of up to 1% to help fund public safety, parks, infrastructure, and other services. Supporters described it as a narrowly tailored local control measure, while the committee noted it would let residents decide whether to tax themselves. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government. SB 575 by Senator Laird was taken up on the consent calendar, the committee adopted technical amendments, and the consent calendar passed 5-0. The meeting then adjourned after all business was concluded.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- 22, the Florida Commission on Offender Review, and God's grace, saw something redeemable in me and granted
- This legislation would expand access to the state employee tuition waiver program, extending eligibility
- And, oh, by the way, it's also going to bring in lots of federal dollars and grant dollars and help continue
- And, oh, by the way, it's also going to bring in lots of federal dollars and grant dollars and help continue
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Keywords:
campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one confirmation. Senate Bill 720, relating to resident status for tuition purposes for previously incarcerated Floridians, was presented by Senator Osgood and supported by testimony from Eddie Fordham, who described his own reentry and college experience and the difficulty of proving residency after long incarceration. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, emphasizing rehabilitation and access to education. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then approved Senate Bill 372, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis, with support noted from the Florida Sheriffs Association. Senate Bill 176, dealing with campus emergency management, conduct, and workplace violence policies, was also reported favorably after discussion focused on clearer reporting protocols, protective measures, and timely updates for students, faculty, and staff; several groups waved in support.
Members also voted to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the State University System. Finally, Senate Bill 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes, received supportive testimony from medical and university representatives and favorable comments from senators, including remarks about research, federal funding, and improved outcomes. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We have concerns related to the Opt-in CEC AB205 Certification Program. Thank you.
- , it was a 10-year pilot program.
- program for carbon dioxide removal projects.
- I work as the America's program coordinator with the organization Biofuel Watch.
- Hopefully this is going to work in partnership to support all those programs.
Summary:
The committee heard several energy and water affordability bills, with extensive testimony on SB 254 by Senator Becker, SB 541 by Senator Becker, SB 453 by Senator Stern, SB 292 by Senator Caballero, and SB 473 by Senator Padilla. SB 254 was presented as a broad utility affordability package addressing short-term climate credits, a Power Fund, tighter scrutiny of rate increases and utility profits, wildfire spending, securitization of future utility costs, and streamlining. Supporters, including TURN and several environmental and public power groups, said it could lower bills and reduce long-term costs; opponents from investor-owned utilities, labor, business, and local government raised concerns about market impacts, insufficient analysis, and the breadth of the bill. The committee approved SB 254 on a 6-3 vote and placed it on call.
SB 541 focused on load flexibility and using existing grid capacity more efficiently. Senator Becker described it as a transparency and planning measure to identify cost-effective load shifting and reduce peak demand, while supporters said it could improve resiliency and save money. Several CCAs and utilities opposed the bill in print or unless amended, arguing that some language implied a mandate and that the concept needed more cost-effectiveness analysis; the author said amendments would remove language dividing the state goal among retail suppliers and clarify that the bill is not a procurement mandate. The committee passed SB 541 as amended to Appropriations on a 9-1 vote and left it on call.
SB 453 by Senator Stern would return unspent ratepayer-funded microgrid program dollars and was described as a way to keep the lights on and redirect unused funds. It drew support from local government and environmental groups, with PG&E expressing concern about how the bill would affect its ability to spend awarded funds. The committee passed SB 453 as amended to Appropriations on a 12-0 vote. SB 292 by Senator Caballero would require more granular outage and reliability reporting, including census-tract-level data, to better inform resilience planning after PSPS events; utilities opposed unless amended, citing duplicative reporting and regulatory overlap, but the bill passed 12-0 to Appropriations.
SB 473 by Senator Padilla would require or expand water utility decoupling to promote conservation and affordability. Supporters, including water utilities, labor, business, and local government groups, argued decoupling stabilizes revenue, supports conservation, and can keep rates lower for low-use customers. The Public Advocates Office opposed, saying prior pilot data showed no conservation benefit and about $1 billion in added costs, and that the CPUC had already rejected similar requests. Committee members questioned the conservation and capital-investment effects of the different rate structures; the author and supporters argued decoupling helps utilities fund infrastructure while allowing lower fixed charges for low-use customers. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on SB 473 is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We've awarded grants to the Supreme Court for exactly this purpose, for the competitive grant program
- <00:33:41.279><c> improve</c> would then use those grants to improve would then use those grants to improve
- And so the matching grant um at 50%.
- </c> through their safety aid uh grant through their safety aid uh grant programs<00:50:31.200><c> or
- And we've seen cuts to funding for critical services and programs.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/18/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Any sort of grant?
- Would that still be included, for example, with the Department of Education adequacy grant?
- any any sort of include um feral grants any any sort of Grant<00:18:01.200><c> um</c><00:18:02.039><
- um would that still be included Grant um would that still be included for<00:18:04.400><c> example</
- </c> oval before uh that the way the programs oval before uh that the way the programs are<00:40:08.960
Committee:
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing no objections, floor privileges are granted.
- </c><00:16:05.279><c> Mission</c><00:16:05.519><c> is</c><00:16:05.680><c> granted.
- Mission is granted. >> Any opposed? Mission is granted.
- It'll be under their program. It'll be under their circumvision.<02:31:11.200><c> Yes.
- The camera would be programmed then to trigger at that posted speed limit.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill will update the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program to ensure that the program is meeting
- program offering a $4,000 incentive for drivers who switch to EVs.
- program offering a $4,000 incentive for drivers who switch to EVs.
- We feel like this program should have accelerating targets.
- We feel like this program should have accelerating targets.
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with SB 739 (Arreguín) on the Clean Miles Standard and Incentive Program for transportation network companies. The author and supporters from Lyft, Uber, and TechNet said the bill would update EV miles traveled and greenhouse gas targets to reflect current market conditions, add flexibility for CARB and the CPUC, and protect drivers from losing platform access while also creating a path for future electrification. Opponents including the American Lung Association, Sierra Club California, and NRDC argued the bill would weaken a program meant to accelerate EV adoption and should retain stronger targets. Members discussed affordability, charging infrastructure, and the need to balance climate goals with feasibility. The committee approved SB 739 as amended and re-referred it to Appropriations, later recording a 9-0 vote when the roll was completed.
The committee then heard SB 1190 (Grove), the “Safe Passage for Youth Act,” which would regulate private youth transport services used for out-of-state residential placements. The author and sponsor testimony described abusive practices such as nighttime pickups, blindfolds, restraints, and emotional trauma, and said the bill would require CPUC permitting, TrustLine background checks, training, parental consent, and bans on certain practices. Support came from youth and disability advocates, with no opposition testimony. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended recommendation and later passed 9-0.
SB 1191 (Ochoa Bogh) would extend the sunset for California High Cost Fund A and B universal service programs that help provide affordable telephone service in rural and high-cost areas. Supporters from rural telecom companies and industry groups said the funds are essential for maintaining service, 911 access, and emergency communications in remote communities. There was no opposition, and the committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation; it later passed 9-0. The consent item, SB 985 (Strickland) on the 911 emergency system, was also approved.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1246 (Cortese) on autonomous vehicles and emergency response. The author and supporters from SEIU California and the California Professional Firefighters said the bill would require AV companies to provide incident response, notify local jurisdictions during system failures, ensure U.S.-based remote drivers, and prevent public safety workers from having to manage AV breakdowns. Industry opponents argued the bill intrudes on federal vehicle standards, gives local governments enforcement authority they should not have, and could create overly broad notification and response requirements. Members raised questions about local control, response times, and whether the bill was premature given existing DMV regulations. Despite those concerns, the committee passed SB 1246 on a due pass as amended recommendation, later recording a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed and returned to complete roll calls before adjourning.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- program flexibility.
- also be part of the semester program, and that the curriculum, the program, was not approved.
- Same exact thing for the engineering programs.
- Same thing for the engineering program, a leading national program.
- Oh, okay, will grant reconsideration? Oh, okay, we'll grant reconsideration to SB 1321. Okay.
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed.
The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition.
Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I other other possible programs.
- c><01:10:43.000><c> private</c> with a program called a uh private with a program called a uh private
- ,</c> non-state programs, non-state programs, and<02:05:03.480><c> even</c><02:05:03.720><c> some</c>
- This is the early learning apprenticeship grant program. The recommendation is to amend to an SD1.
- </c> Board Certification Incentives Program. Board Certification Incentives Program.
Committee:
Senate Education
Keywords:
teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii
Summary:
The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown.
A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 70, Medicaid program.
- So, Judge Goodman's analogy... order, Judge Goodman granted Simpson's order, Judge Goodman granted Simpson's
- ><c> stay</c><00:53:58.880><c> requiring</c> improperly granting that stay requiring improperly granting
- The Supreme Court has granted discretionary review, and the briefs have been submitted.
- In Hindrin, she set already granted.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Grant to us in this chamber now wisdom to discern what is right, humility to listen well, and courage
- She launched workforce training programs for school-aged Black and brown girls. Please welcome.
- Workforce training programs for school-aged Black and brown girls. Please welcome Ray Naletz.
- Price served for six years as director of the Department of Social Services, overseeing programs such
- Stafford Foundation, overseeing $428,000 in scholarships and grants.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Apprenticeship programs such as BOOTS also provide incredible opportunities for women to learn on the
- And negotiations, I urge our state to continue its investment in these programs and programs that recruit
- Sierra is a graduate of the BOOTS Program with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.
- They are an inspiration and show just how impactful these apprenticeship programs can be.
- ACR 50 also encourages greater participation in sports programs for people of all abilities, fostering
Summary:
The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded through routine floor business and several ceremonial resolutions. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules to withdraw AB 844 from committee and bring it directly to the floor; that motion received 16 ayes and 45 noes. The body also unanimously approved a request to re-refer AB 341.
Members then adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding coauthors: ACR 35 recognizing Greek Independence Day, ACR 17 honoring women in carpentry and the BOOTS apprenticeship program, ACR 50 designating March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day, and H.R. 21 proclaiming Transgender Week of Visibility and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. Each resolution drew supportive remarks from multiple members, while H.R. 21 also prompted extended debate, including opposition centered on girls’ sports, locker rooms, and claims about state policy affecting transgender Californians. In each case, the resolutions were adopted after the coauthor roll and voice vote.
The session concluded with adjournment in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr., who died in the line of duty on March 17. Several members spoke in tribute to his service, his work with youth football, and his family. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m.