Video & Transcript Research : 'Capitol complex'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So while our cabinet works to make it as smooth as possible, it can still feel complex and time-consuming
- possible, it can make it as smooth as possible, it can still<00:26:38.320>
feel <00:26:38.640>complex - c><00:26:39.039>
and <00:26:39.279>timeconuming <00:26:39.840>for still feel complex - and timeconuming for still feel complex and timeconuming for smaller<00:26:40.400>
firms. - Our next meeting will be September the 23rd at the Capitol Annex right here.
Summary:
The August 2025 interim meeting of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity began with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, approval of the June meeting minutes, and welcoming a new member, Ivonne Smith, who noted her background in MWBE and DBE work. The chair also offered condolences to a member whose father recently passed away and explained that the committee had invited agency officials to answer questions raised at the prior meeting.
The first presentation was from Singer Buchanan of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, who described the state’s equal opportunity and contract compliance office and its certification programs for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and minority/women business enterprises. He outlined outreach efforts, including partnerships with veterans’ organizations, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, UK, and transportation-related groups; explained that the programs are intended to expand market access rather than provide grants; and said the office has moved to an online application portal that has processed 227 new applications since December 2023. He reported 536 total vendors across the programs, including 29 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and said the office is considering website testimonials to improve outreach. Members asked about staffing, application assistance, and whether the state program conflicts with federal policy; Buchanan said the office has three staff members and that the program is state-funded and, based on legal advice, should continue under Kentucky law.
Tony Yusefi of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet then presented on the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. He explained the program’s legal basis under federal DOT regulations, its eligibility standards, and its purpose of creating a level playing field while helping firms grow and eventually compete without assistance. He described certification requirements, annual documentation, prompt-payment protections, commercially useful function reviews, good-faith effort requirements, and sanctions for violations. He also discussed barriers facing DBEs, including access to capital, bonding, insurance, training, and prequalification requirements, and noted that 50 firms were removed last month for noncompliance with annual documentation rules. Yusefi said the cabinet has expanded supportive services, including an online application platform, bid notifications, and a nine-class business development program; 95 DBEs are enrolled this year, and the bid-matching system reaches an average of 377 DBEs monthly.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-PSM, CPN Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Joint Committee hearing in Conference Room 229 at the State Capitol between the Committees on Public
- The purchaser agreements and warranties that builders and purchasers of homes get into are very complex
- get into Builders and purchases of homes get into are<00:15:03.880>
very <00:15:04.120>complex - documents<00:15:05.720>
this <00:15:05.880>bill <00:15:06.120>is are very complex - documents this bill is are very complex documents this bill is not<00:15:06.480>
about <00:15:
Summary:
The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696.
The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission.
The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- The nonprofit industrial complex that comes in and tries to grab money, but because we want this to work
- Complex that comes in and tries to grab money, but because we want this to work, no matter where you're
- difficult to complete with those limited dollars because they tend to be larger, cost more, and are more complex
- They tend to be larger, cost more, and are more complex.
- But if you hire a contractor and say, I want to build this state capitol building today and give me modeling
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Concurrent Resolution 73 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 45th annual National
- House Concurrent Resolution 73 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 45th annual National
- Additionally, this resolution authorizes the use of Capitol grounds for the National Honor Guard and
- Speaker, we often take for granted the delicate complexity of airplanes.
- of airplanes. the delicate complexity of airplanes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We have worked at the Capitol to expand the Working Family Credit and create a robust version of the
- this builds a reflection of what Minnesotans statewide expect us to do: come together here at the Capitol
- /c><00:31:18.919>
or issue by creating limited value or issue by creating limited value or complex - c> mechanisms<00:31:20.679>
that <00:31:20.880>really <00:31:21.120>just complex - tax mechanisms that really just complex tax mechanisms that really just shifts<00:31:21.960>
property
Keywords:
HF2254, Minnesota child credit, baby bonus, child tax credit, income tax, individual income tax, tax relief, newborn, birth credit, family tax credit, tax refund, advance payment, Department of Revenue, taxable year, parenting, families with children, child credit, state regulations, families, taxation
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 7, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- Happy Aloha Friday and happy Tourism Day at the Capitol.
- We're here at 10:30 a.m. for the 10:30 a.m. agenda, and we're convening here at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol
- Basically, we are at a point now which every complex society throughout history has arrived at, and that
- Professor Joseph Tainter's work on the collapse of complex societies throughout history.
- Basically, we are at a point now which every complex society throughout history has arrived at, and that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Each batch of marmalade is carefully crafted to highlight the vivid aroma, brightness, and complexity
- He took to the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol in 2020, leading a 62-day sit-in after the murder
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayers, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening period on floor privileges and guest recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia and Spain marking the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Representative Justin Jones, with several senators speaking in support of voting rights and democracy.
The body then moved to business and confirmed two gubernatorial and State Bar appointments: Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as executive director of the State Bar. Senators also adopted SCR 163, recognizing May as California Tourism Month, with remarks emphasizing tourism’s economic impact and the work of Visit California and destination marketing organizations. The Senate next adopted SCR 170, declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, after extensive testimony from senators and firefighters about the trauma first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support services.
The Senate also adopted SCR 174, marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers and highlighting the state’s community-based developmental services system. It then adopted SR 111, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, after strong floor statements about discrimination, safety, and the need to oppose silence in the face of hate. The consent calendar was approved, SCR 116 was moved to the inactive file, reconsideration was granted on SR 111 for a later session, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella, with the next meeting set for Monday, May 18, 2026.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of the most debated and high-profile issues at the Louisiana Capitol ultimately become the responsibility
- staff is on the front lines conducting early voting, assisting voters, and clearly explaining the complexities
Bills:
SB25, SB250, HB22, HB27, HB33, HB47, HB233, HB290, HB308, HB324, HB382, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB980, HB1157, HB1207, HB1236, HCR45
Keywords:
registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Grant wisdom to discern complex questions.
- And together in respite, we looked over at the Texas Capitol in the twilight.
Summary:
The Supreme Court of Texas held a ceremonial investiture for two new justices, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock opened the session with welcoming remarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Trooper Alena Gallardo. The event included an invocation by Father Dean Wilhelm, emphasizing the importance of justice and the rule of law. Governor Greg Abbott praised the new justices, highlighting their qualifications and the significance of their appointments to the court.
Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office to Justice Hawkins, while Judge Thomas Griffith administered the oath to Justice Sullivan. Both justices expressed gratitude for their appointments and acknowledged the support of their families, mentors, and colleagues. The ceremony also honored former justices Jeff Boyd and Nathan Hecht, with heartfelt tributes reflecting on their contributions to the court and the legal community in Texas. The event concluded with a benediction by Reverend Greg Davidson, encouraging the justices to work diligently and honorably in their new roles.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- balance to prevent excessive permitting, while allowing local governments flexibility in case more complex
- And when I was walking down Capitol Mall, it was pretty cool to see how many cars and different organizations
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and began by approving a large consent calendar of bills on two unanimous-support motions. The committee then heard a series of individual bills, with authors and sponsors generally describing low or absorbable state costs and asking for aye votes. Topics included AI/digital safety education for students (AB 1792), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), retirement information for community college faculty (AB 2417), cannabis regulation changes including tribal commerce, drive-through sales, and beverage labeling (AB 2506, AB 2697, AB 2532), emergency equipment training for law enforcement volunteers (AB 1913), cannery law modernization (AB 2706), child care planning in local governments (AB 1914), EV charger permitting fees (AB 1820), election-record notice requirements (AB 1664), nursing home discharge notices (AB 2135), a San Diego energization-delay pilot (AB 2518), mental health training for school coaches (AB 1665), and education governance and oversight changes (AB 2117). Several bills were described as committee or sponsor measures with technical or clarifying changes, including AB 2780, AB 2615, AB 2121, and AB 2771.
Testimony was largely supportive, often from sponsor groups, industry representatives, labor, or advocacy organizations. Notable support included TechNet for AB 1792, the California State Sheriffs’ Association for AB 1913, California Dairies and food manufacturers for AB 2706, the Low Income Investment Fund for AB 1914, EV and environmental groups for AB 1820, the Attorney General’s Office for AB 1664, long-term care ombudsman advocates for AB 2135, and the California State Association of Psychiatrists for the cannabis and mental-health-related bills. Some bills drew limited opposition or “opposed unless amended” positions, including AB 2350, AB 1820, and AB 2506, while AB 2697 and AB 2532 were presented as efforts to support the legal cannabis market and consumer safety. The committee also heard a presentation-only item, AB 2541, creating a lowrider specialty license plate, which drew enthusiastic bipartisan comments and co-author requests from members.
Most bills were reported out with due pass recommendations, many on roll call and several with specific members not voting or voting no. AB 1664 was reported out as due pass as amended and placed on call before later being moved out on a B roll call. AB 2350 and AB 1914 were also later reported out from call on B roll calls, with AB 1914 noted as passing despite some Republican no votes. The suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual action, and the meeting concluded after a brief public comment period in which members of the public voiced positions on unrelated bills, including support for AB 2497, AB 1729, AB 2189, AB 1575, AB 2170, and opposition to AB 1603, AB 2447, AB 2411, AB 2492, and AB 1952.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- balance to prevent excessive permitting, while allowing local governments flexibility in case more complex
- And when I was walking down Capitol Mall, it was pretty cool to see how many cars and different organizations
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and began by approving two large groups of bills on consent: a due-pass-to-consent set and a due-pass set for bills eligible for the floor consent calendar. The committee then heard a series of author presentations, generally focused on bills with minor, absorbable, or no state costs, and most measures were reported out with due-pass recommendations, often on roll call and sometimes with members not voting or bills held on call. Among the bills discussed were AB 1792 on updating health guidance to address AI-related digital safety risks for students, AB 1843 on removing barriers to hepatitis C treatment, AB 2350 on consumer protections for rent-now-pay-later products, AB 2780 on technical changes to teachers’ retirement law, AB 2117 on restructuring K-12 education governance, AB 1913 and AB 2706 on emergency equipment authority and cannery law modernization, and AB 1914 and AB 1820 on child care planning and EV charger permitting.
Other measures included AB 2417 on retirement information for community college faculty, AB 2506 on cannabis commerce involving tribal licensees, AB 2200 on greenhouse energy-code compliance, AB 1664 on notice to state officials when election records are seized or subpoenaed, AB 2135 on nursing home discharge notices, AB 2697 on allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval, AB 2518 on a San Diego County energization-delay pilot, AB 1665 on mental health training for school coaches, AB 2532 on cannabis beverage safeguards and labeling, AB 1627 on disqualifying certain federal immigration enforcement personnel from becoming peace officers, AB 2121 on community college funding safeguards, AB 2771 on extending the Bureau for Postsecondary Private Proprietary Education sunset, and AB 2120 on preserving LAUSD’s selected certification hiring practice. Most witnesses and sponsors described the bills as low-cost, technical, or modernization measures; a few bills drew opposition or “oppose unless amended” testimony, including AB 1820 and AB 2706-related items, but no major floor votes were taken in the transcript beyond committee recommendations.
The committee also heard AB 2541, a presentation-only suspense-file bill to create a lowrider specialty license plate that would generate revenue for community and youth programs. The bill drew enthusiastic bipartisan comments and requests to be added as coauthors, but it was sent to suspense for later consideration. Afterward, the committee approved a lengthy suspense calendar and opened general public comment, where members of the public voiced support or opposition on various other bills, including telework, physical therapy licensure, pesticide restrictions, data disaggregation, and other measures not heard that day. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- was working for a state agency, I think that every employee and every elected official here at the Capitol
- I'm an individual, and I'm way too complex for anyone to impugn my motives about any vote that I take
Keywords:
scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 1028, which would send to voters a constitutional change narrowing an existing exception to Arizona’s two-thirds vote requirement for tax increases. The resolution would require legislative approval for increases in state revenue through fees and assessments that are authorized by statute before January 1, 2027, and set by a state officer or agency without a prescribed formula, amount, or limit. The sponsor argued the measure would close a loophole that has allowed agencies to raise fees without direct legislative accountability, while opponents said it would make it harder for agencies to adjust fees for inflation, operations, and regulatory costs and could shift costs to taxpayers or slow services. After testimony and debate, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return SCR 1028 with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 1142, which would have Arizona opt into a federal tax credit program for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters said the measure would bring new private scholarship funding into Arizona at no cost to the state, expand school choice, and help students with tutoring, special needs services, transportation, and other educational expenses. Opponents argued the federal program was not yet fully written, lacked clear guardrails, and could further strain public schools by diverting resources away from the majority of students who remain in the public system. Committee members debated whether the program would benefit Arizona students without affecting state funds, and whether more transparency and rules were needed before adoption.
After discussion, the committee voted 5-3 with one absent to return SB 1142 with a do pass recommendation. Several members explained their votes on both measures, with supporters emphasizing voter choice, accountability, and limiting fee increases, and opponents emphasizing the need for revenue, public school funding, and caution about the unresolved federal scholarship rules.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- State kiosk or at the Capitol, please provide testimony limited to five minutes per person.
- I live a short bus ride to the north, and I have an apartment complex in my backyard.
Bills:
SB3038, SB3045, SB3065, SB3069, SB3071, HB2025, HB2149, HB3370, HB4205, HB4506, HB5424, HB5652, HB24, HB3687, HB24
Keywords:
Fort Bend County, Municipal Utility District, MUD, special district, Rosenberg, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, ad valorem tax, bond issuance, assessments, fees, taxes, eminent domain, road district, storm drainage, infrastructure financing, development agreement, municipal consent, temporary directors, public utility district
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- sometimes a family member... ... that you loved and trusted and so forth, along with all the other complexities
- It's been a long day, and so a number of witnesses who were here are not up at the Capitol.
Keywords:
heat illness prevention, workplace safety, administrative penalties, advisory board, employee protection, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy, local government, state agency, political subdivision, foreign adversary, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Taiwan, major non-NATO ally
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I was there, actually went to the Capitol.
- of programs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and demographics makes for an amazingly rich, but crazily complex
Bills:
HF3220
Keywords:
school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a House-conforming bill related to the Capitol complex, and there is a strike-all amendment.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures.
Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably.
The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 19 Mar 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB4358, HB2398, HB3557, HB3129, HB3312, HB2210, HB1937, HB3021, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB3552, HB2984, HB4124, HB3934, HB3448, HB3131, HB4200, HB4201, HB3011, HB1912, HB3380, HB3881, HB3538, HB3851, HB3907, HB4430, HB4431, HB4457, HB2947, HB2951, HB2980, HB3082, HB3519, HB3644, HB3882, HB3661, HB3996, HB4335
Keywords:
screen time, education, public schools, child development, digital learning, youth health, academic performance, credential of value, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, free expression, colleges, security fees, public forums
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The existence of a variety of types of homes in our neighborhood, including our townhome complex and
- and other similar buildings in complex and other similar buildings in our<00:26:42.279>
neighborhood - Representative Kozlowski continued: "...raising their voices and coming to the Capitol and border to
- We'd like to avoid locating high-rise apartment complexes with minimal setbacks immediately adjacent
- locating high-rise apartment complexes locating high-rise apartment complexes with<01:15:42.040>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, honestly, I was at the Capitol yesterday... employees unfunded cost to employers employees unfunded
- impacting resources and the complexity impacting resources and the complexity of<01:16:56.600>
- It just adds complexity and cost to a solution that already was found within the collective bargaining
- It just adds complexity and cost to a solution that already was found within the collective bargaining
- It just adds complexity and cost to a solution that already was found within the collective bargaining
Summary:
The committee opened by approving the January 16 and January 21 minutes. Members then heard testimony focused on the impact of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and the proposed paid family and medical leave program on Minnesota school districts, with the chair framing the hearing as an opportunity to hear from major employers and school leaders about costs and operational effects.
Kimberly Lewis, speaking for the Minnesota School Boards Association and related school administrator groups, said districts generally already provide generous, locally negotiated sick leave and had initially adapted to ESST by separating vacation, sick time, and ESST into different buckets. She argued that a 2024 law effectively converted previously bargained sick leave into ESST, which she said undermines contracts, creates large unfunded costs, and may raise constitutional contract-clause concerns. Lewis cited large accumulated leave banks in some districts, increased sick leave use, and estimated significant costs from paid leave, including a reported $2.5 million impact for one large district. She urged flexibility such as prorating ESST for midyear hires and part-time staff and exempting coaches, short-term substitutes, and similar employees from ESST.
Superintendent Anarie Fuco of St. Michael-Albertville said her district expects about $400,000 in added fiscal 2026 costs from ESST and paid leave, plus indirect costs from substitute coverage and increased absenteeism. She said schools already have generous bargaining agreements, but the new laws reduce verification and require districts to track leave for temporary staff, creating what she described as a need for “substitutes for our substitutes.” Fuco said the district would face more than $211,000 in direct payroll costs from paid leave alone and asked for flexibility or exceptions for districts already offering comparable benefits. Members asked follow-up questions about how substitute teachers accrue leave and how many districts may be cutting budgets; Lewis and Fuco said many districts are making cuts and that substitute and staffing burdens are growing. A third testifier began by Zoom, but the transcript cuts off before her full testimony.