Transcript Highlights:

• THE LEGISLATURE CAN ASSIST IN THIS TRANSFER IF THERE'S A LEGISLATURE SHORTFALL AND FINALLY THE AMENDMENT
• ALLOWS THE LEGISLATURE TO WITHDRAW FUNDS FROM NONRECURRING CRITICAL STATE NEEDS, THE WITHDRAWAL WILL
• SO WE ARE HYPERVENTILATING ABOUT WELL, IN THE FUTURE FUTURE LEGISLATURES.
• LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE LEGISLATURE THAT'S GOING TO GATHER IN ABOUT THREE DAYS.
• IT MAKES SURE FUTURE LEGISLATURES HAVE THE ABILITY TO STABILIZE THE BUDGET.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Auditor is elected by the people and acts independently from the legislature and thus independently
• The State Auditor is elected by the people and acts independently from the legislature and thus independently
• The State Auditor acts independently from the legislature and thus independently from the Joint Legislative
• The legislature enacted the law, which took effect on January 1, 2022.
• And if that's going a little fast, just remember legislature, Washington government, L-E-G.wa.gov.

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: The JLARC I-900 Subcommittee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. Auditor Lisa Weber explained that the 2022 law made insurance claim reporting mandatory, which increased collections from about $1.7 million in 2021 to more than $3.5 million in 2022, but the audit found many claims still may go unreported. The office estimated DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and said insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, misunderstand its application, or make administrative errors. The audit also noted that DCS’s outreach resources are not easy for insurers to find and that OIC’s website currently lacks information on the law. The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by posting information on its website and sharing insurer contact information with DCS. It also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create authority for monitoring and enforcement, since neither DCS nor OIC currently has clear authority to enforce compliance. Weber said the audit discussed the possibility of assigning enforcement to DCS, OIC, or both, but left the details to the Legislature. Members asked questions about whether the agencies had discussed coordinated enforcement, which types of claims are covered, and how settlements are handled. Weber said the audit did not go into implementation details beyond recommending legislative action. Brian Welch, speaking for the Insurance Commissioner, said OIC is willing to help educate insurers, post information, and share contact information with DSHS, and that there had not yet been discussion of joint legislation, though the agency is open to further coordination. No public testimony was offered, and the hearing adjourned after members were invited to submit written comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS MY PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO INTRODUCE TO YOU THE
• PRESIDENT, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET AND THE LEGISLATURE AND FELLOW CITIZENS, FLORIDA LEADS.
• THE LEGISLATURE IN RECENT YEARS HAS AN HISTORIC REFORMS THAT HAVE IMPROVED ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND HAS
• IT IS A GREAT TESTAMENT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE. .
• I HAVE EVERY BIT OF CONFIDENCE THAT THE LEGISLATURE WILL FULLY ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF OUR FLORIDA CONDO

Transcript Highlights:

• As I will discuss further when presenting the conforming bill, the Legislature has approved $50 million
• How are we accommodating for that here in the budget since that bill did not pass the full legislature
• Preeminence funding is something that we have historically prioritized as legislature.
• How much money would it take for us, as a legislature, to finally get these 16,200 individuals who are
• Declining birth rates, which is something the legislature doesn't have any control over.

Transcript Highlights:

• So were they just trying to appease the Legislature, or what?”
• The receiver and her team, including myself, look forward to working with the Legislature toward the
• But despite this, the Legislature retains some key abilities that it should continue to use.
• Addressing that will be a priority for both the receivership and the Legislature.
• Finally, we recommend the Legislature monitor the effects of the expansion of telemental health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, we ask the legislature to end unfunded mandates. When new laws reach...
• We ask the legislature to end unfunded mandates.
• Fong’s question on what the legislature required of the CSU system.
• we recognize that the Legislature said we're not party to that compact.
• The campus and I thank the Legislature and the Governor for their strong support.

Summary: The joint Assembly Higher Education and Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the California State University system’s enrollment trends, fiscal pressures, and how state funding should be allocated across campuses. Chairs and members emphasized CSU’s importance to California’s workforce and economy, but also raised concerns about declining enrollment at some campuses, unmet enrollment targets, and whether funding is aligned with student demand. The hearing was framed as preparation for the 2026 budget, with particular attention to campuses such as Humboldt, Sonoma, San Francisco, Channel Islands, and others that have received significant state support or are below target enrollment. In the first panel, CSU Academic Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Boyd urged the Legislature to protect academic freedom, strengthen faculty governance, provide stable ongoing funding, end unfunded mandates, support student food and housing security, expand flexible scheduling, improve transfer systems, and maintain regional access rather than over-centralizing programs. Cal State Student Association Vice President Katie Karam said students are feeling the effects of budget shortfalls through fewer course sections, reduced advising and services, longer time to degree, and rising tuition, and she called for transparency, meaningful student involvement in budget decisions, and sustained state investment rather than one-time fixes. In the enrollment panel, CSU Chancellor’s Office and campus administrators described a systemwide strategic enrollment plan under CSU Forward, with efforts to expand access, improve recruitment, and better align programs with workforce needs. Dr. Delcy Perez said systemwide resident enrollment and applications are up, and highlighted direct admissions and outreach partnerships. Campus representatives from Chico State, Cal State L.A., and San Diego State described local recruitment, transfer partnerships, and retention strategies. Members pressed CSU officials on discrepancies between reported enrollment growth and public data, the per-student funding formula, and the use of reserves and reallocation to shift money from lower-enrollment campuses to high-demand campuses. CSU officials said they are reviewing all campuses’ fiscal health, developing turnaround plans, and expect to provide reports to the Legislature in the spring, while also acknowledging the need for longer-term changes to enrollment management and academic program alignment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The contracts need to be affordable, and they need to be funded by this legislature.
• That was put forward to the legislature that was not funded because of a lack of timeliness in getting
• If the legislature was not to approve the funding for the compensation fringe benefits identified in
• That was the first time that we've had the legislature turn down a contract.
• In the event of unexpected decisions from the legislature.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Employment Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, I think that the legislature should control its own agenda.
• From 1912 to 1965, we met, the legislature met every other year.
• We have a wonderful legislature.
• The commission shall provide an annual report to the governor and legislature.
• It is not the task force that will make all the recommendations to the legislature.

Bills: HJR6 , HJR7 , HB120 , HB60 , HB151 , HR1 , HM13 , SB40 , SB104

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard two related House Joint Resolutions sponsored by Representative McQueen. H.J.R. 6 would equalize the legislature’s 60-day and 30-day sessions into two 45-day sessions, remove the germaneness requirement from the second session of a biennium, and clarify veto-override language. H.J.R. 7 would keep the current 60-day and 30-day session lengths but make the same germaneness and veto-override changes. Supporters argued the measures would modernize the legislature, improve internal control of the agenda, and make the flow of work more efficient; opponents warned of more bills, lobbying fatigue, and reduced public participation. Both resolutions were moved on due pass and passed the committee 8-0. The committee then heard House Bill 120 on limiting student restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor and LESC staff said the bill arose from a stakeholder working group and would clarify definitions, prohibit dangerous practices such as mechanical, chemical, and prone restraint, require training and school safety plans, improve reporting to parents and the Public Education Department, and strengthen oversight. Testimony from educators, disability advocates, parents, and state officials strongly supported the bill, describing harmful and sometimes underreported restraint and seclusion incidents and emphasizing the need for clearer rules and de-escalation training. Some members raised concerns about implementation, definitions, teacher safety, and whether the data were sufficient; the sponsor and staff said the bill was meant to give teachers tools and minimum standards, not to require intervention in every situation. The bill passed on a due pass motion 9-1. Next, the committee considered House Bill 60, which would add certain crimes against peace officers to the Victims of Crime Act so officers injured in the line of duty would receive the same notification, participation, and restitution-related rights as other victims. The sponsor and the district attorney supporting the bill said it was a public safety measure with negligible cost and would also extend protections to affected family members. Support came from law enforcement, business, and public safety groups. Members asked about whether the officer must know the assailant is a peace officer, how the rights would work if the officer is also a witness, and how restitution interacts with workers’ compensation; the sponsor said the bill applies when the officer is acting in the lawful discharge of duties and the defendant knows the person is an officer. The committee passed HB 60 unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 151, a committee substitute on the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations. The sponsor said the bill, called the Survivor’s Justice measure, would extend the time for survivors to file claims from age 24 to age 58, add public actors to the bill’s scope, and create an administrative compensation fund supported by an appropriation, with $12.5 million already in the budget and a request for another $12.5 million. The sponsor explained that the change reflects the average age at which survivors come forward and that the bill is part of a long-running effort to address childhood sexual abuse claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think the Legislature could do this by... Thank you.
• the Legislature could do this by narrowing the priority schools definition.
• So the Legislature does have broad discretion over what is funded using Proposition 98.
• The Legislature does have broad discretion over what is funded using Proposition 98.
• Alternatively, CDE would like the Legislature to consider ongoing funding for this program.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an extended discussion on state efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers, with a focus on whether current programs are sustainable and well targeted. Testimony from the Learning Policy Institute, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Department of Education, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described persistent shortages, especially in special education, math, science, bilingual education, and high-need schools. Speakers emphasized that residency programs, Golden State Teacher Grants, National Board incentives, classified employee pathways, and undergraduate teacher pipelines have helped increase preparation and retention, but many of these efforts rely on one-time funding and lack long-term certainty. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns about the “leaky pipeline,” working conditions, the burden of student debt, and whether the state should simplify and institutionalize support for aspiring teachers rather than rely on a patchwork of grants. The agencies presented data showing continuing shortages and uneven distribution of fully credentialed teachers. CTC reported projected hiring needs of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 teachers annually, with the highest needs in self-contained classrooms, special education, and certain regions of the state. It also noted that emergency permits, waivers, and intern credentials remain high, and that teachers entering through those routes have higher turnover. LPI cited research showing residency-prepared teachers are more effective and more likely to stay, and argued that Golden State Teacher Grants attract candidates who might not otherwise enter teaching and help them complete preparation. CDE stressed that most new demand comes from attrition and urged support for multiple entry points, tuition assistance, and campus-based coursework. Several members also discussed the role of community college pathways, dual credentialing, and support for school leaders as part of retention. The LAO recommended rejecting the educator pipeline proposals under discussion, citing limited evidence of effectiveness and suggesting that any new spending should be more narrowly targeted to the highest-need schools and long-standing shortage subjects. The LAO also said that if the Legislature funds new programs this year, Proposition 98 would be preferable given the state’s fiscal condition. Committee members pushed back on the idea that declining enrollment or layoffs would solve shortages, noting that shortages and layoffs can coexist in different subject areas and regions. The discussion ended with agreement that staff would continue working with agencies on how to make teacher pipeline investments more consistent, coherent, and easier for candidates to navigate. The committee then turned to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program. Finance proposed $50 million in one-time General Fund support to extend the program for one additional year, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal because the first CSAC evaluation is not due until later in the year and because the funding would be non-Proposition 98. CSAC supported the extension, saying demand has been strong, over 20,000 aspiring educators have been served since 2021, and the agency had to pause applications after receiving more than 9,200 this year; it also said more than 2,500 candidates had already expressed interest for next year. Members asked how many students the new funding would serve, and CSAC estimated just under 5,000 awards at $10,000 each. The discussion also covered whether the grant could be moved into Proposition 98 and how the one-time nature of the funding affects confidence among prospective teachers.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature from as you can as you saw on the school finance slides earlier the legislature has increased
• If you look at your Appropriations Act, the budget of the legislature.
• So one, I would certainly encourage the legislature to put more money into public education.
• So the legislature sets, I mean, independent schools. districts only exist because the legislature created
• The legislature has made a ton of very specific decisions.

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> since it would involve the legislature since it would involve the legislature which<02:02:09.520
• </c><02:42:44.080><c> to</c> would encourage the legislature to would encourage the legislature to examine
• </c> Claremont decisions that the legislature Claremont decisions that the legislature is<04:05:35.359
• </c><04:09:59.000><c> to</c> up to the legislature to up to the legislature to define<04:10:00.800><c
• <04:10:29.800><c> had</c><04:10:29.960><c> done</c><04:10:30.239><c> in</c> legislature had done in legislature

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met to hear House Bill 520, which would authorize the Department of Education to issue subpoenas in investigations and hearings involving the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators. Representative Lynn, the bill sponsor, said the measure was intended to give the department standard subpoena power during investigations and in later adjudicatory proceedings, with a process for challenging overbroad subpoenas. He argued that agencies with investigative and hearing authority should also have the power to compel witnesses and documents, and said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader draft to focus on teacher credentialing and address concerns about scope. Members raised several concerns about whether the department already has enough authority, whether the Attorney General could handle subpoenas instead, and whether the bill creates an imbalance by giving subpoena power mainly to the investigating side. Representative Burroughs said she did not feel she had enough information and was uncomfortable with the bill, especially regarding who bears subpoena costs. Representative Biron questioned the trial analogy and whether both sides truly have equal subpoena rights. Lynn responded that the investigative stage is like a grand jury process, where only the investigating body subpoenas witnesses, while the adjudicatory stage allows both sides to seek subpoenas through the hearing officer. Other questions focused on the bill’s scope. Representative Andreos asked what investigative authority the Department of Education already has, and Representative Organ questioned why the bill is limited to educators rather than also covering vendors, charter school boards, or the EFA scholarship organization. Lynn said the limitation to educators was deliberate, because earlier broader versions drew objections for being too expansive. Representative Tur asked whether the Attorney General could already handle such matters, and Lynn said that while the AG might be able to pursue some investigations or court subpoenas, agencies should be able to conduct their own internal investigations. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Things happen at the legislature.
• The legislature has allocated over $24 million for equipment and upgrades since 2023.
• And we do hope that we get from the legislature an appropriation.
• I've been in the legislature; I think this is my eighth year.
• This would contribute to future capital capacity generally by the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam, who represented Olympia in the Washington State Legislature for more than two decades, devoted his
• Then he went on to be elected into the Washington State Legislature in the House in 2001 and the Senate
• Upon his retirement at the Legislature in 2024, he was named to the Board of Regents of Washington State
• in the House in 2000 2001 &gt;&gt; Legislature in the House in 2000 2001 and<00:09:36.520><c> the</c
• </c> Upon his retirement at the Legislature Upon his retirement at the Legislature in<00:09:42.160><c

Bills: SB2876 , SB3253 , SB2125 , SB2781 , HB549 , HB1768 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB2140 , SB2544 , SB2069 , SB2697 , SB874 , SB2043 , SB888 , SB2721 , HB2152 , HB1334 , HB2385 , HB1643 , HB2314 , HB1688 , HB1692 , SB2568 , SB2983 , SB2108 , SB3136 , HB1959 , SB3156 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1824 , HB2137 , HB1810 , HB2279 , HB2309 , HB1548 , HB2078 , HB2293 , SB3262 , SB2169 , SB2607 , SB2964 , SB3255 , HB2576 , HB1481 , HB1864 , HB1550 , SB2818 , SB3067 , SB2061 , HB1728 , HB1881 , HB2361 , HB2395 , HB1823 , SB2050 , SB2397 , SB2175 , SB2852 , SB847 , SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the Senate elected or appointed to serve in the first session of the 57th Legislature, except
• And whereas, it is necessary for the New Mexico State Legislature to convene at the State Capitol Building
• Section 6 of the New Mexico Constitution, do hereby issue this proclamation and call the 57th Legislature
• Appropriating funds for the expenses of the 57th Legislature second special session.
• Elected at the first session of the 57th Legislature, be designated the officers of the second special

Transcript Highlights:

• Time and time again, the legislature chose, this legislature chooses to spend valuable time attacking
• And there is a long history of that in this legislature.
• The legislature will miss you. Senator Totley votes yes. Senator Meznar...
• He gave me his book about the legislature. Later.
• For the first time we met, he gave me his book about the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature "Hey, you know what? The legislature should<00:08:02.840><c> decide.
• > won't</c><00:08:06.200><c> decide,</c> And if the legislature won't decide, And if the legislature
• And so what this uh secondary amendment says legislature, which is our duty to legislature, which is
• </c> us, the legislature. us, the legislature.
• </c> the in the legislature. the in the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the 2025 session of the 69th Legislature adjourn sine die.
• The 2025 session of the 69th Legislature adjourned sine die.
• President, I move that the 69th Legislature adjourn sine die.
• I move that the 2025 session of the 69th Legislature adjourn sine die.
• Senator Rochelle has moved that the 2025 session of the 69th Legislature adjourn sine die.

Summary: The Senate received several messages from the House transmitting enrolled measures and actions on legislation, including Senate Bill 5161, Senate Bill 5194, Senate Bill 5195, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404, and House Concurrent Resolution 4404. The President reported signing open session substitute Senate Bill 5194, substitute Senate Bill 5195, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404, and House Concurrent Resolution 4404, and later the House reported the Speaker had signed Senate Bill 5194, Senate Bill 5195, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404. The chamber also approved the Senate Journal for the 105th day of the 2025 session and then, on motion, returned all measures on the floor calendar and those held at the desk to the Committee on Rules. No objections were raised to these procedural motions. At the close of the session, Senator Rochelle moved that the 2025 session of the 69th Legislature adjourn sine die. The motion was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• JLARC is a bipartisan, bicameral committee of the legislature.
• The particular study we're talking about today was directed by the 2023 legislature.
• The particular study we're talking about today was directed by the 2023 legislature.
• The study we're talking about today was directed by the 2023 legislature.
• The social equity program was created in 2020 by the legislature.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s cannabis market study, presented by JLARC staff member Susanna Pratt. The report found Washington’s cannabis production in 2023 was likely two to three times higher than retail sales, with production estimated at 292,000 to 443,000 pounds of THC versus 139,000 pounds sold. Pratt explained that canopy data are inconsistent and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s traceability system is incomplete and unreliable, limiting data-driven regulation, tax verification, recall tracking, and diversion enforcement. JLARC recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 for obtaining accurate licensee data by the end of 2026; LCB partially concurred and said a 2027 timeline may be more realistic. JLARC also concluded that the social equity producer licenses would likely have only a minimal effect on statewide production capacity, and suggested the legislature consider broader ways to increase equity in the industry. Members asked about the slow issuance of social equity licenses and about comparable traceability systems in other states. The committee then heard a series of presentations on fraud and scam prevention. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association described the scale of fraud losses, the role of telecom spoofing, social media scam ads, SIM farms, and crypto ATMs, and argued for a shared-responsibility approach involving banks, telecoms, and platforms. Katie Clark of IQ Credit Union described member-to-member fraud, romance scams, and the operational and financial impacts on credit unions, and recommended better information sharing, safe harbors for returning scam-related funds, and stronger fraud education. Kyle Innes of SIFMA highlighted investor fraud and Washington’s 2009 report-and-hold law, which he said helped shape similar protections in most states, and emphasized the need for better communication among financial firms, APS, and law enforcement. Brian Gerard and Ali Higgs from the Department of Financial Institutions discussed “pig butchering” and other investment scams, focusing on how scammers build trust through social media, dating apps, fake websites, and crypto schemes before extracting funds. Across the fraud presentations, witnesses repeatedly stressed consumer education, interagency information sharing, and stronger controls on telecom, social media, and crypto ATM activity. Members asked about model laws from other states, the role of financial education in schools, and whether crypto ATMs should be regulated or banned. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• to weigh in and provide his or her perspective on any recommendation we might make to the full legislature
• would like to propose the following as the recommendations the commission might present to the legislature
• But again, this legislature will continue to force manufacturers out of the state.
• But our recommendation would be for this legislature in Massachusetts to add a criminal penalty that
• So we're very much mindful of that, I think, in the legislature, and the governor showed our commitment

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology met to review its work on intentional microstamping and personalized firearms and to discuss draft recommendations for a final report. The co-chairs summarized testimony received from manufacturers, advocates, law enforcement, and officials from New Jersey, New York, and California. For microstamping, the discussion focused on how the technology could help trace spent casings, its limits in forensic use, and concerns about wear, tampering, implementation costs, and whether it would burden lawful gun owners. For personalized firearms, members reviewed testimony about biometric smart guns, their current commercial availability, higher cost, and potential benefits for preventing accidental shootings and unauthorized use, especially involving children and suicide prevention. Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several supported microstamping as a crime-solving tool and endorsed a recommendation that the legislature direct a feasibility and viability study, set standards and training, fund implementation, and create penalties for tampering. Others opposed microstamping, arguing it has not worked in other states, may not reduce crime, and could impose costs on manufacturers and owners. On personalized firearms, most commissioners supported encouraging the technology, but there was disagreement over whether to create a temporary sales tax exemption; some favored an incentive to promote adoption, while others opposed any tax subsidy for firearms or questioned whether the data justified it. The co-chairs said they would draft a report reflecting the majority consensus and circulate it for review before a final vote at a later meeting, likely in July. The commission also discussed which executive branch agency should conduct the microstamping feasibility study, with the Attorney General’s office and EOPSS mentioned as possibilities. The meeting ended with agreement to reconvene for final votes on the report and recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, when that appropriation by the legislature is set each year, a withdrawal will be made from PISF
• You can see in that first column under 2025 law, that was the budget that the legislature set when we
• Practically what that means is that even though the legislature adopted a higher revenue number based
• And so the one tax type that the legislature has historically relied upon to pay for those population
• And so of that delta $735 million, the legislature... Mr. Bybee, Mr.

Committee: Senate Education