Video & Transcript : 'stem education' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Many college students have decided to forego a college education because of the high living costs and
- It's the foundation for health, education, and opportunity.
- Our programs provide a wide range of immigration services, including community education and outreach
- I'm here to uplift the voices and stories of our Inland Empire's most vulnerable community to educate
- I'm here on behalf of Services, Immigrant Rights Education Network.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It restores meaningful use of cost-of-living adjustments for educators with direct student contact.
- It allows districts to recognize relevant advanced degrees as part of compensation. ...educators with
- The current ban limits consumer education and raises First Amendment concerns.
- We have stronger postpartum education through our Senate Bill 606.
- Senate Bill 1646 by Senator Simon, Educational Facilities.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0.
The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals.
The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Management Jun 11th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- And the requirement would be optional for all non-public schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools,
- And it would not apply to institutions of higher education. Thank you.
- Indian education schools and other tribal schools, and it would not apply to institutions of higher education
- Johnson, I know you've appeared before both the House and Senate education committees.
- Senate education committees. And I think we'll be relying on your opinion today.
Committee:
Joint Legislative Management
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Management Jun 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the requirement would be optional for all non-public schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools,
- And it would not apply to institutions of higher education. Thank you.
- Indian education schools and other tribal schools, and it would not apply to institutions of higher education
- Johnson, I know you've appeared before both the House and Senate education committees, and I think we'll
- She said that, as a member of the Education Committee, schools will want to continue doing this because
Summary:
The Legislative Management Committee met to address the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, which would require public schools, public school districts, and public charter schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and allow reimbursement from the state, with implementation beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The committee first filled a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation by appointing Representative Berg to the committee. Legislative Council and DPI staff explained the measure’s requirements, including federal reimbursement participation, possible use of the legacy earnings fund if other funding is unavailable, and the authority of the Legislature and superintendent of public instruction to clarify implementation details.
Linnell Johnson of DPI testified that the estimated fiscal impact for the 2027-2029 biennium is between $124 million and $134 million, based on participation assumptions, federal reimbursement rates, and the extent to which schools continue to collect applications or use community eligibility/provision 2 options. She also noted a likely additional administrative cost of about $300,000 for DPI to operate the program. Members asked about school participation, Title I implications, special diets, staffing, and whether the measure could reduce federal reimbursements if families stop applying. Johnson said the estimate is uncertain and could be higher if applications decline, but that schools would still have incentives to participate in federal programs because of reimbursement and other funding ties.
After discussion, the committee adopted a motion to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State. The committee then received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, while the district court-imposed map remains in effect for now. No action was taken on that update, and the meeting adjourned after members noted minutes from the prior meeting were not yet available for approval.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair of the House Juvenile Justice and Child Support Subcommittee and Chair of the Committee on Educational
- outreach, and partnerships with the ...lives of nurses through public events, educational outreach,
- for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Organization, and promotes community service, leadership, and educational
- House Bill 1005 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Education appropriation for the 2026-2007
- House Bill 1005 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Education appropriation for the 2026-2007
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill allows the board of competitors to redefine accepted educational standards or schools.
- are situations that come up that's regarding a denturist, you know, whether they're licensed or education
- I have the educational requirements.
- The educational requirements, again, there's some national exams that apply that they don't control,
- but educational requirements are again set forth in rule.
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first approved the March 4 and March 5, 2026 minutes, then heard House Bill 935, which would consolidate the Board of Denturity into the Board of Dentistry as part of occupational licensing reform. Senator Lakey said the merger would save money, address the denturist board’s negative cash balance, and preserve separate scopes of practice while giving denturists a seat on the combined board. Supporters from the Idaho State Dental Association and DOPL emphasized public safety, efficiency, and lower fees, while denturists and their representatives argued the change would create a conflict of interest because dentists and denturists compete for the same patients and dentists could influence education, licensing, and scope-of-practice decisions. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to send HB 935 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 913, which would begin implementing federal Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and use a three-month look-back period before the January 1, 2027 effective date. Representative Van de Woude said the bill would help the state prepare budgets and give enrollees time to meet requirements such as work, job training, school, or community service. Testimony split between supporters, who framed the bill as encouraging responsibility and independence, and opponents, who warned that the added administrative burden could increase errors, costs, and confusion, especially while the department is already handling managed care and other Medicaid changes. Hospital, child advocacy, and other opponents urged a one-month look-back instead of three, while the sponsor defended the three-month period as better for long-term compliance and smoother implementation.
The committee rejected a substitute motion to send HB 913 to the 14th order for possible amendments, then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The final vote on the motion passed after discussion, and the committee adjourned after completing its business for the day.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Alicia Morales nominated the Professional Educator Standards Board.
- She also graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Education and Literacy.
- She also graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Education and Literacy and earned
- a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership in 2023, go Cougs.
- And she has served as a member of the Pasco Association of Educators from 2005 to 2022.
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, suspended rules to allow committee work and additional floor resolutions, and referred committee and gubernatorial appointment reports as designated. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments in third reading. Megan Matthews was confirmed as director of the Washington State Office of Equity by a 45-2 vote, and Robert A. Zupon, Denise E. Gideon, Andrea Buchanan, Michelle R. Smith, and Edison A. Valerio were each confirmed to various community and technical college boards of trustees by large bipartisan margins.
The chamber then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. After rejecting the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopting a narrower floor striking amendment, senators debated the bill’s changes, including repeal of the luxury aircraft tax and replacement with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, along with technical corrections and safety-related transportation provisions. Supporters said the bill was a workable compromise that would sustain transportation funding and support future aviation investments; opponents argued it would raise costs on small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed final passage 33-15.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. Multiple senators spoke in praise of his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and district advocacy, as well as his institutional knowledge, mentorship, and personal integrity. Senator Conway then offered a personal statement thanking colleagues, staff, family, and constituents, and saying he would continue advocating for working people after leaving the Legislature. The Senate then recessed for lunch and caucus.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- to make sure that we get it right and that it works well with the education system in the state of Idaho
- So when you understand that the purpose of our education system is to...
- One, generally, to make sure that inside of our public education system, We are reinforcing patriotism
- I will say to the committee, like I said, that this has been worked on with the Department of Education
- And also education now... ...confirmed and appointed by the governor. And also education now.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The committee began with a silent roll, confirmed a quorum, and recognized page Drew Brown, who spoke briefly about his interest in law enforcement and asked Senator Den Hartog about the hardest part of being a senator. The committee then considered the gubernatorial appointment of Callie Younger as administrator of the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Younger described her background in public lands and natural resources, the office’s work on rural energy grants, nuclear policy, and permitting reform, and answered questions about a proposed merger with the Office of Species Conservation; the committee said it would likely vote on her appointment at a later meeting.
The committee introduced two RS measures from Senator Anthon. RS 33435 would reinforce civics and patriotism in public education, including codifying existing American history and government credit requirements and adding complementary instruction tied to the nation’s founding, in connection with America 250; it was introduced by voice vote. RS 33460 would make a narrow change for smaller irrigation districts of 15,000 acres or less to help fill board vacancies where farm consolidation has left fewer resident landowners eligible; it was also introduced by voice vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1300, which would require Senate advice and consent and gubernatorial appointment for the directors of Fish and Game, Transportation, and Parks and Recreation. The sponsor argued the change would improve accountability and align those agencies with others, while opponents from the Idaho Wildlife Federation, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Trout Unlimited, Friends of Idaho State Parks, and others said it would politicize wildlife and parks management, conflict with the 1938 Fish and Game initiative, and potentially jeopardize the Harriman State Park agreement. After debate, the committee voted to send SB 1300 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Senator Ruchti recorded as voting no.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1301, which would allow licensed breweries under the small-brewer threshold to operate two remote retail taproom locations instead of one. The sponsor and brewery owners testified that the current limit restricts growth, jobs, and community investment, while the bill would support measured expansion without changing tax or regulatory oversight. The committee voted to send SB 1301 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill provides an opportunity for people to access these educational opportunities by allowing CTC
- Higher education, whether at a technical school or a university, is costly, especially for students from
- Free public transportation empowers rural students, giving them access not only to education, but also
- Higher education, whether at a technical school or a university, is costly, especially for students from
- Free public transportation empowers rural students giving them access not only to education, but also
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
transit support grant, free transit, fare-free transit, zero-fare policy, community college students, technical college students, public transportation, youth transit, student transportation, Washington State, Department of Transportation, local sales tax, voter-approved sales tax, equity, environmental justice, low-barrier access, bus pass, rail transit, public transit agency, transit agency grants
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think there's an education portion of this that will go into place as well.
- With the Sheriff's Department, they've talked about doing some education pieces at schools and helping
- our parents and our children around this issue. ...a public campaign to try to educate our parents and
- Thank you for this opportunity to educate all the members about the intellectual property committee.
- Thank you for this opportunity to educate all the members about the intellectual property committee.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum and considered five bills. Senate Bill 628, naming a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor three Navy sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, drew supportive remarks from senators and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 382 addressed electric bicycles and scooters by requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, limit speed near pedestrians, and use audible signals, while creating an e-bike safety task force and reporting requirements; witnesses from law enforcement, local government, and school boards supported the bill but urged clearer inclusion of e-scooters and better data collection, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 880 created a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate to fund scholarships and school programs, and Senate Bill 696 authorized online trademark registration applications and updated trademark classification and verification procedures; both were reported favorably with little opposition.
The committee also took up Chair DeSigley’s CS for SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement cameras for red-light running, school-zone speeding, and school-bus violations. The bill aimed to increase consistency, transparency, and fairness by limiting data use, requiring records retention, authorizing virtual hearings, restricting commissions, and adding school board approval and reporting requirements for school-bus camera programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify several provisions, including the definition of careful and prudent driving, limits on camera data use, contract timing for commission prohibitions, and reporting on violations outside authorized enforcement periods. Members raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, school-zone notice, and whether all-day school-zone enforcement should continue; Hillsborough County law enforcement testified in support of all-day enforcement based on crash data, while the sponsor said he would continue working on clarifications. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Space and Rocket Center in 2009, served as an ex officio member of the Rocket Center Education Foundation
- supporters of the Rocket Center, donating scholarships for teachers to attend Space Academy for educators
- </c><00:28:13.919><c> Foundation,</c><00:28:15.039><c> and</c> Rocket Center Education Foundation, and
- Rocket Center Education Foundation, and was<00:28:15.440><c> a</c><00:28:15.600><c> board</c><00:28:
- . educators. educators.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Texas Ethics Commission Sep 17th, 2025 at 09:09 am
Transcript Highlights:
- The next advisory opinion request addresses whether a current State Board of Education member... can
- provide continuing professional development to educators in return for compensation during their State
- Board of Education service.
- I feel at a disadvantage from not being educated on all of this. All right.
- A special election was held for the State Board of Education, District 5.
Keywords:
Texas Ethics Commission, legislative recommendations, general counsel appointment, foreign lobbying, political contributions, quarterly meetings, public testimony, rule amendments
Summary:
The meeting focused on the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) evaluation of legislative recommendations and personnel updates, including the appointment of a new general counsel and discussions about upcoming quarterly meetings. Commissioner Schmidt reported on the progress of various bills, including amendments to existing laws, the need for increased regulation on foreign lobbying, and the publication of new rules in the Texas Register. Public testimonies were heard regarding compliance issues and proposed changes in political contribution regulations. The Commission agreed to schedule further review on the legislative items discussed and the proposed rule amendments.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Educate us this morning. What are we talking about there?
- There's that one pill can kill education effort that our sheriff in my county has undertaken, kind of
- Could you talk about the importance of public education, given that a lot of these kids don't know what
- , and it's multi-legged, but it's an education.
- It is an educational piece, it is a prevention piece, and it is an enforcement piece.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
fentanyl crisis, DEA, drug trafficking, public safety, Judea Serrata, Terrence Cole, judicial security, social media, drug prevention
Summary:
The committee meeting centered on the urgent crisis of fentanyl abuse and the government’s response to the drug trafficking epidemic. Key discussions revolved around the nomination of Terrence Cole as the Administrator of the DEA and Judea Serrata as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cole emphasized his commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the rising number of overdose deaths and the necessity of bipartisan efforts to dismantle drug cartels. Members engaged in dialogue on the effectiveness of various strategies and the importance of education aimed at preventing drug-related deaths among youth. Additionally, the challenges of social media in drug trafficking were highlighted, indicating a need for greater accountability in how platforms handle such issues. Senators voiced concerns about the impact of administration policies on judicial security and the resources available for marshals to perform their critical roles.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Twenty-five percent of that revenue goes to public education, and the remaining 25% goes to the state
- drive technological advancement, and foster partnerships with our outstanding institutions of higher education
- 8.72 or even higher, 10.9.03 for R&D conducted through public and private institutions of higher education
- Members, whether we look through the lens of the economy, public safety, health care, or education, we
- Program, known as TRIP, is to provide matching funds to assist eligible public institutions of higher education
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard several tax and economic development bills. SB 935 would exempt counties from the motor fuels tax on fuel used exclusively in county vehicles; Sen. Hall and Cass County Judge Travis Ransom argued it would save counties money without changing fund allocations, and the bill was left pending while the committee waited for the House version. SB 2206 would extend and revise Texas’s research and development incentives by tying the franchise tax credit more closely to federal law and changing the program’s effective date; supporters from business, manufacturing, and tax policy groups said it would protect innovation jobs and help startups, while the Comptroller’s office explained the fiscal note and said the committee substitute was no longer needed. The committee later withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending before ultimately voting it out favorably.
The committee also heard SB 2020, which would repeal the “rehab tax” on nonresidential remodeling. Sen. Campbell said a large fiscal note led him to delay a full presentation, but builders, architects, and contractors testified that the tax raises remodeling costs, complicates audits, and discourages reuse and reinvestment in existing buildings. The bill was left pending. SB 2018 would create a two-year “strong families” tax credit for businesses donating to nonprofits that provide family support services; supporters from Family First, Buckner International, and Texas Baptist said it would strengthen families, father engagement, and upstream prevention, while the author said the Comptroller and HHSC were still working on administration details. That bill was also left pending.
After a quorum was established, the committee heard and later reported several bills favorably. SB 1030 would exempt certain aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul parts from sales tax for general aviation; industry, airport, and local economic development witnesses said it would keep high-wage aviation work in Texas and improve competitiveness with neighboring states, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 214 would create a temporary sales tax holiday for qualifying residential HVAC systems; it was laid out and left pending. SB 1901 would make administrative and ethics changes to the Opioid Abatement Fund Council, including staggered terms, conflict rules, and fund reallocation procedures; it was reported favorably. SB 266 would repeal the Texas Research Incentive Program and use the appropriation to address the existing backlog of unmatched donations; the chair and Sen. Paxton said the state should honor past commitments, and the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think more more care that if we could do something that is set of eyes, parents provider it it education
- Not that educated.
- county governments for nearly 125 years for just one providing youth ages 5 to 18 with hands-on educational
- invest in our 3, 4, H camps as year-round, learning laboratories for agriculture and environmental education
- These funds will provide robust and self-sustaining onsite program capacity for residential education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill mandates a practical... ...education-first approach to reduce accidents, protect California's
- mandate. ...designed for a collaborative approach to this educational mandate.
- But I see this as an educational opportunity.
- But I see this as an educational opportunity. Drinking? Who knows?
- But I see this as an educational opportunity for us to be a safer California.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard a long agenda of transportation-related measures, with testimony focused on housing, safety, environmental access, and fuel affordability. Several bills dealt with Caltrans surplus or former freeway properties in the Los Angeles area: AB 1338 would let the City of Linwood transfer a public-purpose covenant to another parcel to enable 55 units of affordable housing; AB 1594 would remove a net-equity repayment requirement for Ronald McDonald House’s purchase of former SR 710 properties in Pasadena; and AB 2329 would create a more transparent process for tenants and cities to facilitate sales of former SR 710 homes, with support from South Pasadena and Pasadena officials and tenants. AB 2679 addressed safety and access around Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay corridor by allowing Caltrans and local Tahoe agencies to manage parking and improve pedestrian, transit, and public access infrastructure.
The committee also heard several public safety bills aimed at impaired driving. AB 1685 would increase DMV points for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two to three, and AB 1687 would extend the license revocation period for a third DUI conviction from three years to eight years, with an interlock option after four years. Both measures drew strong support from law enforcement, MADD, and victims’ families, including emotional testimony about repeat offenders and drunk-driving fatalities. AB 1613 would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship course before access to off-highway lands beginning in 2029, with supporters describing it as an education-first response to rising OHV injuries and fatalities.
Other bills focused on transportation efficiency and affordability. AB 2046 would allow EPA-approved E85 conversion kits in California, which supporters said would give drivers a cheaper, lower-carbon fuel option and improve fuel resiliency. AB 2168 would revise the Active Transportation Program to better prioritize transit-connected biking and walking projects and add stronger accountability for grantees that do not spend funds on time. AB 2263 would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to reserve some affordable housing units for its employees, and supporters said it would help workers live closer to their jobs and reduce long commutes. The committee reported no opposition on most measures, and after quorum was established it approved the bills, sending them onward mostly to the Committee on Appropriations, with AB 2679 sent to Natural Resources and Water. Several votes were unanimous, while AB 1613 and AB 2168 drew some no votes but still advanced.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And education, we will all succeed when through their struggles, our struggles, we will reinforce that
- John Paul, is an award-winning educator, media critic, and leader whose work focuses on race, gender,
- Richard Hart on his remarkable career and thank him for his many contributions to health care, education
- Hart began first as a student, then as a physician, an educator, and eventually as president of Loma
- It has significantly improved accessibility to things like education and health care.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several Senate bills, notices for committee hearings, and a successful motion to suspend rules so ACA 20 could be taken up later in the week. The chamber also recognized former Assembly Member Christina Garcia and later moved into a Pride Month observance.
The main ceremonial item was House Resolution 115 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward opened on the resolution, and multiple members from different caucuses spoke in support, highlighting Pride history, LGBTQ+ rights, and the contributions of LGBTQ Californians. Assembly Member DeMaio offered supportive remarks while noting policy differences, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 53 co-authors were added. The Assembly then held a Pride honoree ceremony recognizing 15 individuals and groups for contributions to the LGBTQ community.
On the floor file, members also adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding co-authors: ACR 187 on Men’s Mental Health Month, ACR 157 marking the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, ACR 222 declaring Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, and ACR 224 recognizing Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. Each drew personal testimony from members about the underlying issues, including suicide prevention, caregiving and dementia, mining reclamation, and harms to youth from social media. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 46 on mental health diversion by a 51-1 vote, and later adopted the consent calendar 66-0. The House adjourned until June 25, 2026, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And education, we will all succeed when, through their struggles, our struggles, we will reinforce that
- John Paul, is an award-winning educator, media critic, and leader whose work focuses on race, gender,
- Richard Hart on his remarkable career and thank him for his many contributions to health care, education
- Hart began first as a student, then as a physician, an educator, and eventually as president of Loma
- It has significantly improved accessibility to things like education and health care.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, because a lot of the committees, you don't get this type of thing to educate ourselves.
- preference, grants, counseling, education, housing programs, municipal tax property exemptions, and
- I testified, and I thought I would be like my last time testifying because I worked full-time in education
- Look at education.
- So we set the way that the national government works for education, for how they're doing their Common
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility.
Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- This is always a question that comes up around who can be an apprentice, what age, what education, or
- We just recently approved an early childhood education program just this year for her to establish with
- And I just have to mention because we just have invested in early education and care.
- It's being dictated by early education and care, and Division of Apprenticeship Standards is working
- We're seeing a lot of that in the early education field, where we will go right to our youth providers
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to discuss using registered apprenticeships to help address workforce shortages in disability services, human services, and other high-need fields. Co-chairs and staff introduced the session as a follow-up to earlier discussions with state labor officials and representatives from developmental disability and behavioral health provider associations. The panel focused on how apprenticeships can create paid, structured pathways into jobs while also supporting credentialing and retention.
Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained how Massachusetts apprenticeship programs are registered and supported, including the roles of apprenticeship liaison staff, operations, quality assurance, and grant support. She described the core features of apprenticeships—paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, wage progression, and industry credentials—and contrasted them with internships or co-ops. Melissa Chabelli of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board described the intermediary role her board plays in designing programs, registering apprentices, coordinating employers, and handling compliance. She emphasized flexibility, employer investment, tax credits, retention benefits, and the importance of mentors and local workforce partnerships.
Lisa Morris of UMass Chan/For Health Consulting described a developing apprenticeship for medical interpreters, built from an existing training foundation and designed to address the gap between classroom preparation and work experience. She said the model would combine pre-apprenticeship training, employer interviews, 2,000 hours of apprenticeship, and related technical instruction tied to national certification. Speakers also discussed examples for nursing, early childhood education, CNC machining, and programs serving neurodivergent learners, including Bridgewater State’s Excel program. In response to audience questions, panelists said state agencies can serve as intermediaries, recruitment can come through career centers, youth programs, community colleges, ESL centers, and incumbent workers, and accommodations or modified curricula can support apprentices with disabilities. No votes were taken; the session ended with encouragement for attendees to contact the presenters and Division of Apprenticeship Standards for help developing programs.