Transcript Highlights:

• Print Number 1986 by Senator Hark: an act to amend the education law in relation to extending the time
• Print Number 7367 alpha by Senator Stavisky: an act to amend the education law in relation to granting
• An act to amend the education law in relation to granting academic credit and state-operated institutions

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The New York State Senate Finance Committee met with Senator John Liu presiding for Chair Liz Krueger, joined by members of the majority and minority. The committee considered a broad agenda of bills covering agriculture, public health, technology, taxation, corrections, education, housing, transportation, and civil rights. Among the measures discussed were a youth agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, a Bronx asthma study commission, a statewide multi-factor authentication requirement for governmental entities, a tax on noise emissions from certain helicopter and seaplane flights, a requirement that state events serving alcohol include New York-produced alcohol, a veterans and service members alternative resolution program, packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure legislation, limits on certain debt-collection practices involving foreign sovereign debt, commissary rules in correctional institutions, school energy performance contract recovery periods, a senior rent cap tied to income, a dental health demonstration project, farm succession planning, Operation SNUG gun violence prevention grants, expanded breast cancer screening coverage, direct Medicaid billing for creative arts therapists, a vacant storefront registry, academic credit for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, a plan to expand wheelchair-accessible vehicles outside New York City, STAR exemption notification, restrictions on certain tropical hardwoods in state contracts, a PSC guidebook on gas and electric rate making, gender-affirming care coverage and anti-discrimination provisions, and state leave for Civil Air Patrol members on airport-assigned missions. Most of the meeting focused on the packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure bill, which drew extended debate. Supporters said the bill had been revised after months of discussion with industry, included waivers for food safety and federal-law conflicts, and could save local governments money through producer responsibility funding. Opponents argued it would raise costs, harm food packaging flexibility, threaten food safety, and hurt manufacturers and small businesses, citing examples from dairy, meat, and coffee businesses. The sponsor’s representative said the bill had been updated and that some small businesses would be exempt, while acknowledging not all concerns were resolved. The committee also discussed the fiscal impact, with testimony that upfront state costs would be reimbursed and localities could see savings. Several other bills prompted brief policy discussion, including the helicopter/seaplane noise tax, where staff explained it would be assessed per ticket or up to $200 per flight and exempt quieter aircraft meeting DOT standards, and the sovereign debt/claims bill, where a senator warned it could drive financial activity out of New York. The committee also heard concerns about the packaging bill’s effect on New York food manufacturers and the availability of waivers. After discussion, the committee voted to report the bills; the transcript indicates the measures passed, generally with some members recorded as without recommendation or opposed, and all listed bills were moved to the floor before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education
• basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education
• basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education

Bills: SCR11 , SR9

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: Civil Rights Act, discrimination, employment, housing, public accommodations, LGBTQ+ rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, Equality Act, civil rights, federally funded programs, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Transportation, and later Judiciary heard two sets of resolutions. The first, SCR 132 and SR 124, urged the City and County of Honolulu to take steps to finalize the Makakilo Drive Extension Project. Testimony from a Makakilo resident emphasized the lack of a second access route and raised safety concerns about being trapped in the area in an emergency. Both committees voted to pass the resolutions unamended. The second set, SCR 11 and SR 9, requested that the U.S. Congress amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. Supporters from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, IMUA Alliance, and Pride at Work in Hawaii argued that stronger anti-discrimination protections are needed to reduce vulnerability to violence, housing insecurity, and exploitation, and to provide federal protections that mirror state law. One senator asked whether state protections already exist and was told the resolutions seek federal-level protections because federal law can supersede state law. Both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 11 and SR 9 unamended, with votes in favor and some members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Street Smart, for those of you who haven't heard about it, is an educational program that we use from
• We developed a curriculum in partnership with the Department of Education last summer.
• But we'll be working with teachers and education this summer.

Committee: All ALC-HIGHWAY COMMISSION REVIEW AND ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from ARDOT Director Jared Wiley, who introduced Highway Commission members and reported that the agency has completed the final five recommendations from its long-running efficiency review. He highlighted new public-facing maintenance and construction dashboards on the agency website, and noted quarterly reports on land conveyances, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, annual revenue expenditures, and major projects were provided with no major questions or objections. Members asked about ARDOT’s budget priorities, project delivery, and specific corridors. Wiley said roughly 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system, with additional maintenance and operations funding also directed to upkeep; he said Arkansas has about 16,300 centerline miles, nearly 40,000 lane miles, and about 73,700 bridges. He gave updates on Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings in northwest Arkansas, passing-lane projects on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, widening plans for Interstate 40, the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, and Highway 82 improvements in south Arkansas. The director also discussed ARDOT’s litter control efforts, saying the agency spends about $8 million annually on litter pickup and is exploring future legislation. He said work-zone safety tools such as cameras and mobile work-zone enforcement are helping reduce dangerous driving, though distracted driving remains a problem. Wiley also announced new agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for staff, a “Street Smart” traffic-safety education program for students, and a spring cleanup effort in which ARDOT crews and some office staff will collect litter statewide. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Street Smart, for those of you who haven't heard about it, is an educational program that we use federal-aid
• We developed a curriculum in partnership with the Department of Education last summer.
• But we'll be working with teachers and education this summer.

Committee: All ALC-HIGHWAY COMMISSION REVIEW AND ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up on deck we have education, or excuse me, cities and counties.
• All right, Representative Duke, I believe you have an education report. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Fifty-seven education audit reports were included on the committee's agenda for review.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• expands support for core government services and increases investment in housing, public and higher education
• health care, supporting housing stability, expanding child care availability, and keeping higher education
• And we remain ready to invest in the priorities that matter most to Virginians, such as education, health

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Educators and ... Weaponized to hurt women, women who don't conform to gender stereotypes.
• And anyone who does that, who propagates that, should be imprisoned. educators and Does that, who propagates
• Educators and public librarians who purvey it.

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee met in executive session with 14 members present and took up a series of House bills, several with House Committee Substitutes (HCSs). Early discussion centered on HB 1893 and HB 2075, both described by opponents as “potty police” bills affecting restroom access in public settings; members debated privacy, enforcement, and the scope of exemptions, and both HCSs were adopted before the bills were reported do pass. HB 2536, another restroom-related measure, drew extensive testimony from supporters and opponents, including concerns about impacts on transgender people, private causes of action, and the role of outside advocacy groups; its HCS was adopted and the bill was reported do pass on a 9-5 vote. The committee then considered HB 1914, where members said the bill was intended to keep technicians in Missouri but raised concerns about whether it would actually do so and whether the committee was being asked to referee a contract dispute between dealers and manufacturers; the HCS was adopted and the bill passed 9-3 with one present. HB 3423 passed without discussion, and HB 3204 was amended at the request of the Department of Mental Health to remove an unnecessary sentence about prevention resource centers before being reported do pass unanimously. The final bills dealt with camps and other regulatory issues. HB 3142’s HCS shifted licensing authority from DESE to DSS, removed day camps, carved out universities and colleges, dropped website-reporting requirements, and added CPR and background-check requirements; members discussed possible delayed implementation and the extent of rulemaking authority, and the bill passed 11-2. HB 2855 and HB 2922 both passed with little or no discussion, HB 2643 passed unanimously, and HB 2828 was amended to remove nitrous oxide language before passing unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment just changes the word “department” to the word “board” as referring to our State Department of Education
• and the State Board of Education.
• And the State Board of Education. Yield for questions and move for adoption.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They've had a major role in shaping our state, especially in agriculture, labor rights, business, education
• He spent his early education across Los Angeles receiving numerous academic and citizenship awards.
• Tunday culminated his educational journey by earning a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious USC School

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file. The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage. The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've had a major role in shaping our state, especially in agriculture, labor rights, business, education
• He spent his early education across Los Angeles, receiving numerous academic and citizenship awards.
• Tunday culminated his educational journey by earning a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious USC School

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1234, by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, providing
• The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved this legislation to move forward on April 16,

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. It then received committee reports referring newly printed Senate Bills 1261-1268 to the appropriate committees, and heard a gubernatorial appointment of Trent Ney to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. The Senate also received House Concurrent Resolution 25 from the House for introduction. In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, concerning findings related to Water District 1. It also adopted Senate Resolution 113, a bipartisan measure condemning political violence and affirming the importance of peaceful political engagement. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with supporters citing efficiency, improved coordination, and continued support for local soil and water districts. Under final consideration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1239, which revises Idaho sex offender law to extend residency protections to legally operating daycares approved by local governments as well as state-licensed facilities. It also passed Senate Bill 1234, which changes Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University throughout Idaho Code, with supporters arguing the change better reflects the institution’s degree offerings and would reduce confusion without changing its mission or adding ongoing costs. Both bills were transmitted to the House, and the Senate adjourned until the next day after miscellaneous announcements about upcoming deadlines and the final day for non-privileged committee bill introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1234 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, providing legislative
• The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved this legislation to move forward on April 16,

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You look at our three larger cost drivers within the state, which is education.
• You look at our three larger cost drivers within the state, which is education.
• So you mentioned education and health care, I understood that, but you said corrections.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 20, 2026. It then heard and introduced RS 32949, a proposal from Rep. Bruce Skaug to add rats—specifically Norway rats and roof rats—to the statutory list of pests. Skaug said the change would not alter authority or substance, but would help address rat infestations in parts of Boise and Ada County. The motion to introduce passed without opposition. Next, the committee considered RS 32963C1 from Rep. Bruce, which would expand public comment opportunities at public meetings for governing bodies, excluding the legislature. Members raised questions about whether the language was broad enough and whether it could affect party central committees or private ballot processes; legislative counsel and another member noted that precinct committeemen are not governing bodies under Idaho law and would not be affected. Bruce said the bill was prompted by a constituent concern from eastern Idaho about being unable to speak openly at a governing body meeting. The committee voted to introduce the RS, with some members noting they would want clearer language and more information at a future hearing. The committee then received an informational presentation from JFAC Co-Chair Rep. Josh Tanner on budget and fiscal-note issues. Tanner emphasized that fiscal notes should be as accurate as possible, warned that cost increases in legislation can create future budget pressure, and urged members to consider offsetting savings measures. He discussed the state’s tight budget environment, revenue volatility, statutory spending drivers, and major cost areas such as education, corrections, and health and welfare. In response to questions, he explained that legislation affecting criminal penalties can increase corrections costs, described recidivism and reentry programs, and noted that local governments receive some state funds through sales tax distributions and inmate-related payments. No further action was taken on the budget presentation, and the chair said the committee would likely have a short meeting the following Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• You look at our three larger cost drivers within the state, which is education.
• You look at our three larger cost drivers within the state, which is education.
• So you mentioned education and health care, I understood that, but you said corrections.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I plan on continuing my education at BYU-Hawaii.
• I've always had great bosses who've treated me well, who've never been in a situation through education
• , it's a very high threshold, but we're able to work with respondents to be able to do training, education

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session with member introductions, including the new committee secretary, Abby Rowe, and the pages. The pages also introduced themselves and answered questions from senators about their interests and experiences. The committee then moved to gubernatorial reappointments and appointments for several state boards and commissions. The first confirmation hearing was for Megan Ronk’s reappointment to the Commission on Human Rights. Ronk described her background in state government and Idaho Power, her long service on the commission since 2008, and the commission’s role in investigating discrimination complaints and often resolving cases through education or training when appropriate. Senators asked about due process, statutory authority, and the kinds of complaints the commission sees most often; Ronk said sex-based and sexual harassment claims remain common. Senator Harris praised her public service and dedication. The committee also heard from Salvador Cruz, nominated to the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Committee. Cruz outlined his background in banking, federal financial regulation, and the Idaho Department of Finance, and said he would apply the prudent investor rule to any investment decisions, including possible precious metals investments if authorized. In response to questions, he expressed concern about the national debt and its long-term economic effects. No votes were taken on the appointments; the chair said confirmations would be voted on at a later meeting. At the end of the meeting, Senator Den Hartog gave brief remarks about joining the committee and the importance of the issues it will handle this session. Senator Burns then reviewed the committee’s assigned administrative rules and asked members to contact the relevant agencies and begin scheduling meetings to work through those rules. The meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm speaking on behalf of both NEA New Mexico, the National Education Association New Mexico, and Healthy
• And so, both our organizations encourage the widespread use of safe and effective vaccinations for educators
• The Public Education Department did not reference ECECD because the statute had been in place prior to

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And actually, it took a lot of self-education because, you know, probably the other doctor can attest
• It took a lot of self-education.
• to CanMed, which is a large conference for medicinal cannabis this summer, so it's just a lot of education

Transcript Highlights:

• And actually it took a lot of self-education just because, you know, I probably the other doctor can
• are the, the toxicity symptoms and here are the withdrawal symptoms, and so it took a lot of self-education
• which is a large conference for medicinal cannabis this summer, you know, so it's just a lot of self-education

Transcript Highlights:

• 718, which is a bill that deals with rules and the annual report that's due from the Department of Education
• Uh, profoundly affects special education indeterminately among different school districts.
• Um, and New Hampshire takes incredible pride in its special education exceeding federal standards, and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference met on HB 718, focusing on the Senate’s changes to the bill. Members discussed language requiring the Department of Education to report rules that exceed state or federal minimum requirements and, when fiscal impacts on local school districts are indeterminable, to identify the unfunded financial impact. The committee also reviewed added language related to the new Pasquani school district and its need to set a tax rate for the 2025-2026 school year. The chair explained a House amendment, 2725H, that would make two technical corrections: restoring the word “certified” in the provision directing the Department of Revenue Administration to expedite certified adjusted rate applications, and changing the bill’s effective date to “upon passage” so the new tax-rate provisions could take effect in time. A further clarification was proposed to specify July 1, 2025, in the tax-rate language. One member raised concern that the bill’s underlying special education fiscal effects were indeterminate and said they could not support it without a fiscal note, but the committee proceeded with the technical changes. A vote was taken among House conferees on the three changes, and the chair reported two yeses and one no, treating the result as effectively unanimous. The committee agreed to draft the report and indicated the bill would move forward, with the Pasquani school district language and the technical corrections included.

Transcript Highlights:

• 502, Pellerin; 553, Colosa; 584, Hadwick; 720, Rogers; 741, Ransom; 951, Ta; 1216, Committee on Education
• school-based health and mental health services for students, requires the California Department of Education
• reimbursement for school-based health and mental health services, including but not limited to the local education

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 9, 2025, with a large regular-order agenda and a consent calendar. The committee first approved a set of unanimous consent bills, then heard and acted on several measures, generally with authors describing them as having minor or absorbable fiscal effects. Bills discussed included AB 439 on Coastal Act streamlining, AB 322 on school-based health and mental health reimbursement participation, AB 679 on state park land acquisition exemptions, AB 482 updating the California Table Grape Commission law, AB 681 increasing the Dream Loan Program cap, AB 40 clarifying emergency services include reproductive health care, AB 454 making the California Migratory Bird Protection Act permanent, AB 572 creating protections for families of people killed or seriously injured by peace officers, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams to avoid extra regulation for certain water operators. Testimony was largely in support of the bills. Supporters included representatives from the University of California, the California Table Grape Commission, Audubon California, Sempervirens Fund, emergency physicians, health equity groups, water districts, and several impacted family members and advocacy organizations on AB 572. AB 572 drew especially emotional testimony from family members describing police-involved deaths and the need for transparency and protection from coercive questioning. No organized opposition was raised on most of the bills heard in committee, though AB 439 drew no-votes from some Republicans, and AB 572 and other measures were framed as low-cost or cost-neutral. The committee reported the bills out on roll calls after motions and seconds, with several measures passing on B-roll calls and AB 482 passing on an A-roll call. After the hearing on presented bills, the committee also approved the suspense calendar and accepted brief public comment on bills not heard that day, including opposition to AB 339 and support for AB 335. The meeting then adjourned.