Video & Transcript Research : 'cognitive function'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Reducing the Number of School Administrative Units in the State (10/23/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- One is what is the function, not just of SAUs, but the function of all the different pieces: the function
- of the school board, the function of the SAU, the function of the principal, and so on.
- superintendent functions go to principal superintendent functions go to principal functions functions
- It needs sort of local school function.
- <02:05:01.280>
So function in this. So function in this.
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws.
Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/27/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- It sounds like we're not entirely sure if this is a government function under case law.
- qualifies as a government function qualifies as a government function solely<00:23:51.240>
because - sure if this is a government function sure if this is a government function under<00:25:16.559><
- <00:27:05.799>
that <00:27:05.960>1305 government functions that 1305 government functions - <01:23:18.239>
to from allowing notification functions to from allowing notification functions
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, the holder of a caterer's license may host not more than five functions per calendar year
- ><00:08:13.919>
beverages <00:08:14.639>at <00:08:14.879>a <00:08:15.039>function - serve alcoholic beverages at a function serve alcoholic beverages at a function at<00:08:15.520>
- <00:08:28.160>
Section <00:08:28.560>13, functions per calendar year. - Section 13, functions per calendar year.
Summary:
The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks.
The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll.
Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith.
Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Jefferson County Legislation Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Jefferson County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- to be able to function like the Mobile delegation, the Huntsville-Madison delegation.
- <00:21:18.640>
for <00:21:18.880>our <00:21:19.280>delegation place the functions - for our delegation place the functions for our delegation to<00:21:20.080>
be <00:21:20.240> <00:21:20.400>- > able
to <00:21:20.559>function <00:21:21.039>like <00:21:21.360 - >
the <00:21:21.600>Mobile to be able to function like the Mobile to be able to function
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 480, House Draft 1, authorizes an attending physician to request a functional capacity exam
- It also allows a licensed occupational and physical therapist to be deemed qualified to perform functional
- physician to request a functional physician to request a functional capacity<00:03:31.760>
exam - <00:03:44.959>
perform be deemed qualified to perform be deemed qualified to perform functional - <00:03:46.560>
capacity functional capacity functional capacity exams.<00:03:50.239>Okay.
Summary:
The Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several bills, mostly related to workers’ compensation, labor relations, retirement, and employment exemptions. HB 423 would clarify selection of certified rehabilitation providers and require automatic approval of vocational rehabilitation services when likely needed for suitable gainful employment; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested timeline amendments, including advancing the plan within 90 days of the initial evaluation and filing it with the employer, employee, and director within two days. HB 480 would let an attending physician request a functional capacity exam without employer permission and deem licensed occupational and physical therapists qualified to perform such exams; it drew support from the department, the Hawaii Insurance Council, and the Hawaii Medical Association. HB 162 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators for collective bargaining disputes by allowing the HLRB to request a list from FMCS as well as the ABA, and testimony from labor groups supported that change. HB 164 concerned indebtedness to the state and wage deductions; HGA supported it with comments, while the Department of Accounting and General Services raised concerns about the percentage structure but said it could implement the requested changes.
The committee also heard HB 1152, which would permanently exempt three specialized Department of Taxation positions from civil service; the department supported the measure and said the positions are not currently civil service positions. HB 214 would allow certain retirees to work in school resource officer or investigator roles without losing retirement benefits, subject to conditions; ERS expressed concerns about shortening the required separation period from 12 months to 6 months and about uniform administration and cost implications, while the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Education supported the bill, and the Department of Law Enforcement asked to include its investigators as well. HB 874 would amend the Uniform Custodial Trust Act for child performers, requiring trust accounts for minors meeting certain earnings thresholds and making misuse of funds a fiduciary breach; SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii Nurses Association supported it, and members discussed that enforcement would likely need further research, possibly through labor or the film office. HB 159 would cap the civil service exemption for personal service contracts with qualified community rehabilitation programs at $850,000 in the aggregate per private person or entity; United Public Workers, HGEA, and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO supported it.
No final votes were taken because the committee lacked quorum. After recessing and reconvening, the chair announced that decision-making on the agenda would be deferred to Wednesday, March 12 at 3:01 p.m. in Room 224.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/07/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, the budget extender bill before us does provide for funding for some really important functions
- brings us up to $20.3 billion on all of these extenders together, has significant funding for the functioning
- President, no, the budget extender allows for functioning of state government to get through the next
- PRESIDENT, THE BUDGET EXTENDER BILL BEFORE US DOES PROVIDE FOR FUNDING FOR SOME REALLY IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS
- PRES, NO THE BUDGET EXTENDER ALLOWS FOR FUNCTIONING OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO GETSTHROUGH YOU THE NEXT FEW
Summary:
The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services.
Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But I still don't see that functional tactical path and what somebody would have to have to really do
- But I still don't see that functional tactical path and what somebody would have to have to really do
- But I still don't see that functional tactical path and what somebody would have to have to really do
- But I still don't see that functional tactical path and what somebody would have to have to really do
- this is a functional this is a functional uh uh uh process<00:49:25.560>
defined <00:49:26.320
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- going to need that uh a lot of function going to need that uh a lot of function keys<01:10:46.679
- talks about our overall um functions talks about our overall um functions business<02:17:01.960>
- She added that the business office functions and HR office functions fall under there, and that a lot
- She added that the business office functions and HR office functions fall under there, and that a lot
- She added that the business office functions and HR office functions fall under there, and that a lot
Summary:
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority officials, led by Executive Director Rob Dapice, briefed legislators on the agency’s structure and funding. They explained that the authority is created by state law but is not a state agency, its debt is not state debt, and it is governed by a board appointed by the governor and approved by the Executive Council. The discussion focused on the Affordable Housing Fund and the lead paint hazard remediation fund, including how state appropriations and federal resources are combined to finance affordable rental housing and lead abatement work.
Dapice said the Affordable Housing Fund is used as gap financing for multifamily affordable housing projects, typically alongside federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, and that state dollars leverage roughly 2:1 to 10:1 in additional federal and private investment, averaging about 4:1. He said the fund has received historic appropriations in recent budgets, including $30 million over the last two biennial budgets and an annual $5 million set-aside from the real estate transfer tax. He also said the fund is usually structured as 0% interest, deferred loans rather than grants, with repayments returning to the fund if projects generate cash flow.
Members asked about rents, oversight, staffing, revenues, and whether the programs had added positions. Dapice said affordability restrictions generally last 30 to 99 years, rents are tied to income limits and capped so tenants pay no more than 30% of income, and compliance staff inspect properties regularly to verify income eligibility and rent limits. He said the organization has about 130 to 135 employees, down from about 145, with no new positions added because of the appropriations. He estimated total revenues at roughly $300 million, with administrative budget around $22 million, much of it pass-through grant money.
On lead paint remediation, he said the state first appropriated $6 million in 2019, plus $1 million in ARPA funds, and that the program has cleared more than 500 units. He said the federal grant program is not annual or predictable, with a recent award of about $7.75 million, and that the maximum federal grant per unit is $177,000, typically paired with up to $100,000 in state loan support. He also noted that the program can address homes before a child is poisoned if lead hazards are identified, but that cases involving an already exposed child are a higher priority. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- so um we are working at DHS to functions so um we are working at DHS to um<00:21:40.000>
finalize - regions right now you can functional regions right now you can debate<01:19:45.800>
how <01:19 - :46.040>
functional <01:19:46.400>and <01:19:46.520>if <01:19:46.639>they - <01:19:46.760>
could debate how functional and if they could debate how functional and if they - that all of us should you know functions that all of us should you know deserve<01:26:08.760>
and
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Tim Walz Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- leave the state again with historic budget reserves with budget surpluses and programs that are functioning
- leave the state again with historic budget reserves with budget surpluses and programs that are functioning
- leave the state again with historic budget reserves with budget surpluses and programs that are functioning
- leave the state again with historic budget reserves, with budget surpluses, and programs that are functioning
- Very" functioning like paid family medical functioning like paid family medical leave<00:15:57.360>
Summary:
The governor discussed Minnesota’s budget outlook ahead of a supplemental budget release next month, saying the state remains financially strong but should be cautious because of federal uncertainty and a structural imbalance in spending. He said the administration’s approach will be measured, with limited new spending and possibly modest revenue measures, while prioritizing a bonding bill and maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, reserves, and middle-class tax cuts. He also praised the 2023 legislative session and bipartisan cooperation as the basis for the state’s current position.
A major topic was spending growth in special education and the broader human services system. The governor said special education is a fundamental service the state is legally and morally obligated to provide, but costs need to be managed more efficiently. He pointed to legacy IT systems in the Department of Human Services and county service delivery as expensive, antiquated, and error-prone, and said the state needs a multi-year modernization plan and continued reorganization. He argued that reforms such as prepayment verification and other fraud controls should reduce costs without cutting services.
The governor also addressed federal actions affecting Medicaid and other programs, sharply criticizing efforts to withhold funds and claims of widespread fraud. He said Minnesota’s Medicaid error rate is lower than the national average and argued that the federal government’s approach would harm children, pregnant women, and seniors without improving fraud prevention. He also said the state’s gun violence prevention and fraud-fighting packages are expected to be relatively close to budget neutral. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the meeting, which was primarily a press availability and Q&A.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Addressing Abuses of AI Nudification Technology - 02/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Facebook, or Meta, has this function turned off on their programs.
- But Facebook, or Meta, has this function turned off on their programs.
- 24.280>
you <00:03:24.360>can <00:03:24.519>still <00:03:24.720>make functions - turned off you can still make functions turned off you can still make pictures<00:03:25.159>
of - <00:14:39.959>
off <00:14:40.399>so companies to turn this function off so companies
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/18/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- those changes: the delivery of intoxicating beverages into one's private home, something that was functionally
- 15.720>
was one's private home something that was one's private home something that was functionally - inconceivable<00:01:17.479>
only <00:01:17.759>10 <00:01:18.000>years functionally - inconceivable only 10 years functionally inconceivable only 10 years ago<00:01:18.880>
is <00: - <00:02:30.720>
the delivering alcohol are functionally the delivering alcohol are functionally
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (7-8-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- >> So, what we assess now are cognitive academic skills.
Summary:
The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it.
The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items.
Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These allocations are a function of changes that have been made in 2017.
- are a function of changes that<00:20:36.360>
have <00:20:36.480>been <00:20:36.640> - Quasi-enterprise function: farebox revenue, advertising, and things like that.
- <00:51:16.280>
the office and administrative functions the office and administrative functions - of um of the agency and then functions of um of the agency and then the<00:53:56.720>
largest
Summary:
The Transportation Working Group met on January 15, 2025, with Chair John Kosnik opening by saying the committee expected to pass a transportation bill this year and emphasizing efficient use of transportation revenues, maintenance of roads and transit, and safety. Members and staff introduced themselves, and several representatives noted their interest in roads, bridges, and regional transportation needs. Kosnik also said he had spoken with Representative Kel about leadership arrangements and stressed that bipartisan support would be needed for a transportation bill.
House Fiscal Staff’s Andrew Lee and House Research’s Matt Burus then gave an overview of transportation finance, focusing mainly on highways and transit. Burus explained Minnesota’s highway funding structure, including the constitutional Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the related Trunk Highway Fund, County State-Aid Highway Fund, and Municipal State-Aid Street Fund. He reviewed the main revenue sources: the motor fuels tax, motor vehicle registration tax, motor vehicle sales tax, portions of the general sales tax tied to auto parts, vehicle rentals and leases, and the retail delivery fee. He noted several changes from 2023 legislation, including indexing of the gas tax, creation of the Transportation Advancement Account, and the retail delivery fee, which began in July 2024 and therefore would affect fiscal year 2025 rather than the fiscal 2024 data shown.
The presentation also covered how highway dollars flow through constitutional formulas, including the 95/5 split from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, with the 5 percent set-aside used for town roads, town bridges, and flexible highway purposes such as turnbacks. Burus distinguished trunk highway bonds from general obligation bonds and explained that both are debt-financing tools for transportation projects, but with different repayment sources and uses. No votes or formal actions were taken at this informational meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- A second part of this proposal is shifting some MA eligibility functions.
- We also would include some DCF programs such as their licensing functions.
- this piece is centered around functional this piece is centered around functional eligibility.<01
- We also would oversight functions.
- They have a their licensing functions.
Keywords:
infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
- This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
- This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
- This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
- This change is functionally lowering the cost of this type of electrical permit by $3.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- How functional is it?
- What is your level of difficulty, or how functional would this law be for you to actually apply it?
- would make a decision to try, Director, you would build the case to give to the DA to try, how functional
- would make a decision to try, director, you would build the case to give to the DA to try, how functional
- It's not functional.
Keywords:
homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking.
Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending.
The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And do you believe the vacancy rate is a function of salaries, or why do you think you're having trouble
- I see that as a very important function: publicizing and making clear what we are doing so that people
- We are looking at potentially using generative AI for certain functions to assist our attorneys in trying
- streamlining operations for efficiency, and improving current processes with a focus on our core function
- Cardona talk about, and the impacts on our core functions is very important, and we have to balance those
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director.
Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate.
Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of David Fotouhi, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, and Aaron Szabo, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, both of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think, again, we want to keep our eye on where the core functions, but also what functions the
- Senator I'm happy to respond initially it's a critical function of the agency, its emergency response
- function.
- And Administrator Zeldin, in his first month on the job, has made the emergency response function of
- continues to remain one that is a congressional function?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple questions, getting to some specific topics, of core functions versus non-core functions.
- Yes, we have a lot of non-core functions.
- One non-core function that touches on the student experience would be student housing and dining.
- Also, our research functions are incredibly important to our graduate students.
- Each of these programs serves an important function in California health care.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid.
On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary.
The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed.
The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.