Transcript Highlights:

• Some of it's being used to train models, AI models.
• Other amendments in the bill introduce new, far-reaching regulation of AI use in the classroom, from
• AI is already used extensively in the classroom.
• You're talking about AI, and no one can predict the future on this whatsoever.
• I'll note that the language around AI, the author, the amendments today make clear is generative AI.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard two bills. AB 1159 by Assemblymember Addis would update California student data privacy law to extend protections to college students, limit how ed tech companies can collect and use student information, and add restrictions around sensitive data and generative AI use. Supporters, including Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, CFT, labor, civil rights, and education groups, said students and educators need stronger safeguards against invasive data collection and misuse. Opponents, including College Board, TechNet, CalChamber, and ACT Education, argued the bill was overly broad, could interfere with legitimate educational services and AI development, and raised concerns about a private right of action and impacts on adult students and recruitment opportunities. AB 883 by Assemblymember Lowenthal would expedite deletion of personal information for elected and appointed officials under California’s data broker deletion system by having state agencies provide official lists to the privacy agency and requiring brokers to delete the information within five days. Supporters said the measure responds to rising threats, harassment, and violence against public officials and would help reduce exposure of their personal data. TechNet and TechC.A. opposed unless amended, citing concerns about exemptions for lawful data sharing, the five-day timeline, and litigation risk, while the author emphasized the bill does not create a new right but streamlines access to an existing deletion process. Both bills were advanced after committee discussion and roll calls. AB 1159 passed 11-2 and was sent to the Judiciary Committee. AB 883 passed 14-0 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are going to start with item number one, Gen AI update. Gen AI Update. Okay.
• I just stick into the Gen AI for a second.
• assess AI output, which is how they build AI literacy.
• a faculty learning community for faculty to learn how to use AI.
• AI is here to stay.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are all aware of the energy demand increases as we transform our economy to the AI generation.
• We all are all aware of the energy demand increases as we transform our economy to the AI generation.
• We know that it's going to consume. our economy to the AI generation.
• What AI is, it's a machine that really extends the human brain capacity.
• Chair, and I'd like to thank the good member from the 46th for her work on the companion, or the similar

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• So the companion bill in the Senate was amended, and they put language on there that the short version
• in the Senate, we're going to, you know, hopefully this body will get a chance to see the Senate companion
• Now, you know, hopefully this body will get a chance to see the Senate companion where it's been amended
• And I think we're going to see some good things coming up, hopefully if we see the Senate companion.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 124-1 vote, and numerous introductions of student groups, health professionals, and other guests. Committee reports were then read, including several bills recommended “do pass.” The chamber also heard a personal privilege speech from a St. Louis County member responding to a North St. Louis County school track meet shooting, calling for stronger action on gun access and firearm safety. The main floor work focused heavily on appropriations and capital projects. House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were debated and passed, covering reappropriations, maintenance and repair projects, new capital improvements, and remaining ARPA pandemic funds. HB 2017 passed 137-9, HB 2018 passed 127-21, HB 2019 passed 98-48, and HB 2020 passed 127-24. Members emphasized that the bills largely used previously appropriated or federal funds, while some Democrats raised concerns about general revenue spending and one-time infrastructure projects. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate-amended HB 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, with changes on privacy, worker organization, effective date, and age restrictions; it passed 125-21 on adoption and 126-23 on final passage. HB 2423, dealing with Department of Finance staffing and capacity, passed unanimously after Senate adoption. Other measures passed included HB 1919 on electronic filing parity with IRS rules, HB 1768/2060 on short-term rental property tax classification, HB 1855 adding Alpha-Gal Syndrome to reportable conditions, HB 2355 creating a Food is Medicine pilot option, HB 1717/1643 on psilocybin therapy for veterans and first responders, HB 2372, a broad health care package, HB 2408 on the deaf-blind fund, HB 3000 on auditor/siganture-related procedures, HB 2898 restoring land bank tools, and HB 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” strengthening DWI penalties and ignition interlock requirements. Not all bills advanced: HB 3239, which would have expanded and funded the workforce diploma program through MoCAP, failed 55-95 after criticism that it shifted K-12 formula money and stripped vendor standards. HB 2760, the “Praise Act” on treatment of houses of worship during emergencies, drew extended debate on religious liberty, public health, and consistency in emergency orders; the transcript cuts off before the final vote is shown. Throughout the day, members frequently cited bipartisan support for health, public safety, and administrative bills, while several measures drew sharper partisan or policy disagreements over funding, regulation, and local control.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm just curious to know the companion bill to this is House Bill 2236. also read your testimony.
• curious<00:54:49.680><c> to</c><00:54:49.840><c> know</c><00:54:50.560><c> the</c><00:54:50.680><c> companion
• </c><00:54:51.200><c> bill</c><00:54:51.359><c> to</c> curious to know the companion bill to curious
• to know the companion bill to this<00:54:51.680><c> is</c><00:54:51.800><c> House</c><00:54:52.000><c

Bills: SB2109, SB2151

Keywords: emergency preparedness, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, multilingual resources, American Sign Language, public education, community resilience, disaster response, emergency management, governor powers, legislative oversight, public safety, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Public Safety met on March 20, 2026, and the chair opened by noting severe rain and flooding conditions in Hawaii and said the committee would proceed with the hearing but defer decision-making until the next meeting on March 25. The first measure discussed was SB 2109, an omnibus bill on emergency preparedness communications. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from state agencies and advocacy groups such as the Disability and Communications Access Board, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and others. Supporters emphasized the need for funding and planning for multilingual emergency materials and language access, citing current evacuation notices that were not available in languages such as Ilokano or Tongan. The chair stated that action on SB 2109 would be deferred until March 25. The committee then heard SB 2151, relating to emergency management and changes to the governor’s emergency authority. Testimony was mixed but heavily focused on concerns about executive power. Earthjustice supported the bill with amendments, saying it should narrow extraordinary emergency powers, add definitions for emergency and disaster, preserve transparency under the Uniform Information Practices Act, and lower the legislative threshold to terminate an emergency proclamation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Other supporters, including the League of Women Voters of Hawaii and some individuals, also backed reform. Opponents, including Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and numerous individuals, argued the bill still gave the governor too much power, used overly broad disaster definitions, and did not sufficiently protect constitutional rights; several urged major amendments or repeal of portions of Chapter 127A. Some opponents specifically objected to the two-thirds termination standard and to provisions they said could enable compulsory immunizations or other mandates. Members questioned Earthjustice about whether the bill would suspend constitutional rights. Earthjustice responded that the bill would not authorize constitutional violations, but would allow suspension of laws enacted by the legislature, and pointed to existing statutory procedures for individuals to challenge emergency proclamations. The witness described a Mauna Kea case in which a three-judge panel granted relief to an individual under the current statute, and explained that the process could potentially affect a broader proclamation if allowed to run to completion. The hearing continued with additional testimony and questions, but no final vote or committee action on SB 2151 was taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, there is a companion House bill.
• contains a number of provisions from Senate Bill 7038, Senate Bill 7036, from Senator Simon, as well as companion
• Senator, there's a companion House bill.
• are there amendments none on the desk mr. president the questions of the bill senator there's a companion

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions, then moved to House messages and special order business. The chamber concurred in amendments and passed Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations, CS/CS/HB 1389 on the Live Local affordable housing package, and CS/CS/HB 1451 on utility services. The utility bill’s House amendment shortened the phase-out of certain surcharges tied to bond covenants and advanced reporting deadlines for municipal utilities. The Senate also passed CS/CS/HB 1279, the education bill, after substituting it for SB 7038 and adopting an amendment that combined agreed-upon provisions on student health and safety, early learning, math, virtual instruction, career and technical education, school choice, university accountability, tuition protections, and financial aid. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 7036, SB 208, SB 1260, and SB 7034. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/CS/HB 484, the data centers bill. Senators discussed the House amendment’s changes to ratepayer protections, the removal of the Senate’s nondisclosure-agreement prohibition, the 12-month confidentiality period, and a required OPAGA study. Supporters emphasized stronger language preventing data center costs from being shifted to residential and commercial ratepayers, while opponents raised concerns about transparency, local notice, and the possibility that communities could be kept unaware of projects for up to a year. After debate, the Senate concurred in the House amendment and passed the bill. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations, where debate centered on a proposed Fontainebleau Hotel water park project in Miami Beach and a series of amendments. One amendment to remove the project-specific language failed, while other amendments were adopted, including a sunset provision and a change related to compost facility permitting. A broader amendment dealing with Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary was also adopted, preserving the existing supermajority threshold for changes. The most contentious proposal was an amendment by Senator Martin creating a process for property owners to challenge rural boundary designations and seek compensation or removal from the designation without going to court; senators debated property rights, local planning, and the impact on Orange and Seminole counties, and the discussion included sharp exchanges before the transcript ended during debate on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, there is a companion House bill.
• number of provisions from Senate Bill 7038, from Senate Bill 7036, from Senator Simon, as well as companion
• Senator, there's a companion House bill.
• are there amendments none on the desk mr. president the questions of the bill senator there's a companion

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest and staff introductions. The chamber then took up returning messages from the House and acted on multiple bills, with votes recorded on each. Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations was concurred in as amended and passed 31-4 after discussion about naming roads for deceased individuals and an exception for President Trump. The House amendment to the Live Local affordable housing package, CS/CS/HB 1389, was also concurred in and passed 35-0; Senator Claudio explained it as the fourth iteration of the Live Local Act, including new provisions allowing certain affordable housing on qualifying religious property, extending some timelines, and removing accessory dwelling unit language. CS/CS/HB 1451 on utility services was concurred in and passed 30-6 after questions about phasing out surcharges and reporting requirements. The chamber also substituted CS/CS/HB 1279 for SB 7038 and adopted an education amendment package before passing the bill 36-1, while several other measures were temporarily postponed. The Senate then considered CS/CS/SB 484 on data centers and concurred in the House amendment 383-957, passing the bill 31-6. Senator Avila said the amendment strengthened ratepayer protections, required a PSC tariff filing, and directed an OPAGA study on large-scale data centers. Several senators pressed concerns about the removal of the Senate’s nondisclosure agreement prohibition, the possibility of delayed public awareness of data center projects, and whether costs could be shifted to other ratepayers; Avila responded that the amendment preserved local land-use authority and that ratepayer costs could not be borne by the general body of ratepayers. Debate reflected a split between senators who supported the bill as a needed regulatory framework and those who objected to the transparency changes and the loss of the Senate’s original NDA language. Later, the Senate took up land use and development regulations, substituting CS/CS/CS/HB 399 for SB 208. An amendment by Senator Jones to remove language affecting a Fontainebleau Hotel water park project in Miami Beach failed 17-20 after debate over local control and preemption. Senator McLean’s amendments then added a sunset date and other changes, and Senator Claudio’s amendment preserved Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary supermajority protections and related planning provisions. The chamber then began extended debate on Senator Martin’s amendment creating a process for property owners to challenge rural boundary designations and seek compensation or removal from the designation without going to court; supporters framed it as a property-rights and due-process measure, while opponents argued it would undermine local planning, impose costs on taxpayers, and weaken voter-approved rural boundaries in Orange and Seminole counties. The transcript ends amid that debate, with no final vote shown on the rural boundary amendment in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the perfect, the perfect companion to... ...if we do this.
• This is the perfect companion to anything we do with taxes, because what it does is it guarantees that
• This is the perfect, the perfect companion to if we do this.
• This is the perfect companion to anything we do with taxes, because what it does is it guarantees that

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 132-0 vote. Members then used personal privilege remarks to recognize Black History Month, honor several Black colleagues and public servants, observe a moment of silence for the late Dr. Steven Leon, and deliver a lengthy tribute to the late Freeman Bosley Sr. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests and school groups, including congressional and local officials, mental health advocates, FFA students, championship volleyball players, elementary and junior high students, and other district visitors. The House then took up several bills on third reading. The most contentious debate was over House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973, which removed a sunset from Missouri’s restrictions on transgender athletes in school sports. Supporters framed it as protecting fairness and women’s sports; opponents argued it targeted a very small number of students, was discriminatory, and distracted from more pressing issues. After extended debate, the measure passed 98-37. The House also passed House Bill 2682, a school-related First Amendment bill, after debate over whether it would protect hateful student speech; it passed 99-47. Lawmakers next passed House Bill 2274, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, to make it easier for teachers to transfer credentials across states, especially for military families, by a vote of 133-13. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, dealing with sales tax on durable medical goods and certain auction items, passed 98-36 after criticism that it was too broad and would benefit high-end auction sales. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill that also allows localities to enforce a tobacco age of 21, passed 93-43 amid debate over local control and youth tobacco access. House Bill 2145, allowing businesses on two-lane highways to place signs across the road, passed overwhelmingly 142-2. Finally, the House passed House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 169, which would limit state and local spending growth to prior-year levels plus inflation and population growth, with emergency exceptions. Supporters called it a way to restrain government spending and align with the Hancock Amendment; opponents raised concerns about how it could interact with future tax policy, including the proposed income tax elimination plan. The resolution was discussed at length but ultimately advanced by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• should be eligible for tax credits, and we also appreciate the work of the introducer of our House companion
• introducer of appreciate the work of the introducer of our<00:16:08.399><c> house</c><00:16:08.720><c> companion
• Hawaii Farm Bureau's amendments, mirroring the structure and policy approach that was adopted in the companion
• Hawaii Farm Bureau's amendments, mirroring the structure and policy approach that was adopted in the companion

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Triple C committee heard SB 2799, relating to the Kalopa settlement. Testimony was largely supportive, with several individuals and homestead organizations urging passage and asking that Hawaiian Homes Commission, HHCA beneficiaries, and community representatives be included in transition planning. The Department of Health opposed the added reporting requirement as unnecessary and argued its role is limited to patient care, while committee members pushed back and emphasized the need for broader community input and landowner participation, especially from DHHL and DLNR. The chair recommended passage of SB 2799 unamended, with a committee report noting that the required May report should include the interagency transition working group timeline, proposed budget, and proposed procedures. The recommendation was adopted unanimously by the committees present. The joint agenda also took up SB 2887, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include Hawaiian homelands used for subsistence or agricultural/pastoral purposes and broaden eligible costs to include orchard or fruit-bearing crops and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the concept but requested amendments; the Department of Taxation and Department of Agriculture provided comments and information on administration and existing claims. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but argued the bill should create a new tax credit in Chapter 235 rather than fold DHHL lands into the existing IAL credit. After discussion, the chair recommended passage with the Hawaii Farm Bureau’s amendments and technical changes, and both committees adopted that recommendation. The Hawaiian Affairs committee then acted on several bills. SB 1406, SB 521, and SB 1654 were deferred indefinitely because the chair said related work was already underway and the committee wanted to avoid duplicative paperwork. SB 3247, relating to Mona Ala/Royal Mausoleum, was amended to convert the proposal into a Royal Mausoleum Working Group with periodic reporting and stakeholder input, and it passed with amendments. SB 112, SB 131, and SB 2443 were advanced with amendments that primarily deferred effective dates to keep the measures moving while discussions continue. The committee also noted that some measures were being deferred or reshaped to align with ongoing administrative or companion-bill processes, and the amended recommendations were adopted by the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're doing incredibly important work with this bill and its companion bill that's making its way through
• We're doing incredibly important work with this bill and its companion bill that's making its way through
• The idea here, ultimately, and this bill won't do it by itself, is to have the companion constitutional
• The idea here, ultimately, and this bill won't do it by itself, is to have the companion constitutional

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum. Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum. Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• as amended: the amendment just brings this bill to match the governor's budget proposal and the companion
• governor's Bill uh budget proposal and governor's Bill uh budget proposal and the<00:14:15.600><c> companion
• 16.160><c> and</c><00:14:16.279><c> the</c><00:14:16.360><c> other</c><00:14:16.560><c> body</c> the companion
• bill and the other body the companion bill and the other body and<00:14:17.320><c> the</c><00:14:17.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also outlaws um AI pornography.
• </c><00:13:39.839><c> generating</c> that an overall AI generating that an overall AI generating um um
• </c><00:22:28.480><c> material</c> relation to AI material relation to AI material um<00:22:30.320><c
• We're finding cases of AI-generated CSAM, AI-generated child pornography.
• </c> potential now to where people can use AI potential now to where people can use AI to<00:36:47.680

Bills: HB0083, HB0102, HB0178

Keywords: subpoena, legislative authority, penalty, compliance, law enforcement, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, public employment, labor organization, dues withdrawal, collective bargaining, public funding, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By now, we're all familiar with the rapid rise of generative AI.
• AI systems misrepresenting themselves as health professionals.
• AI is a very hot topic and interest in healthcare AI has grown rapidly over the last few years.
• I, myself, have been a healthcare AI researcher for more than a decade.
• AB489 is a key step to ensuring that AI in healthcare is used safely and ethically by ensuring that AI

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So House Bill 2368 is about AI. House Bill 2368 is about AI and mental health.
• This bill won't stop AI use, but it will ensure that AI models do not falsely represent themselves to
• This bill does not seek to limit the potential of AI.
• Whatever it's called—AI. I think it was a chat something.
• And so AI is probably taking their advice from WebMD.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on AI systems, how they use data, the benefits and the limitations of AI, and the responsible use of
• AI in academic and personal contexts.
• My main concern is the loss of skill that comes with the overuse of AI.
• We support 1694 because of its responsible approach to AI and education.
• Earlier we were mentioning AI. AI is changing everything. I see it firsthand.

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be back in a few minutes with the gen AI update.
• But it is the 19 million here, the 16 million under the AI.
• in writing and requires them to critically assess AI output, which is how they build AI literacy.
• community for faculty to learn how to use AI.
• Use AI. AI is here to stay.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is it provides for portability of data for social media companies and AI, meaning you as a user are
• It limits the scope to consumer platforms and the subset of AI systems that have the most significant
• This is a way to help the small guy in the social media ecosystem and AI ecosystem have a chance, right
• And we need to get ahead of these problems in AI as well to ensure that it benefits people.
• As technology has progressed, deepfake AI software becomes more publicly accessible.

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Use of AI and drafting FOIA requests.
• So as with any use of AI, there's a negative aspect that we're seeing to the use of AI when it goes beyond
• AI often blends FOIA with unrelated legal domains and citations.
• Do we need to include in there sort of model AI prompts?
• Like, hey, if you’re using AI, Do we need to include in there sort of model AI prompts?

Keywords: Freedom of Information Advisory Council, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our idea of AI in the classroom is not, I just now have ChatGPT grading all my papers for me.
• There are tools that can check for AI within a course.
• AI is not to replace the teacher. AI is to help.
• Because if he's just doing AI, and I've talked to several teachers, and one of them says, well, AI is
• sometimes biased... ...to several teachers, and one of them says, well, AI is sometimes biased.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved the minutes from its January 26 and January 27 meetings. The committee then heard a presentation from Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) Superintendent Jeff Simmons and Cambridge School District Superintendent Anthony Butler about IDLA’s role as Idaho’s statewide supplemental online learning provider. Simmons described IDLA’s funding model, course fees, statewide access, Idaho-certified teachers, quality controls, and growth in enrollment and pass rates, while Butler explained how a small rural district uses IDLA for electives, dual credit, and credit recovery. Senators asked about teacher certification, cost savings for families, evaluation of virtual instruction, AI use, and the impact of a proposed $10 million budget cut; Simmons said the reduction would significantly shrink course offerings and enrollments, especially affecting rural schools. The committee also discussed Lewis-Clark State College’s proposal in Senate Bill 1234 to change its name to Lewis-Clark State University. Senator Cindy Carlson and President Cynthia Pemberton said the change would better reflect the institution’s existing mix of two-year, four-year, and some graduate programs, reduce confusion among students and counselors, and support recruitment and community identity without changing the school’s mission. Pemberton said the rebrand would cost about $50,000 and had broad support from the State Board, local schools, chambers, and campus stakeholders. Senators asked about the cost, mission, and implications for the institution’s status; Carlson said the bill includes intent language to prevent salary or mission changes. After discussion, the committee voted to send Senate Bill 1234 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after the motion carried, and the chair noted there would be no Education Committee meeting the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 on the second page there is really a companion that goes with this,
• Senate concurrent resolution 115 on the second page there is really a companion that goes with this,

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal and received messages from the Governor and Senate, including enrolled memorials and several Senate bills filed for first reading. Standing committee reports were also received on a number of House bills, with several measures reported out for second reading and others referred to committees. The House then introduced a series of new bills from the Ways and Means Committee covering vehicle titles and electronic ownership records, enforcement of the law, biometric identifiers, collective bargaining and taxpayer funding of unions, fire deficiency warrants, abatement districts, public records, city annexation, programmable money, and a sales tax rebate change. On third reading, House Concurrent Resolution 28 passed unanimously after debate urging Idahoans to observe March 1, 2026, as a day of fasting and prayer for guidance, unity, and moisture. Members also discussed House Bill 639, updating Idaho’s midwifery statute to allow medication administration within scope of practice; it passed 67-0 with three absent. House Bill 532, dealing with DMV identity and Social Security number documentation, passed 66-1, and House Bill 629, allowing drivers to show proof of registration on a phone, passed 43-26 despite concerns from opponents and sheriffs about officer safety. The House also passed House Bill 503, moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources while preserving its voluntary, non-regulatory mission and projecting savings, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, a companion resolution emphasizing that any consolidation should protect that mission. House Bill 543, updating Percy’s retirement plan language to comply with SECURE Act 2.0 and allow Roth contributions, passed 67-0. House Bill 671 was returned to committee for a replacement, the remaining third-reading bills were held over until Monday, and the House adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on February 23, 2026.