Transcript Highlights:

• for</c><00:34:32.240><c> all</c> free access to federal parks for all free access to federal parks for
• > through</c><00:36:42.240><c> its</c> access to America's splendor through its access to America's splendor
• that we should be able to have access to parks.
• able to have access to that we should be able to have access to parks. parks. parks.
• Having access to more funding people.

Transcript Highlights:

• THANK YOU FOR WANTING TO BE EDUCATED.
• To merely be able to be educated. That's all what Ms.
• , ACROSS THE STATE, THAT EDUCATION IS THAT GREAT EQUALIZER TO ENSURE THAT EVERY SINGLE CHILD THAT WILL
• , education is the passport to the future.”
• “Education is the key that will continue to allow us to rise.”

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.

Transcript Highlights:

• She advocated for education self-sufficiency, and equal rights for black people.
• Wells Barnett, who was an investigative journalist, sociologist, educator who dedicated her career to
• It is a living, breathing testament to the relentless pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality.
• It is to recognize that the freedoms we all enjoy today, the right to vote, the right to an education
• To new treatment and cures, and work to ensure that access to healthcare is equitable and affordable

Transcript Highlights:

• access to somebody who knows their struggles and their challenges, but we're going to do away with this
• rescind and remove their ability to provide for the rights for equality in marriage.
• this government to be able to support education, health care, civil rights, and all the issues that
• AB 2496 will allow us to maximize our educational resources to ensure that they are focused on what matters
• I also want to thank the Chair of the Education Committee for her collaboration on this bill.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Later, our children are still the most underinvested in when it comes to our education, the poorest education
• Dismantling systemic barriers and expanding access to the very institutions that have once denied us
• That is the reason why we are able to pursue justice, equality, and opportunity for all.
• research to reach its full potential, to expand access, and above all, lead with compassion.
• We want to say thank you to the educational institutions and others, the industry as well, that have

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum call at the start, then proceeded with Black History Month observances, including a libation ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks emphasizing remembrance, ancestry, and the importance of honoring Black history. The chamber also handled routine procedural matters, including dispensing with the journal, re-referring certain Senate budget items to the Budget Committee, and allowing guest introductions and other unanimous-consent requests. The main floor action was on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 134, recognizing Black History Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the historical contributions of Black Americans, the ongoing effects of slavery and segregation, the need to protect voting rights and education, and the importance of solidarity across communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 132, declaring February 28 as Rare Disease Day. Members shared personal stories about ALS and other rare diseases, described barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage, and called for more research and support. The resolution received broad bipartisan support, with 71 co-authors added before adoption by voice vote. The chamber then recognized a series of Black History Month Unsung Heroes honorees, including community leaders, health professionals, advocates, and public servants, and later heard additional guest introductions. The meeting concluded with adjournments in memory of Peyton Trilling and John Jackson, followed by announcements and adjournment until February 26 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:26.440><c> we</c> adequate education grant to do it and we adequate education grant to do it and
• </c> to us of of that any of you can access to us of of that any of you can access it<00:23:40.039><c
• ><00:49:49.440><c> and</c> education here to to apples and education here to to apples and oranges<00
• to Educational Service provision Pathway to Educational Service provision is<00:58:33.079><c> is</c>
• :44:05.439><c> equalized</c> would have to be based on equalized would have to be based on equalized

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion. Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator. Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am pleased to be here to introduce the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and to welcome you
• First, increase educational attainment to 60% for Texans aged 25 to 64.
• First, to increase educational attainment to 60% for Texans aged 25 to 64.
• These programs have expanded access to higher education and aligned well with local workforce needs.
• related to higher education affordability.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• to educate our children.
• do not have access to private schools.
• Because quality education has always proven to be the greatest. equalizer.
• To navigate. for their kids to maybe have access to a good education. plate.
• for students from diverse backgrounds. to access better educational options.

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Transcript Highlights:

• waterfronts to make sure our economy continues to grow with industries that rely on having access to
• waterfronts to make sure our economy continues to grow with industries that rely on having access to
• waterfronts to make sure our economy continues to grow with industries that rely on having access to
• Cybersecurity education needs to be accessible, and this center will foster those opportunities for students
• CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION NEEDS TO BE ACCESSIBLE, AND THIS CENTER WILL FOSTER THOSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Transcript Highlights:

• Resist the urge to say 'Boomer Sooner' to you all up there, but I'm happy to introduce you over here
• to the SU campus and speak to the student body.
• to come to their campus and speak to them, whether we are OSU friends or fans or not.
• And so, I guess I'm just trying to be able to address the concerns that have been brought to me as it
• , and to strengthen how this state operates and how measure how education systems affect Native American

Bills: SB1238 , SB1277 , SB1304 , SB1378 , SB1423 , SB1484 , SB1501 , SR32 , SB1502 , SB1721 , SB1735 , SB1832 , SB1847 , SB1859 , SB1876 , SB2170 , SB2182

Keywords: domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation, intimate partner violence, family or household member, repeat offender, felony enhancement, Class B5 felony, stalking, batterers intervention program, court-ordered treatment, protective order, presence of a child, pregnant victim, great bodily injury, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, sex offender registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Under his leadership, Loma Linda grew in ways that strengthened education, expanded access to care, and
• action that continues to inspire us to fulfill our nation's promise of equality, liberty, and justice
• uprising to the fight for marriage equality.
• She's committed to ensuring that all can have access to care and support they need to live healthy and
• I move the Joint Rule 62(a) be suspended to allow the Committee on Education to hear AB 745 on Wednesday

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on floor recognitions and Pride Month observances. Members welcomed guests and honorees including APICA fellowship participants, the El Dorado Roses, retiring Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart and incoming leader Dr. Anthony Hilliard, and Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Shrey Parique. The chamber also heard several personal and community tributes tied to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including a long series of introductions of Pride honorees from across the state. The main legislative item was SR 116 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Senators Cervantes, Weber Pierson, Becker, Menjivar, Arreguín, Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Wiener, and Laird, among others, spoke in support, emphasizing the history of Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ resistance movements, the contributions of Black, Latino, Jewish, women, and Asian American LGBTQ communities, and the need to oppose ongoing discrimination, violence, and attacks on transgender people. The resolution was adopted after a roll call vote of 28-0, and the Senate then proceeded to honor a large slate of Pride honorees from multiple districts and organizations. The Senate also adopted SCR 166 designating Soju Day, with support highlighting Korean American culture and soju as a symbol of hospitality and cross-cultural exchange. SCR 155, naming the State Route 52/Interstate 805 interchange in San Diego County the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange, also passed unanimously after remarks honoring Johnson’s military and police service and the long effort by his partner to secure the memorial. In addition, the Senate confirmed Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections by a 27-9 vote and confirmed Danielle Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by a 28-0 vote. The body also approved several Joint Rule 62(a) suspensions to allow committee hearings on short notice, moved AB 2294 to the inactive file, and sent SB 1189 back to the Assembly for further action. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions for Judith Helene Ware, Huntley Gordon, and Adolfo Franceschi Colon, followed by announcements that the Senate would reconvene on June 25, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• An equally important part of our work involves making it easier for people to access the court system
• An equally important part of our work involves making it easier for people to access the court system
• That arrangement reflects Idaho's commitment to local access to justice.
• That arrangement reflects Idaho's commitment to local access to justice.
• Senate Bill 1225 by the Education Committee, an act relating to education, to establish provisions regarding

Transcript Highlights:

• Equal Ground supports this bill, and we look forward to working with all involved to ensure that the
• I think it is meant to harass and chill access to funding.
• I think it is meant to harass and chill kind of access to funding.
• have to have to Has access to massive resources and wouldn't have to find the type of funding in order
• This is nothing more than one-sided attempt to distinguish someone's access to courts.

Summary: The Committee on Rules met and first approved several open-government sunset repeal bills and related measures. SB 7024 and SB 7026, both sponsored by Senator Mayfield, were explained as consolidating and extending public records/public meetings exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies; both were reported favorably. SB 7020, sponsored by Senator Trumbull, reenacted an aquaculture records exemption for records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and was also reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 14 and SB 24, claims bills for relief involving Miami-Dade County, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg; all were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS for SB 806, a consumer right-to-repair bill creating portable wireless device and agricultural equipment repair acts, despite opposition from several industry groups, and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• access to special education evaluation reports.
• access to the same free appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as is
• that homeless children and youths have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as
• access to the same free, appropriate public education. ...or each homeless youth has equal access to
• To get the resources they need to better access their education and strengthen their sense of belonging

Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1662, which would require the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Washington State Charter School Commission to make separate administrative arrangements and operate independently. Staff explained a proposed third substitute that delays implementation to July 1, 2027, clarifies independent agency status, and directs OFM and OSPI to support the transition. The prime sponsor and another member spoke in favor, emphasizing agency independence and better use of funds. The committee approved the bill 19-0 and reported the proposed third substitute out with a due pass recommendation. The committee then acted on House Bill 1683, which sets minimum numbers of school directors elected by director district for certain school districts. The substitute changed the enrollment thresholds, clarified the effective date, and removed intent language. Supporters argued it would improve parent and student representation; opponents said it would create an unfunded mandate and micromanage local districts. The committee passed the substitute 11-8 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. In public hearing, House Bill 2534 was heard first. The bill would expand enrollment flexibility and record-transfer protections for military-connected students, including allowing enrollment before arrival, extending proof-of-residence timelines, and adding protections for students with IEPs or 504 plans. District, military, and advocacy witnesses generally supported the bill as promoting stability, though some asked for changes to a proposed 30-day reevaluation timeline and noted possible compact-related issues. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2557, which would require school districts to provide special education evaluation reports to parents at least five school days before eligibility meetings. Supporters said this would help families prepare and participate meaningfully; district and special education staff warned it could shorten already tight evaluation timelines and create implementation challenges. The committee suspended and later closed the hearing on that bill after time ran out, with the chair noting it could be eligible for executive action the following week. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections into state law, assign related duties to OSPI and school districts, and require periodic state reporting. The sponsor and numerous advocates, school district staff, PTA representatives, and individuals with lived experience testified in support, saying it would improve stability, accountability, and access to education for homeless students. One witness asked that grant funding explicitly include community-based organizations. The hearing closed after a large number of pro and some con sign-ins, and the chair also closed the hearing on House Bill 2557, noting amendment deadlines and that the bills could be eligible for executive action the next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is about access and inclusion. Access allows people to enter the room.
• And that was really a reprimand, similar to Mao's re-education camps.
• Do we not want to consider gender when all other things be equal? Yes, we don't want to do that.
• Do we not want to consider gender? When all other things be equal? Yes, we don't want to do that.
• Yes. be equal? Yes, we don't want to do that. Sexual preference? Yes. All other things being equal.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1122, then took up SB 1342 on transportation infrastructure and land development regulations. Senator Rouson explained the bill as a housing-affordability measure modeled on the Live Local Act, aimed at reducing local land-use barriers near transit corridors. The committee adopted an amendment removing the compelling governmental interest standard from enforcement and litigation provisions, then approved the bill. Testimony included support from a county commissioner and concerns from the Florida League of Cities and a Republican executive committee about overriding local zoning and creating rigid standards near transit stops. Members then heard SB 1614, which would let local governments use excess Florida Building Code enforcement funds for stormwater repairs and restrict eligibility for certain state appropriations if a government has been audited or fails to affirm it has no excess funds. An amendment removed the stormwater and code-enforcement building provisions and tightened the appropriations restrictions; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1548, the next iteration of the Live Local Act, expanding qualifying projects on public land and near airports, limiting setback-based height restrictions, clarifying agricultural-use issues, and strengthening fair-housing protections. SB 968 on home backup power systems was also reported favorably, with the sponsor noting he was still working on amendments regarding permits for generators, windows, and doors. The committee next approved SB 698, allowing building permits for single-family homes to be issued after septic permit application rather than waiting for septic approval, with builders and industry representatives citing long delays and lost contracts. SB 1320, requiring county tax-referendum ballot questions to include a Department of Financial Services spending analysis if available, also passed after debate over whether it duplicated existing audit transparency requirements. SB 484 on large-scale data centers was reported favorably after an amendment added a knowledge requirement to the prohibition on service to certain foreign-country-linked customers; testimony focused on electricity costs, water use, NDAs, and ratepayer protections. SB 1118, creating a one-year public-records exemption for data-center site plans and proprietary information, was also approved despite concerns about secrecy and local officials appearing to conceal development plans. Finally, the committee took up SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to federal and trademark approval; it was reported favorably after questions from members about local input. The last major item was SB 1134 on official actions of local government related to DEI, which drew extensive questioning and public testimony. The sponsor said the bill would bar counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or staffing DEI offices or programs, with violations treated as misfeasance or malfeasance and enforceable by resident lawsuits; supporters framed it as a merit-based, anti-bureaucracy measure, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and would chill civil-rights, health, education, and cultural programming. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1134, before any final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• have access to the chance are eligible to be part of this program.
• an educational institution undertaking to provide education services or activities to any individual
• Requires equal educational opportunities. It has a mandate for us to do that. And.
• Educators have positions of authority. have extensive access to students who are no other adults or even
• Lastly provides public schools and public schools equal access to reports of misconduct.

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Transcript Highlights:

• It also grants parents the right to request, review, and access their child's complete educational record
• to SNAP and jeopardized access to WIC.
• Garcia, does this make accessibility to education any easier or any more affordable?
• And, you know, we wouldn't want to educate people about Okay, and, you know, we wouldn't want to educate
• We want to continue to educate people on how to save water, and according to our testimony there, we

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks to our leadership's commitment to increasing member access to the budget process, I was able to
• This is particularly vital to ensure we have access to services.
• access to the Equal Access Fund.
• Finally, we oppose the proposed language in the provisional budget restricting access to the Equal Access
• And additionally, we would ask that there's no discriminatory carve-outs related to the Equal Access

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee heard opening remarks on the 2025 Budget Act, which will be amended into AB 101 and SB 101 for floor consideration. Committee leaders described the budget as a difficult compromise shaped by a $12 billion deficit, federal funding uncertainty, wildfire impacts, and rising out-year costs, while emphasizing a balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility. Each budget subcommittee chair then summarized major actions in their areas, including health care, human services, education, climate and transportation, housing and state administration, public safety, and oversight/transparency. Key policy items included delaying or narrowing some of the Governor’s proposed cuts, especially in Medi-Cal and other safety-net programs; preserving funding for dental care, women’s health, family planning, hospice, long-term care, IHSS, and services for undocumented Californians; and maintaining or expanding child care, foster care, food banks, and CalWORKs-related supports. Education actions included additional Proposition 98 settle-up, reduced deferrals, support for TK-12, teacher recruitment, literacy, mental health, preschool slots, and restored funding for UC and CSU. Other major items included housing and homelessness investments, wildfire and disaster response funding, transit loans and greenhouse gas reduction fund support, Proposition 36 and VOCA-related public safety funding, and oversight measures on federal impacts and state efficiency. Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst staff said the package makes some of the same savings moves as the May Revision but relies more on internal borrowing and fewer reductions, leaving a smaller reserve than the administration’s plan but still maintaining roughly $11 billion in the rainy day fund. Members from both parties largely supported the package while raising concerns about long-term sustainability, Medi-Cal costs, reserve use, and the need for future revenue and program review. The committee adopted the subcommittee actions by roll call, 18-6, with the roll held open for absent members and additional comments continuing after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• and expand access to higher-quality education for Latino and other low-income students.
• Board of Education and affirmed the principle that access to educational opportunities should be available
• that access to educational opportunities should be available to all students, regardless of their background
• Through the California College Promise Program, this initiative aims to increase access to higher education
• to higher education.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 126 by the Assembly Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, an act relating to education
• of school time, to make sure that they have access to food.
• These teachers have not had access to pregnancy leave.
• Laird... they have access to food and $75 million for K through 12 Dream Resource Center grants.
• These teachers have not had access to pregnancy leave.

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial Independence Day observance featuring a prayer, color guard, Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by Philo Abit, followed by acknowledgments of the event organizers and the California Military Department’s flyover. The body then moved to business, beginning with Assembly Bill 126, the education budget trailer bill. Senator Laird described major education investments, including a 4.31% LCFF COLA, increased special education funding, teacher pipeline support, universal school meal funding, kitchen infrastructure grants, homelessness support, and pregnancy disability leave for K-12 teachers. Senators Nilo and Choi opposed the bill, criticizing Proposition 98 funding maneuvers and transparency concerns, while Senator Perez supported it as a historic investment. The bill passed on a 28-8 vote. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 67, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Senators from both parties spoke at length about patriotism, the nation’s founding ideals, immigration, civil rights, and the need to acknowledge America’s historical injustices while celebrating its democratic promise. The resolution passed unanimously, 36-0. The chamber also confirmed Jesse Melgar, Tom Epstein, Joseph Williams, and Mark Beckley to or for reappointment to state boards and departments, each by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Later, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 830, a Bay Area regional ballot-measure administration bill, after supportive remarks from Senators Arreguín and Cortese; the concurrence passed on a 29-4 vote. The consent calendar was then approved, with one item later reconsidered and removed. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of former Madera County Supervisor Max Rodriguez, whose public service and community leadership were praised, and with remarks from the President Pro Tem reflecting on the Independence Day observance before the Senate recessed and announced its next meeting date.