Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative caucus'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By passing today's legislation, we're going far beyond thanking them for their service.
- All right, there'll be a Republican caucus until the hour of 1:45.
- The Senate will be in a brief recess for the purposes of that caucus.
- President, I first met Judge Harris long before I became a legislator.
- This legislation... ...for veterans under the age of 45.
Summary:
The Senate began with routine formalities, then took up several final-passage and engrossment matters. It adopted emergency preambles for House Bill 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Iwanek, and House Bill 1024, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to a parcel in Sharon. The Senate also passed to be enacted Senate Bill 2528, allowing Marblehead to establish fines related to parking violations, and adopted a pair of congratulatory resolutions. Later, it ordered several House bills to third reading, including measures for an additional off-premises alcohol license in Somerset and sick leave banks for David A. Russell and Jean McCarran, and concurred in a gubernatorial amendment to a vital statistics bill.
The chamber then considered major committee reports and amendments on military and veterans issues. It advanced a Ways and Means substitute for a bill on free expression and a substitute for a bill on assault and battery upon a transit worker, placing both on the Orders of the Day. The Senate also debated and amended Senate Bill 2503, the EASE Act for military-connected families, with remarks emphasizing school stability for military children, special education continuity, juvenile justice transfers, and use of military protective orders in domestic violence cases. Several proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected, including tax relief proposals for 100% disabled veterans, while an amendment requiring tracking of veteran suicides was adopted. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed by roll call, 39-0.
Another major item was Senate Bill 2501, clarifying the duties of the adjutant general. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means substitute and considered multiple amendments, including one withdrawn proposal on entry by non-federalized armed forces from other jurisdictions and another adopted amendment requiring recruit training on lawful orders; other amendments were withdrawn. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed. The Senate also passed House Bill 3388, designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. Throughout the session, members also offered and adopted several adjournment motions honoring the lives and service of Judge Leslie E. Harris, former Newton Mayor Seyi Warren, and Anthony P. Dwingnan, and the Senate adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/6/26 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Journal of the House, 94th Session 2026, 69th Legislative Day, St.
- <00:06:37.440>
Paul, 69th Legislative Day, St. Paul, 69th Legislative Day, St. - Report from the committee on rules and legislative administration.
- We're going to recess in a minute to caucus.
- Republicans, please meet in the caucus room. >> I recognize the member from Hennepin, Representative
Summary:
The House convened, opened with silent reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the clerk called the roll to establish a quorum. The journal from the previous day was approved without objection, standing committee reports were adopted, and several House Files were given second reading. The House also received first reading on House Files 5119 through 5121.
The Rules and Legislative Administration Committee reported a calendar designation for Thursday, May 7, 2026, placing House Files 3131, 3295, 3298, 3682, 4102, 4591, Senate File 856, and 4612 on the calendar and requiring pre-filing of amendments for those bills. No substantive debate on those measures occurred in this segment.
Representative Perryman then rose on a point of privilege to recognize Dr. David Tilstra, recently named the 2025 recipient of the Kopick Minnesota Medical Association Humanitarian Award, highlighting his work in community health, active transportation, and access to healthy food, as well as a $10,000 donation he directed to genetic testing for families in need. After announcements that both parties would caucus, Representative Niska moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, and the House recessed on a voice vote.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I pray that the senators recognize in each other, in caucus and across the aisle, and in each and every
- Minority Leader Johnson, you and your caucus sent flowers in rehab.
- 10:51.360>
your Minority Leader Johnson, you and your Minority Leader Johnson, you and your caucus - <00:10:54.800>
You <00:10:54.960>sent caucus sent flowers in rehab. - You sent caucus sent flowers in rehab.
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate convened for opening day with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The agenda included receipt of executive and official communications, first reading of introduced Senate bills, and adoption of authors’ motions, all handled without recorded debate. Senator Fateh was noted as intending to vote remotely under Rule 40.7.
The main focus of the meeting was a series of remarks centered on grief, recovery, and the start of the session after recent violence and loss. Senator Hoffman delivered an emotional address describing the attempted assassination that injured him, his wife Evette, and their daughter Hope, thanking family members, first responders, law enforcement, medical staff, and colleagues from both parties for their support. He said the experience reinforced the importance of family, community, decency, and governing in good faith, and he pledged to protect vulnerable Minnesotans and pursue truth and fairness.
Senate leaders responded with tributes and messages of support. Senator Johnson acknowledged the deaths of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and Bruce Anderson, the injuries to the Hoffman family, and the chamber’s increased security measures, while welcoming new members Senators Holmstrom and Hemmingsen-Jaeger. Senator Murphy praised Hoffman’s return and his commitment to lead with dignity and compassion. The Senate then moved to adjourn, and the motion prevailed, adjourning the body until February 19 at 11:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're really proud of the work that we were able to get done this legislative session.
- that was done um here with Leader Niska and Sher Tolson and together our team along with all of our caucus
- The caucus said this morning that they uh things that were offered were paid family and medical leave
- taxpayer dollars. taxpayer dollars. caucus<00:03:04.000>
said <00:03:04.159>this <00 - said this morning that they uh caucus said this morning that they uh things<00:03:06.400>
that
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- There's lots of reserves in different legislative accounts.
- And I believe you will see unanimity from this caucus on this product.
- I respectfully ask for your support of this meaningful legislation. Thank you.
- This legislation would take away any land-use restriction.
- I cannot be for it, and I urge my colleagues to vote no on this legislation.
Summary:
The House met in extended session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and a series of journal, committee, and Senate bill reports. Members also received several referrals and Senate messages, and the Speaker signed multiple bills already prepared for the Governor. The chamber then took up a long slate of measures, largely budget-related and conference/concurrence items, with repeated roll-call votes and several brief floor remarks for and against the bills.
Among the major actions, the House passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills addressing fiscal code and budget implementation, abusive towing practices, telemarketing robocalls and caller ID spoofing, prostitution penalty changes, veteran notification procedures, the cosmetology licensure compact, solar decommissioning, Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, E85 flex fuel definitions, local road transfers, civil penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools, and trailer sales. The House also adopted House Resolution 580 designating July 18, 2026, as Piping Plover Day. Most of these measures passed overwhelmingly, many by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The most significant debate centered on House Bill 2400, the General Appropriations budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, and House Bill 1505, the education-related budget implementation bill. Supporters described the budget as a bipartisan compromise that funds adequacy and tax equity for schools, public safety, mental health, roads and bridges, veterans, seniors, and workforce programs while avoiding broad-based tax increases. Opponents argued the budget used accounting maneuvers, deferred spending, and was structurally unbalanced. After extended debate, the House concurred in the Senate amendments to HB 2400 by a 167-35 vote and to HB 1505 by a 172-30 vote.
The House also considered House Bill 2559, which included Commonwealth property conveyances and a controversial provision affecting Penn State branch campus properties. A motion to recommit the bill failed, and the House ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments by a 105-97 vote after members debated property rights, labor effects, and the future use of the campuses. The session concluded with the Senate later concurring in several House amendments, the Speaker signing the final bills, and the House adjourning until September 9, 2026, unless recalled sooner.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The legislation passed this year adds an enormous amount of work to school...
- I really want to adjourn, but not at the cost of passing good legislation.
- While our caucus enjoys an increase in members, we are still in the minority.
- Our caucus asks tough questions, proposes amendments, and debates the bills.
- Soon we'll return to our homes in the calm of non-legislative work.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
- Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
- Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
- Also want to thank Matthew Nan, the legislative assistant for Senator Matthews.
- Uh, particularly I want to echo thanks to my legislative assistant, Matthew Nunan, Greg Exley, our caucus
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Tonight, tomorrow is the Alcat Prayer Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at RSA, and the Legislative Prayer Caucus
- <00:09:59.760>
day <00:10:00.080>be >> for the 20th legislative day be >> - ; for the 20th legislative day be dispensed<00:10:00.720>
with. - at 700 a.m. at RSA and the Legislative at 700 a.m. at RSA and the Legislative Prayer<00:10:30.240
- Prayer Caucus meets at 8:30 in room 206. Prayer Caucus meets at 8:30 in room 206.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/09/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- . legislation. legislation.
- Uh, we will be having a short caucus that will allow both sides to discuss this a little further.
- But I don't think we'd need enabling legislation. No. Thank you. Any further questions?
- <01:40:34.560>
list could uh add this to the caucus list could uh add this to the caucus list - legislation, I will be voting yes. legislation, I will be voting yes.
Summary:
The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern.
The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent.
The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee.
Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 5/9/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Journal of the House, 94th Session, 2025, 33rd Legislative Day, St.
- 05:53.960>
session, <00:05:55.160>2025, <00:05:56.160>33rd <00:05:56.800>Legislative - 94th session, 2025, 33rd Legislative 94th session, 2025, 33rd Legislative Day,<00:05:58.160>
- Committee, we will be meeting upon recess in G3, and DFLers, we will be caucusing after recess in our caucus
- Republicans, we will caucus in the Republican caucus room also immediately following Rules.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 6th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- also thrilled to have the Consul General here as we stand on the verge of establishing the Italian Caucus
- I'm going to take this time to announce members of the Legislative Women's Caucus.
- Again, I'm going to announce that the members of the Legislative Assembly Women's Caucus, upon the adjournment
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite being adjourned, are you able to work on bills and legislation?
- and quite frankly we should have passed legislation off this floor weeks ago weeks ago so the process
- The Texas Trial Lawyers Association Women's Caucus encompasses 600 women trial lawyers from across our
- I was honored to lead this caucus as their chairwoman last session and to be part of this elite group
- Women's Caucus please stand up. Members please join me.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- think it's a good piece of legislation think it's a good piece of legislation and<00:04:22.160><
- I know there are several people, and I’d like to put together with the nonprofit caucus that would be
- with people and I'd like to put together with the<00:12:48.560>
nonprofit <00:12:49.120>caucus - that would be very the nonprofit caucus that would be very interested<00:12:50.800>
in <00:12: - The Kentucky National Guard briefing and aerial flight of Frankfurt for legislators—please be reminded
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum and considered two bills. House Bill 131, sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith, would give certain former second-class cities more flexibility to change firefighter schedules without a collective bargaining agreement, allowing alternative schedules such as 24-on/72-off and a 48-on/72-off pattern. Meredith said the measure was developed with the Kentucky League of Cities and Kentucky Professional Firefighters and was permissive rather than mandatory. Senators generally supported the bill, noting it would not affect departments that want to keep their current schedules.
The committee then heard House Bill 136 from Rep. Jared Bowman, with testimony from Josh Crawford of the Georgia Center for Opportunity. The bill would require more comprehensive annual reporting from the Department of Corrections so lawmakers can better evaluate sentencing, parole, recidivism, rehabilitation, and re-entry outcomes. Supporters said Kentucky currently relies too much on anecdote and incomplete data, and that better information would help direct funding and policy decisions; Bowman also tied the bill to follow-up on last year’s criminal justice reforms. Some members praised the data-gathering effort and discussed possible future tweaks, while one senator criticized HB 5 and said the data should have been collected earlier.
Both bills were advanced unanimously by the committee and sent to the Senate floor with favorable consideration. The chair also announced a reminder about the Kentucky National Guard briefing and aerial flight event RSVP deadline.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1, HB 2 (06/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- HB2 of 2025 regular legislative session. HB2 of 2025 regular legislative session.
- So, no one can future legislation.
- House caucus maybe? Yep. Okay.
- House caucus maybe or municipalities. House caucus maybe or Yep.<06:32:18.400>
Okay. - caucus. Okay. Just a few minutes. Yeah. caucus. Okay. Just a few minutes. Yeah. Okay. Okay.
Summary:
The committee of conference for HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed the side-by-side budget comparison and began working through agreed and disputed items. Members first confirmed that grayed-out items were already settled and discussed a process for making later technical and intent changes, especially to true up abolished positions after additional decisions were made. They then moved through several budget sections, including judicial branch reductions, retirement systems, the Department of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, liquor enforcement, corrections, and the Department of Information Technology.
Several items were agreed to or treated as settled package items, including the judicial branch position, the Department of Justice reduction, the Human Rights Commission item being held until related HB 2 language is finalized, the Housing Appeals Board being moved into the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, and the Office of Child Advocate. The committee also agreed to update the House bill language as needed based on HB 2 decisions, and to keep certain IT support rows in place unless related boards and commissions are eliminated. The effective date remained July 1, 2025, with no change.
The main unresolved discussion centered on the retirement systems budget, where the Senate defended a large increase for deferred IT security and investment-function improvements, while the House argued the increase was too large and favored a back-of-the-budget cut. The Senate said the funds would support strategic IT and investment changes and would remain in the trust if cut, while the House emphasized the size of the increase and suggested a compromise. The committee ultimately retained the Senate position on retirement systems for the moment and said it would return to the issue later.
On corrections and liquor enforcement, the committee described a negotiated back-of-the-budget cut structure, including a $10 million cut for corrections with some restoration of POS offices and administrative aides, and a liquor enforcement cut that was treated as part of a broader package. The Department of Safety item related to commercial enforcement and motor vehicle inspections was held for later discussion. The meeting ended with several items agreed, several held for coordination with HB 2, and some major budget questions still open.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- We consider the reading of the journal from the prior legislative day.
- In accordance with Rule 33D, the following legislation has been reassigned as indicated below.
- Just a reminder to the members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
- The Black Caucus will hold its press conference regarding the caucus priorities tomorrow.
- The Black Caucus will hold its press conference regarding the caucus priorities tomorrow.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Rabbi Deborah Wexler of Pikesville, and journalized the prayer without objection. The chamber also recognized several visitor groups, including Maryland Realtors Day, Maryland March for Change participants advocating for infant and maternal health, and students, faculty, and staff from Avalon School. Senators briefly highlighted upcoming committee meetings and caucus events, including a Legislative Black Caucus press conference, Aviation Day, and a reminder about protocol dues.
On legislation, the chamber read Senate Bill 955 on real property, condominiums, and homeowners association election rules and referred it to the Rules Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Senate Bill 888 was announced as reassigned to the Rules Committee. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 46 concerning state veteran cemeteries, where Senator Simon offered a floor amendment. Senator from District 7 explained the bill was prompted by concerns about how caskets are moved at veteran cemeteries, describing a practice he found disturbing and saying the issue should be addressed separately from the bill. The amendment and the amended report were both adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The Senate then handled a brief procedural exchange when a senator asked about speaking on the reassigned bill, and the presiding officer ruled the matter out of order because it had already been reassigned. After additional committee announcements, the Senate remained in session with 40 members present and then moved to recess until noon in the House chamber.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, this might have the longest sunset I've ever seen in a piece of legislation, Mr. President.
- Um, this might have the longest sunset I've ever seen in a piece of legislation, Mr. President.
- Veterans Caucus 9:00 a.m. steps. Veterans Caucus 9:00 a.m.
- Veterans<00:42:40.600>
Caucus <00:42:40.840>9:00 <00:42:41.040>a.m. - <00:42:41.200>
for <00:42:41.320>the Veterans Caucus 9:00 a.m. for the Veterans Caucus
Summary:
The Senate first outlined its plan to clear pending concurrence items, focusing on Senate bills with House amendments and not taking up unamended House bills. Members then approved several motions not to concur with House amendments, including Senate Bills 514, 626, and 866, with the clerk reading the formal Senate messages in each case. The chamber also addressed an excused-vote question, with the presiding officer explaining that excused votes do not count as missed votes.
The Senate then concurred in House amendments and passed a series of Senate bills, including SB 11 on campaign finance reporting and the Fair Campaign Financing Fund, SB 164 on the Pamela J. Kelly Tree Maryland program, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees, SB 509 on workforce Pell Grant implementation, SB 553 reestablishing the lithium-ion battery safety commission, SB 581 on statewide technology master plan reporting, SB 670 on polling-place authority, SB 848 on municipal election reporting, and SB 940 on water quality testing. Most of these House amendments were described as technical, clarifying, or conforming changes, and each bill received the required constitutional majority on final passage.
The chamber also took up House Bill 862, a rail safety bill requiring certain freight trains to have crews of at least two under specified interstate conditions. After questions from the minority leader about the bill’s trigger conditions and effect on an Eastern Shore rail line, a senator explained support for the measure and the bill passed with 33 affirmative votes. Additional special-order House bills passed as well, including HB 497 on protective order durations, HB 552 establishing a commission on the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, and HB 573 on fair housing and discriminatory effect standards.
Later, the Senate continued with more concurrence items from Finance, including SB 22 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, SB 412 on forensic review boards and community forensic aftercare, SB 413 on morticians and funeral directors board operations, SB 496 on Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment, SB 555 on dementia services and brain health resources, and SB 579 on no-cost preventive cancer screening for retired volunteer firefighters. These bills were generally amended in the House with clarifying or conforming changes, and the Senate adopted the amendments and passed the bills by constitutional majority.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We are also joined by colleagues from the Legislative Women's Caucus, and thank you for being here, Assembly
- Caitlin O'Neill with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- Why is legislative intent being ignored?
- Good afternoon, Chair, members of the committee, and the Legislative Women's Caucus.
- That was where we first came up with our set of legislative recommendations.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s handling of mental health care in prisons and allegations of sexual abuse, retaliation, and excessive force in the state’s women’s facilities. CDCR officials described their PREA-based prevention and response efforts, including training, oversight, body-worn cameras, retaliation follow-up, and partnerships with outside groups. The Office of the Inspector General explained its monitoring role, noting increased authority under SB 1069, but also limited staffing and the ability to monitor only a portion of cases. The Legislative Analyst’s Office added that prison population trends could allow the state to close a prison and save over $100 million, with some savings potentially redirected to prevention or response efforts.
Advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses from Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition and the California Coalition of Women Prisoners testified that meaningful systemic change has not occurred and that retaliation, blocked programming, and unsafe reporting conditions remain widespread. They described alleged barriers to community-based services, forced or coercive treatment concerns involving Suboxone, and the need for survivor-centered reentry support, trauma-informed care, and more independent oversight. Sandra DeAnda gave detailed testimony about alleged staff abuse, retaliation, denial of mental health care, and a large use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, while Amika Mota and April Grayson urged release or resentencing for survivors housed with their abusers and greater investment in outside programs.
Members of the committee pressed CDCR and OIG on accountability, use-of-force standards, criminal referrals, disciplinary outcomes, and whether investigations are completed within statutory timelines. CDCR acknowledged cultural problems at both women’s prisons and said it was retraining staff and working on reforms, while OIG said it had monitored 161 investigations and found most grievance routing appropriate, though some cases had lapsed due to time limits. Later exchanges revealed that CDCR has over 13,500 active cases and 109 investigators, and that some cases have exceeded deadlines, prompting concerns from members about whether the current system can adequately investigate misconduct and impose consequences. No votes were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 1 May 12th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will read the journal of the House, 94th session, 2025, 34th legislative day, St.
- Be it resolved by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration of the House of Representatives
- Members of the Republican caucus, we will caucus at 1 o'clock in the caucus room.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 1 May 8th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As our elected legislators, yours is often a difficult and thankless job.
- Journal of the House, 94th Session, 2025, 32nd Legislative Day, St. Paul, Minnesota.
- The Rules Committee will meet immediately following recess in G3, and the Republicans will caucus immediately
- following rules in our caucus.
- The Democrats will also be caucusing following rules in our caucus room.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I am here to present one of the CLBC priority bills
- During that time, the system is required to report back to the California Legislative Black Caucus every
- Black Caucus members.
- That is something that the California Legislative Black Caucus has stated.
- That is something that the California Legislative Black Caucus has stated.
Summary:
The committee heard several higher education bills. It first approved the consent calendar, which included SB 67 and SB 619. The main discussion centered on SB 437, which would direct the CSU system to develop a fair, evidence-based process for verifying whether someone is a descendant of a person enslaved in the United States, as part of the state’s reparations work. Supporters said the bill fills a gap left by the Reparations Task Force and would create a transparent, credible lineage-verification process; opponents argued genealogy methods already exist, the bill would waste money and delay action, and some raised constitutional concerns. The committee took a vote on SB 437, but the roll was left open after the initial tally showed three ayes and three noes.
The committee then heard SB 790, which would allow California to join the interstate reciprocity agreement for online postsecondary education. The author and supporters said the bill would improve consumer protections for California students taking out-of-state online courses and help California institutions compete more effectively by reducing the burden of seeking separate state approvals. Opponents, including University of Phoenix and other groups, argued the bill conflicted with the existing reciprocity framework, could exclude some institutions, and might not actually secure California’s entry into the agreement. The committee voted 3-1 to pass SB 790 as amended to the Business and Professions Committee, with the roll left open.
The committee also heard SB 391, which would authorize the Community College Chancellor’s Office to charge fees for research partners seeking access to data. Supporters said the office is absorbing significant unfunded workload from data requests and that fees would help recover costs; opponents, including the California Teachers Association community college association, warned the fees could create barriers for faculty and smaller researchers. Members discussed possible exemptions and implementation details. The committee voted 5-1 to pass SB 391 as amended to the Appropriations Committee, with the roll left open. Finally, the committee heard SB 685, a pilot program to provide cost-of-attendance assistance at four CSU campuses for students who experienced homelessness in high school. Supporters said it would help students cover housing, food, and transportation costs and reduce dropout risk; members asked about eligibility and implementation, and the author explained the bill would use McKinney-Vento homelessness designations and target students at risk of “summer melt” and college homelessness.