Transcript Highlights:

• CalHR has also done some great work in establishing the EEO Academy, which helps with reasonable accommodations
• We recently launched our EEO Academy that focuses a little bit more on reasonable accommodations.
• Again, the EEO Academy also touches a little bit on this through a variety of ways.
• The EEO Academy talks about reasonable accommodation.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee first handled several routine items, approving two governor appointments not required to appear: Armin Meyer to the Division of Consumer Financial Protection and Uca Danka to the California State Lottery Commission. The committee also approved referral of bills to committees, a Rules waiver request to suspend SR 55 for guest access on the Senate floor on April 6, and floor acknowledgments, with each action passing 5-0. The committee then heard from Arania Ortega, appointed to the Public Employment Relations Board. Members asked about her background at CalHR and the Department of Finance, her approach to board decision-making, recusal rules, the status of AB 288, PERB’s caseload and backlog, ride-share enforcement, and the legislative employees’ unionization process. Ortega said PERB currently has no backlog, is preparing for possible new workloads, and has recusal procedures that would automatically exclude her from certain state employee and child care cases for one year. Public testimony supported her appointment, and the committee voted 5-0 to move her nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Monica Erickson, nominated to lead the Department of Human Resources. Questions focused on state labor negotiations, CalPERS, recruitment and retention, telework, discipline and HR training, DEIA efforts, hiring pipelines, degree requirements, veteran hiring, return-to-office implementation, and the gender pay gap. Erickson said CalHR has reduced the vacancy rate from 20% to 17%, is expanding recruitment tools and class consolidations, is working on a skills-matching tool and career counseling, and has helped reduce the gender pay gap from 21.1% in 2013 to 12.2%. Public witnesses spoke in support, and the committee approved her nomination 5-0 to advance to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• CalHR has also done some great work in establishing the EEO Academy, which helps with reasonable accommodations
• We recently launched our EEO Academy that focuses a little bit more on reasonable accommodations.
• Again, the EEO Academy also touches a little bit on this through a variety of ways.
• The EEO Academy talks about reasonable accommodation.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met with quorum and first approved several non-appearance items, including the appointments of Armin Meyer to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and Uca Danka to the California State Lottery Commission. The committee also approved references to bills, a request to suspend Senate Rule 55 for guest access on the Senate floor, and floor acknowledgments, all by 5-0 votes. The committee then heard the appointment of Arania Ortega to the Public Employment Relations Board. Members questioned her about her background at CalHR and Finance, PERB’s case backlog, implementation of AB 288, recusal rules tied to her prior work, the ride-share caseload, and the board’s role in legislative employee unionization. Ortega said PERB currently has no backlog, is prepared to implement AB 288 if litigation changes, and has strong recusal procedures; she also said the state employee cases affected by her recusal would be a small share of PERB’s workload. Public testimony supported the nominee, and the committee voted 5-0 to send the appointment to the full Senate. The committee also heard Monica Erickson’s appointment as Director of the Department of Human Resources. Questions focused on labor negotiations, CalPERS fiduciary responsibilities, recruitment and retention, telework, discipline and accountability, DEIA efforts, hard-to-fill classifications, degree requirements, return-to-office implementation, and the gender pay gap. Erickson said CalHR is working on recruitment tools, class consolidations, apprenticeship pathways, policy forums, and a skills-matching pilot to help applicants, while also addressing pay equity and reducing barriers such as unnecessary degree requirements. Public witnesses spoke in support, and the committee approved her appointment 5-0 to advance to the Senate floor before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• purchase vaccines through the Vaccine Purchasing Act. through recommendations made by the American Academy
• of Pediatrics and for adults via recommendations through the American Academy of Pediatrics, of Family
• language, broadening it to include guidance from not only ACIP and the CDC, but also the American Academy
• of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for those of you that are here today for our field trip to Tallahassee Collegiate Academy.
• Collegiate Academy. I'm really excited that we're able to do this.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee was called to order and a roll call established a quorum, with several members excused. The chair noted that the committee was meeting on the last day of committee weeks before session and that members were headed on a field trip to Tallahassee Collegiate Academy. The chair reminded members to bring their driver’s licenses for school check-in and said administration would be verifying identities. No bills, testimony, or substantive policy issues were discussed during the meeting. The committee then adjourned from the room to travel by bus to the school, with the plan to gavel out at 4:30 p.m. at Tallahassee Collegiate Academy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Couple that with law enforcement academy training overseen by APOS.
• Couple that with law enforcement academy training overseen by APOS.
• After you're hired, they sponsor you, send you to the law enforcement academy.
• They will be paying for their way through the academy.
• They will be paying for their way through the academy.

Bills: HB461 , HB465 , HB469 , HB473 , SB94 , SB303 , HB461 , HB465 , HB469 , HB473 , SB94 , SB303

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: fundraising, Alabama Educational Television, state authority, public broadcasting, legislation influence, emergency management, public funds, educational materials, promotional materials, state agency, ambulance services, balance billing, health insurance, emergency transportation, reimbursement rates, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a member of the Washington chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• health implications for our state and for our country, such as the recommendations from the American Academy
• And I also represent the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which represents 2,800
• I'm here today on behalf of the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, where I serve as
• of the committee, my name is Charlotte Burrill, and I oversee all of the state policy work at the Academy

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several House bills and later took executive action on two others. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2242, which would let the Department of Health issue immunization recommendations and tie preventive-service coverage to federal recommendations as of June 30, 2025, while preserving access to vaccines and other preventive services. Supporters, including the Governor’s office and the Insurance Commissioner, said the bill would protect access, affordability, and stable vaccine purchasing; opponents argued it politicizes vaccine policy and gives too much influence to state agencies and outside groups. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2152, allowing terminally ill patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities to use medical cannabis under facility policies, with supporters emphasizing dignity, symptom relief, and safeguards, and House Bill 2088, joining the dietitian licensure compact, which supporters said would help military spouses, telehealth, and workforce shortages. House Bill 2110, on ambulance inter-facility specialty care transports, drew support from rural hospitals seeking more staffing flexibility and opposition from nurses and EMS personnel concerned about training, accountability, and patient safety. House Bill 2247, on veterinarian-client-patient relationships and telemedicine, drew support from the sponsor and some stakeholders as a workforce and access measure, but also criticism from the state veterinarian and others who said it could conflict with federal VCPR requirements and public health protections. House Bill 2340, expanding substance use disorder monitoring program eligibility to nursing assistants and stipend support, was presented as a way to help low-wage health workers stay in the workforce; there were no in-person testifiers against it. In executive session, the committee considered House Bill 2155, concerning the use of nursing titles, and House Bill 2531, aligning the ambulance transport fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations. Both bills received do-pass recommendations and were sent to the Rules Committee. For the public hearings, no final committee votes were taken on the other bills in this transcript, and testimony concluded on each measure after the committee heard from sponsors, agency officials, advocates, and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, my name is Daniel Lince, and I am from E Academy High School.
• My name is Neil Burgess, and I'm from Early College Academy.
• My name is Neil Burgess and I'm from Early College Academy.
• My name is Noah Holman and I'm from Early College Academy.
• Hi, I'm Stephanie Ayala and I'm from Atresco Heritage Academy High School.

Bills: HB40 , HB100 , HJR1 , SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: educational retirement, annuity adjustments, cost of living, non-compounding payments, retirement benefits, STEM funding, education, innovation, public education, New Mexico, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics released their vaccine schedule today, and they made no changes to
• The American Academy of Pediatrics release their vaccines pediatric care into a political issue.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics released their vaccine schedule today, and they made no changes to
• I'm here today representing the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• pediatric hospital medicine, and I serve as the president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy

Bills: S1082 , S1168 , S1756 , S1156 , S1480

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a pediatrician speaking on behalf of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• I'm a pediatrician speaking on behalf of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• The American Academy of Pediatrics has high-quality evidence to strongly recommend increasing tobacco
• I'm a pediatrician speaking on behalf of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• I'm a pediatrician speaking on behalf of the Washington chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Bills: SB6073 , SB6113 , SB6116 , SB6129 , SB6162 , SB6114 , SB5857

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: SB 6073, LEOFF, Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System, retirement system, pension, public safety retirement, wildland firefighter, aviation firefighter, wildland fire, forest firefighter, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, firefighter benefits, retirement benefits, service credit, disability retirement, survivor benefits, employer contributions, Washington RCW, public employees

Transcript Highlights:

• of in my role here at Union Pacific is the establishment of the Doña Ana Community College Trade Academy
• , the work academy that we established.
• And I'm proud to say that since the academy opened, there have been 100 graduates from.
• And actually, a month ago in June, we did have a training with Doña Ana Academy to certify the new HAZMAT
• , particularly at the community college, I'm glad to know how many people have graduated from the academy

Transcript Highlights:

• Vanessa Hina, with KP Public Affairs, on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians, here
• The Academy of Family Physicians, here in support. Thank you.
• Vanessa Cahina, for the California Academy of Family Physicians, here in support.
• Kelly McMillan, on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics, California, in support. Thank you.
• Finescahina, on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians, here in support.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1887, which would speed prior authorization for FDA-approved rare disease treatments prescribed by specialists and, if a plan does not act within 30 days, deem the request approved. The author and supporters, including patients and clinicians, said delays can cause irreversible harm, hospitalizations, and death, especially for children and people with progressive rare diseases. Health plans and insurers opposed the bill’s automatic-approval provision and said the measure lacked safeguards for incomplete requests and shared responsibility for timely information. The chair encouraged continued work with opponents, and the author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier version that would have waived prior authorization entirely. The committee also heard AB 1979 on artificial intelligence in health care, AB 2161 on Medi-Cal work requirements, AB 539 on extending approved prior authorizations, AB 2311 on physician employment at public hospital districts, AB 1148 on banning phthalates and bisphenols in food packaging, AB 1825 on mental health offender reentry coordination, and AB 2282 on a temporary emergency stabilization unit in Patterson. AB 1979 would preserve licensed clinicians’ professional judgment, bar AI from directing unlicensed clinical functions, and protect medical records used by consumer chatbots; after amendments, several hospital, medical, and industry groups moved from opposition to neutral. AB 2161 would limit the harm of federal Medi-Cal work-reporting rules by using existing data, improving notices, and protecting due process; it drew broad support from patient, provider, and advocacy groups. AB 539 would keep prior authorization approvals valid for up to one year or the course of treatment, with supporters citing continuity of care and opponents warning about utilization, fraud, and cost concerns. AB 2311, as amended, would let certain high-payer-mix or distressed public health care districts directly employ physicians; CMA withdrew opposition after the bill was narrowed, while some hospital interests still objected to the carve-out. AB 1148 would prohibit two chemicals commonly used in food packaging, with supporters citing cancer and endocrine-disruption risks and opponents arguing DTSC should handle the issue through its existing regulatory process. AB 1825 would improve transition planning and Medi-Cal enrollment for offenders with mental health disorders leaving state hospitals, and AB 2282 would authorize a temporary rural emergency stabilization care unit in Patterson until a permanent hospital is built. Several bills were held for later action because the committee lacked a quorum, and the chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken once enough members returned.

Transcript Highlights:

• $2.7 million cut to ABOR, and I am wondering if that's going to result in the loss of the Teachers Academy
• or of the Teachers Academy or the Promise program so when you talk able again and any time members that
• It's my understanding that the Promise Program and the Teachers Academy special line items are uncut.
• Community College Promise Program, the Arizona Promise Program, the Arizona Teachers Academy—there's
• And it seems like a consistent answer you give are the Teachers Academy, the Promise Program, and just

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the last update I have on slide four is related to the Rural Hospital Officers Academy.
• Health Houston's activity supporting the development of the Rural Hospital Officers Academy.
• One of the things. academy schools or anything like that. Not that component.
• So we do a number of different things. academies to all the rural hospitals.
• We do also conduct academies for high school students that are a little more in-depth.

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• and coming into the academy.
• , for new recruits to go through the academy, and for those recruits to test out of the academy.
• and coming into the academy.
• , for new recruits to go through the academy, and for those recruits to test out of the academy.
• </c> and coming into the academy. and coming into the academy.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Madison-Ridgeland Academy last night also won the MIAS overall for the boys and the girls.
• So, we got two championships over at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. &gt;&gt; Welcome. &gt;&gt; Welcome.
• c> Madison-Ridgeland Academy last night Madison-Ridgeland Academy last night also<00:03:41.480><c> won
• , Jackson Academy, those are nonprofit educational institutions, are they?
• <c> are</c> Academy, Jackson Academy, those are Academy, Jackson Academy, those are nonprofit<00:25:11.360

Transcript Highlights:

• After graduating from the academy and marrying his high school sweetheart, Nancy, he went on to serve
• </c><01:09:33.679><c> After</c> United States Air Force Academy.
• After United States Air Force Academy.
• :35.199><c> and</c><01:09:35.440><c> marrying</c> graduating from the academy and marrying graduating
• </c><02:25:54.880><c> this</c> reported to the Naval Academy this reported to the Naval Academy this

Bills: HB4016 , HR580

Keywords: defense appropriations, military funding, national security, Department of Defense, fiscal year 2026, rules resolution, House Rules Committee, structured rule, appropriations, DoD appropriations, defense spending, digital commodities, cryptocurrency regulation, digital assets, SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, CFTC, Federal Reserve, central bank digital currency, CBDC

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. numerous complaints from parents and school administrators at Village Academy High School.
• And the Village Academy is in my district.
• And the Village Academy is in my district. It is a very, very hard thing to see.
• Village Academy is in my district.
• I did work at Village Academy.

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety held an informational hearing in Pomona on sex work-related crimes and efforts to combat human trafficking. Opening remarks framed the hearing around the repeal of the old loitering law in SB 357 and the recent enactment of AB 379, which will again make loitering with intent to purchase commercial sex a misdemeanor starting January 1, 2026. Members said the goal was to better understand the sex work industry, trafficking, law enforcement practices, and survivor support, with a focus on prevention and accountability. The first panel featured a DOJ representative, a USC law professor, and an ACLU attorney. DOJ presented arrest and conviction data for the repealed loitering statute and said the data did not distinguish clearly between buyers and sellers. USC researchers said anti-trafficking raids and stings often lacked transparency, disproportionately harmed marginalized groups, and frequently failed to identify traffickers or connect survivors to services. The ACLU argued that loitering laws have historically been used to police people of color and that criminalizing sex work or purchase of sex can worsen harm, increase racial disparities, and create immigration consequences. Committee members asked about better data collection, racial disparities, and whether the new law would help communities; responses emphasized public health approaches, housing, job training, and trauma-informed services. The second panel included DOJ, Pomona Police Chief Mike Ellis, and survivor advocate Jess Torres. DOJ described regional human trafficking teams, task forces, prosecutions, and survivor services. Chief Ellis said the repeal of the loitering law reduced officers’ ability to intervene early, contributed to visible open-air prostitution near schools and businesses, and made it harder to rescue juveniles; he supported AB 379 and related local efforts. Torres, speaking as a survivor, argued that survivor voices are often excluded, that many youth in the sex trade are boys or LGBTQ youth, and that criminalization and street enforcement can retraumatize people and push the problem out of sight rather than solve it. She urged prevention, unmet-needs services, and survivor inclusion in policymaking. In the final panel, a Riverside County prosecutor said AB 63 would restore a useful enforcement tool with safeguards and could help officers make earlier contact with potential victims, while stressing the need for training and oversight. A public defender argued that arresting trafficked people reinforces traffickers’ control, creates lifelong barriers, and undermines cooperation, pointing to a Pomona diversion program as evidence that treatment and wraparound services can work. No formal votes were taken during the hearing; the committee used the session for testimony, questions, and discussion of competing approaches to trafficking enforcement and survivor support.

Transcript Highlights:

• School of Dreams Academy has an example of how they're working through this process right now.
• I'm the superintendent of School of Dreams Academy, a state authorized charter school in Los Unes, New
• Dreams Academy really appreciates the opportunity to share our story with you.
• Leach, I'm very familiar with what the Sign Language Academy went through.
• Kids went to the middle college high school and to the other academy.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• May I direct your attention to the gallery where we have over 60 Oakland High School Public Health Academy
• school board member and East Bay education leader, I know how vital programs like the Public Health Academy
• With that, please join me in welcoming the future leaders of California here today from 8018, our academy

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, with opening prayer and pledge, followed by a series of guest introductions recognizing Nevada County search and rescue volunteers, a Canadian delegation, Oakland High School Public Health Academy students, Claremont McKenna College students, St. Edward’s Parish School students, and others. The body also approved several procedural motions, including re-referrals of bills to committees and permission for committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor file, the Assembly adopted ACR 152 designating March 2026 as American Red Cross Month, with remarks praising Red Cross disaster relief, blood supply, and training work. It also adopted HR 90 celebrating No-Ruz, the Persian New Year, with members noting its themes of renewal and resilience amid conflict affecting Iranian communities. Later, ACR 141 recognizing Visak Day was adopted, honoring the Buddha’s birth and teachings on peace, compassion, and balance. Each of these resolutions received numerous co-authors before voice vote adoption. The Assembly also passed AB 1844, which updates the Judges’ Retirement System 2 to allow judges to designate non-spouse beneficiaries for survivor retirement benefits and extend protections to vested judges. On the consent calendar, AB 1948 relating to firearms and several resolutions, including HR 94 on Major League Baseball Opening Day 2026 and Senate concurrent resolutions, were adopted, with AB 1948 passing 60-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Caitlin Katie Mardellett and a motion to adjourn for spring recess until April 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's so many positive things about this particular academy.
• There's so many positive things about this particular academy.
• line of the motion is: 'And any other provision of law to the contrary, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy

Committee: Senate Education