Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:04.720> is<00:12:05.399> uh<00:12:06.399> do<00:12:06.639> we<00
• I<00:12:15.600> I've<00:12:16.160> followed<00:12:16.560> a<00:12:16.800> lot
• <00:12:16.880> of<00:12:17.040> bills<00:12:17.360> and<00:12:17.920> uh<
• uh a lot<00:12:18.480> of<00:12:18.639> task<00:12:18.880> forces<00:12:19.440>
• :12:24.480> that<00:12:25.279> is<00:12:25.440> that<00:12:25.680> true?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was particularly created with K-12 educators in mind.
• , January 31st.
• So it'll happen at 10 o'clock in the morning on January 10th.
• So we're really looking forward to that commemoration on the 17th of January.
• January 10th is going to be here before you know it. So we really appreciate all your work.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so no votes were taken and any items requiring action were deferred to a future meeting. Representative Sean Garballey welcomed new commission member Mona Roy and thanked outgoing members Susie Berry and Abigail Chandler, noting that the governor’s office would be contacted about open appointments to help restore quorum. The commission then heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition, which outlined civics and history education programs tied to Mass 250 and America 250, including Civic Learning Week, teacher professional development, student civic projects, online courses, and curriculum resources from partners such as iCivics, Harvard’s Democratic Knowledge Project, GBH, Facing History and Ourselves, EDC, Revolutionary Spaces, and others. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism reported on the state’s 250th anniversary campaign, including a November event at the Old South Meeting House with the governor, lieutenant governor, and Boston Symphony Orchestra, strong media coverage, over $6 million in sponsorships, new TV spots tied to Ken Burns’ American Revolution documentary, and a new Massachusetts First webpage and merchandise. Revolutionary 250 gave an update on upcoming Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events beginning in January at the state line and continuing in Great Barrington, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, with related planning for the St. Patrick’s/Evacuation Day parade and other Revolutionary-era observances. The commission also discussed possible future initiatives for member working groups: contributing to an America 250 time capsule, organizing community-level “America’s potluck dinner” events on July 5, and coordinating readings of the Declaration of Independence on July 8. Members asked clarifying questions about how the potluck and time capsule efforts would work, and staff said an email would be sent after the meeting to gather interest and form small planning groups. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• The objection to the reading of the journal of Monday, January 26, 2026, is dispensed with and approved
• I have three wonderful daughters, and I have six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and two of
• Representative Grijalva was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served 12
• Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. Do you have the motion? All those in favor vote aye.
• Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. p.m. Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized Dr. Heidi Teval as Doctor of the Day. Members then offered personal tributes to former Representative Noel Campbell, who died in a motorcycle accident, and observed a moment of respectful silence in his honor. The chamber also welcomed several guest groups and individuals, including members of the Arizona Muslim Association for Muslim Day, Holocaust survivors and descendants for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Arizona Dental Association representatives, food bank and anti-hunger advocates for Food Bank Day at the Capitol, and students and seniors from Arizona Cultural Academy and GCU. The main floor action was House Concurrent Resolution 2045, honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva. The resolution detailed his career in local, state, and federal public service, his advocacy for public education, environmental protection, tribal sovereignty, and social justice, and his family legacy. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and ordered it transmitted to the Senate, followed by a moment of respectful silence. Members also introduced the Grijalva family on the floor. Later, Representative Alma Hernandez read a proclamation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizing remembrance of the Holocaust, opposition to antisemitism, and the importance of education and human dignity. Holocaust survivor Oscar Noblach and Dr. Mark Olski, along with Hannah Sperberberger, shared personal remarks about survival, loss, resilience, and the need to reject hate. The House also received announcements about committee meetings, including Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Energy and Water, Regulatory Oversight, Government, International Trade, Judiciary, and Ways and Means, and then adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then with the 1971 Legislative Assembly, they repealed 52-12.
• They allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
• It provides up to 12 weeks of family leave partially paid.
• ...” “...of over 3,700 positions or 12% in the next 10 years.
• We will recess the committee until 12:30 and then we will convene again on the... 12:30, and then we

Summary: The Employee Benefits Committee met to approve prior minutes, hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave, and related policy issues, and then recess for lunch. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the long-standing state-paid family coverage, cost-control measures, wellness incentives, the current grandfathered PPO and high-deductible options, and the effects of recent benefit mandates such as insulin caps, prosthetic coverage, medication management, prescription copay changes, and ambulance balance-billing limits. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact of adding benefits and the possible cost of moving to a non-grandfathered plan, while PERS and HRMS emphasized that health insurance remains the top-ranked employee benefit and that any major plan changes should be considered carefully. HRMS also presented compensation comparisons showing state pay generally below private-market benchmarks, discussed targeted market equity adjustments, identified ongoing recruitment and retention concerns in fields like nursing, IT, engineering, and attorneys, and reviewed leave policies, tuition reimbursement, and family leave comparisons with neighboring states. Job Service provided labor market data showing low unemployment, high labor force participation, and wage growth that still trails some neighboring markets, and OMB explained that prevailing wage requirements apply to federally funded projects under Davis-Bacon, not to ordinary state contracts. After lunch, the committee took up the required process for health insurance mandate bills and adopted an amendment to Joint Rule 211. The amendment clarified that the deadline for submitting mandate measures is intended to allow time for all required reports, including both the cost-benefit analysis and any Employee Benefits Committee actuarial report, while leaving the existing deadline unchanged. The amendment was adopted on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and a few no votes recorded. The committee then moved into its jurisdiction review of bill drafts, beginning with a bill that would automatically renew pre-tax dental and vision elections; members debated whether it had any actuarial or administrative impact on PERS or the state, and the chair explained that the committee’s role was only to decide whether further analysis was needed before later testimony and recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12-574, relating to health care actions.
• SB 1015 enact amending Title 12 Chapter 5.1 Article 1, Arizona, Vice Statutes, by adding section 12-574
• 12-574, relating to health care actions.
• adding Section 12-5774 relating to health care actions.
• This isn't about January 6th.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Lutheran Day at the Capitol and the doctor of the day. The chamber also handled routine business such as journal approval, temporary committee substitutions, and multiple motions to move into Committee of the Whole for floor consideration of bills and resolutions. A series of election, campaign finance, immigration, and public safety measures were taken up. Bills and resolutions discussed included SB 1003 on election canvass certification, SB 1006 and SCR 1002 on campaign finance disclosure thresholds, SB 1037, SB 1040, SB 1057, SB 1060, SB 1141, SB 1168, SB 1237, SB 1289, SCR 1010, SCR 1013, and SCR 1014 on various election administration topics, plus SB 1055 and SB 1152 on immigration enforcement and benefits, SB 1058 on firearm transaction merchant codes, SB 1093 on rioting, SB 1308 on a foreign adversary fraud office appropriation, and SB 1160 on drones in entertainment districts. Most of these measures received do-pass recommendations, several with committee or floor amendments, and some were retained on the calendar. The most extensive debate centered on social policy bills affecting transgender people and minors, including SCR 1006, SB 1015, and SB 1095. Opponents argued these measures were discriminatory, harmful to trans youth and families, and an improper intrusion into medical and school decisions; supporters framed them as protecting parental rights, privacy, and children from irreversible medical decisions. SB 1049 on spousal maintenance also drew opposition over a proposed four-year cap. Later, the Senate took third-reading votes and passed SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1415, SB 1015, SB 1095, and SCR 1006, with recorded roll-call tallies generally around 16-11 or 17-10 on the more contentious measures, and the bills were transmitted to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Rio Rancho Proud Moments ABA, in beautiful Senate District 12.
• And the reason is today is January 22nd, and January 22nd, 1920, is when women finally got the right
• Pursuant to Senate Executive Letter No. 5 dated March 12...
• expiring on January 3,... ...to the State Fair Commission for a term commencing January 3, 2026, and
• for a term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2032.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2,500 FTEs in the general government agreement, 2,100 in the higher ed coalition agreement, about $12
• 2,500 FTEs in the general government agreement, 2100 in the higher ed coalition of agreement, about 12
• In the last few years, we've also been bargaining for the K through 12 employee health care coalition
• And so in January, other people have questions. So I'll let other people ask. Senator King.
• This meeting, this committee met in January. This is the second meeting.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met for work sessions on supplemental bargaining for Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) agreements in general government and higher education, followed by an overview of the collective bargaining process. OFM staff explained that bargaining for the 2025-27 biennium began in 2024, reached tentative agreements, was not ratified in time for the October 1 deadline, resumed, and ultimately produced ratified agreements in August 2025 that were submitted for financial feasibility review under RCW 41.80.010. Staff outlined the tentative agreements’ costs and covered employee counts, including roughly 2,500 FTEs in general government and 2,100 in higher education, with estimated 2025-27 total fund costs of about $22.25 million and $13.5 million respectively. Staff then gave a broader briefing on how state collective bargaining works, including the bargaining calendar, the role of class and compensation review, the June revenue forecast, interest arbitration, and the October 1 submission deadline. They described the groups OFM bargains for, including general government, higher education, health care coalitions, and certain non-state provider groups such as adult family home providers, child care providers, and language access providers. In response to a question from Senator King, staff said the legislature requires bargaining for those non-state provider groups and has also provided interest arbitration for them. Staff also discussed bargaining priorities such as general wage increases, targeted classification adjustments, recruitment and retention, low-wage worker increases, and maintaining the health care premium split. In executive session, the committee voted to keep the current co-chairs, Senator Robinson and Representative Couture, through 2026. Members also voted to recognize that the committee met twice in 2025 and to set the 2026 meeting schedule at two meetings. The motions passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:39.680> with<00:12:39.920> his<00:12:40.079> jurist<00:12:40.399> doctorate
• <00:12:42.880> Judge<00:12:43.200> O<00:12:43.440> Yang<00:12:43.760> has
• <00:12:50.399> real<00:12:50.480> estate,<00:12:50.959> criminal<00:12:51.360
• > the<00:12:52.000> US<00:12:52.240> attorney's<00:12:52.720> office<00:12
• c><00:12:58.480> has<00:12:58.639> had<00:12:58.800> a<00:12:58.959> primary<

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• began January 1st of 2026. began January 1st of 2026.
• Um,<00:12:01.818> [clears throat]<00:12:02.240> when<00:12:02.560> the<00:12:02.800
• the the Green Mountain<00:12:03.680> Care<00:12:03.920> Board<00:12:04.240> does
• <01:12:39.360> them<01:12:39.600> this<01:12:39.840> time we have given them
• <01:12:44.480> reference-based<01:12:45.440> pricing<01:12:46.560> so<01:12:46.800

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up S. 190, a health care cost-containment bill relating to the Green Mountain Care Board, reference-based pricing, and a study of a public employee health benefit authority. The House first suspended rules to take the bill from the notice calendar, then heard committee reports from Health Care, Ways and Means, and Appropriations. The Health Care committee chair described the bill as a strike-all amendment intended to carry out Act 68’s hospital reference-based pricing timeline, saying it would let the Green Mountain Care Board begin implementation for fiscal year 2027, expand reference-based pricing to qualified health plans and the Vermont Education Health Insurance program, and address hospital pricing transparency, outsourcing, and critical access hospital Medicare outpatient cost-sharing issues. Supporters argued the bill would lower insurance costs, help reduce property taxes, and improve hospital sustainability by reducing the need for hospitals to limit access as they approach revenue caps. The Ways and Means committee said the bill could reduce education spending by lowering health care costs for school employees and reported the bill favorably on a 7-4 vote. The Appropriations committee said it reviewed the bill and an amendment, and noted that much of the detailed language would be changed by the appropriations amendment; it also discussed a possible state innovation waiver under the Affordable Care Act. The Health Care committee reported its strike-all amendment favorably on a 10-0 vote. The bill’s provisions were described in detail, including requiring hospitals and insurers to express rates as a percentage of Medicare, setting a path toward national median hospital prices by 2030, limiting certain reimbursements for QHP and VHI plans, requiring a report on hospital outsourcing and provider tax impacts, and creating a public health system performance tool if funding is available. The speaker also noted that the bill would not affect critical access hospitals or Vermont’s Medicare-dependent hospital in the reimbursement cap provisions, and that critical access hospitals were already working with the Green Mountain Care Board on solutions to Medicare outpatient cost-sharing concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:13.360> Adopting<00:12:13.920> this<00:12:14.240> would<00:12:14.560>
• >> Thank<00:12:17.279> you<00:12:17.360> very<00:12:17.519> much.
• <00:12:19.200> Okay,<00:12:19.519> Dr.
• Lewins Shepa<00:12:21.200> in<00:12:21.440> support,<00:12:21.920> come<00:12:22.079
• <00:12:50.480> Okay,<00:12:50.880> thank<00:12:51.040> you<00:12:51.200>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sir, >> let's<00:12:19.600> see<00:12:19.760> if<00:12:19.839> I<00:12:19.920
• > can<00:12:20.079> find<00:12:20.240> my<00:12:20.399> slide<00:12:20.720
• >> Know<00:12:24.160> I<00:12:24.320> know<00:12:24.480> John<00:12:24.720
• > Moore<00:12:24.880> is<00:12:25.040> back<00:12:25.200> there<00:12:25.279
• :25.440> to<01:12:25.679> update<01:12:26.080> them<01:12:26.320> on<01:12

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but more particularly, 12 years of racial terror directed at the Jewish people.
• Senator Parker: ...to establish January 28th as Sexual Assault Survivors Day.
• SR 12 by Perry. Is there objection to the adoption of the resolutions? Chair hears none.
• The Senate stands adjourned until 11 AM Wednesday, January 29th. Chair hears none.
• The Senate stands adjourned until 11 AM Wednesday, January 29th.

Bills: SJR36, SR8, SR14, SR15, SR17, HCR54

Keywords: accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, advocacy, legislation, business issues, memorial, law enforcement, sacrifice, tribute, community support, service, community, Holocaust, remembrance, antisemitism, human rights, education, Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorialization, sexual assault

Transcript Highlights:

• There were two bills that affected the to implement rules from the special session that was held in January
• Under 40-7-12, the topic of annual leave, this has some new content based on changes that we saw in the
• Notice was emailed to bill sponsors on January 13, 2026, regarding House Bill 1170 and House Bill 1599
• Number 12 also got an oral comment from the same individual.
• On January 20, 2026, a public hearing on the case was held in Bismarck.

Summary: The committee approved the March 12, 2026 minutes and granted the Board of Medicine an extension of time to implement rule changes tied to House Bill 1620/1622, which concern North Dakota’s entry into the physician assistant licensure compact. The Board said it is waiting on compact rules, especially fee structures, before finalizing its own rules. The committee then took up extensive Office of Management and Budget personnel rule revisions, covering salary administration, recruitment, leave policies, funeral leave, service awards, appeals, and shared leave. OMB said the changes modernize HR practices and implement recent legislation, including new hire leave and enhanced annual leave for hard-to-fill positions; the committee raised concerns about the subjectivity and fairness of the hard-to-fill leave provisions, but no action was taken against the rules. The North Dakota Lottery presented emergency and regular rule changes, including updates tied to the Millionaire for Life game and miscellaneous clarifications. The Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology described rule updates that add speech-language pathology assistants to the rules, ease continuing education requirements for out-of-state applicants, expand temporary licensure, and clarify supervision standards. The State Electrical Board reviewed numerous code updates, including changes to electrical and fire alarm standards, receptacle labeling, countertop receptacles, and a major new conveyance/elevator inspection program added by the Legislature; the board said it is preparing to begin inspections by August 1. The Industrial Commission’s Geological Survey Division presented new rules implementing House Bill 1459 on critical minerals in coal-bearing formations, including permit, reporting, confidentiality, and royalty-related provisions. The committee asked about confidentiality of exploration data and drilling depth. The Public Employees Retirement System outlined rule changes implementing several bills affecting defined benefit, public safety, defined contribution, insurance, deferred compensation, and retiree health credit programs, and noted possible future proposals to add state EMS or create a LOSAP-style plan. The Department of Health and Human Services presented substance use disorder voucher rules implementing House Bill 1012, including allowing individuals to apply directly and setting reimbursement procedures; the rules were expected to have a $250,000 general fund impact already included in the budget. The longest discussion involved the Gaming Commission rules. Members questioned whether the commission had authority to raise poker tournament buy-ins from $300 to $1,500, viewing it as an expansion of gaming rather than a mere clarification. After debate, the committee voted to void that specific rule section for lack of statutory authority. The rest of the gaming rules covered higher raffle limits from House Bill 1192, the change from “bar” to “alcoholic beverage establishment,” veterans’ organization proceeds, credit ticket voucher kiosks, online raffles, and advertising restrictions; the presenter said several public comments led to revisions or withdrawals of proposed language. The meeting ended with discussion of upcoming Ethics Commission travel-reporting rules and scheduling the next committee meeting in September.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not one of them was authorized to break any law or to participate in January 6.
• There were no, no undercover F.B.I. agents here in the Capitol on January 6.
• WAS SOMEHOW INVOLVED ON THE ATTACK ON THIS CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6. THAT IS FALSE.
• AGENTS HERE IN THE CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6.
• America is under attack as much as it was on January 6.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I need a motion to adopt the minutes from January. Senator Boyd, is there a second?
• contains two findings, and it was also deferred from the January meeting.
• -12-1403.
• Under Arkansas Code 12-12-1403, Arkansas Legislative Audit sent the Attorney General a copy of each law
• -12-1403.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:44.000> All<00:12:44.160> those<00:12:44.399> in<00:12:44.560> favor
• All those in favor, please<00:12:45.120> say<00:12:45.440> I.<00:12:46.000> I.
• <00:12:46.560> All<00:12:46.720> oppose<00:12:47.120> say<00:12:47.360> nay
• The motion<00:12:48.880> prevails<00:12:49.760> and<00:12:50.040> the<00:12:51.040
• language is adopted.<00:12:52.639> Item<00:12:53.040> number<00:12:53.279> four,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > out<00:12:19.839> um<00:12:19.920> and<00:12:20.160> they<00:12:20.399>
• And so this would<00:12:23.120> say<00:12:23.279> that<00:12:23.519> they<00:12:
• :12:24.959> probation<00:12:26.000> in<00:12:26.320> order<00:12:26.480> for<
• > uh<00:12:30.720> uh<00:12:30.880> maybe<00:12:31.279> 15<00:12:31.600><
• > that<00:12:32.959> individual<00:12:33.360> would<00:12:33.600> be<00:12

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call 00:00:10 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:02:21 Discussion of the Restoration of Voting Rights 00:06:34 Discussion of the Application of NTI Days for Schools Designated by County Clerks as Polling Locations for Elections 00:25:20 Approval of Minutes from July 29, 2025 Meeting 00:32:22 Adjournment 00:32:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up two fire commission regulatory amendments. Bruce Roberts, director of the Fire Commission, explained that one amendment updates financial disclosure reporting rules to align with changes to KRS 95A.55, including revised definitions, reporting requirements, and moving compliance reviews from every four years to an annual basis. The second amendment changes the deadline for fire departments to submit state aid documentation from July 31 to September and adds flexibility for departments affected by natural disasters by allowing a waiver process for missing, lost, or damaged documents. The committee approved the agency amendment by motion, second, and voice vote with no opposition. The main policy discussion centered on a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence and probation/parole. Senators Hickden and Herren said the proposal would restore only voting rights, not citizenship or the right to run for office, and would still exclude certain offenses such as treason, bribery in an election, sex offenses, violent offenses, and offenses against a child. They argued that Kentucky is one of only three states without automatic restoration, that the current governor’s executive order is temporary, and that the issue should be settled by constitutional amendment. Members asked about the relationship to expungement, costs, and whether election-related crimes should be included among the exceptions; the sponsors said expungement is separate and that they were open to refining the language. Several members voiced support, and the sponsors said they hoped to continue working on the proposal before the next session. The committee also discussed a practical issue involving schools used as polling places and conflicts with KDE testing days. The chair raised the possibility of adjusting testing schedules or using NI days at affected schools, while members noted that county clerks already have authority to use tax-funded buildings for elections and that schools have long been used because of ADA accessibility. Some members suggested a simpler fix would be to prevent KDE testing dates from overlapping with election dates, rather than changing NI-day rules or limiting clerks’ authority. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal aligns the TK through 12 management functions of the California...
• This transfer is illustrated on slide 12 of Mr.
• And then a large portion of it goes into January 2027.
• And I'll be making those decisions between, say, November and January.
• So when both of those officials come into office in January, after that second Tuesday in January, both

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Education and Budget Committee hearing focused on Governor Newsom’s education governance proposal, which would reorganize state K-12 education leadership by shifting day-to-day management of the Department of Education from the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction to a governor-appointed education commissioner, while giving the superintendent a more policy-focused role and voting seats on the State Board of Education and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Brooks Allen, for the State Board of Education and Governor’s office, argued the change would reduce fragmented authority, improve accountability, and align California with other states that use appointed chief education officials. Amber Alexander of the Department of Finance outlined the budget-neutral staffing transfers and transition timeline, and LAO analyst Sarah Cortez said the LAO supports the shift to an appointed commissioner but recommends Senate confirmation, clearer statutory duties, preserved legislative oversight, and a cost-neutral fiscal plan. Committee members raised substantial concerns about timing, constitutionality, voter expectations, and whether the proposal would actually improve student outcomes. Senator Cabaldon argued the change would effectively alter the meaning of the constitutionally created superintendent office during an election year without voter approval, and questioned whether governance restructuring has evidence of improving achievement or should instead yield savings. Other senators asked how the new structure would work in practice, who would be accountable if it failed, whether a governor-appointed commissioner was the best model, and whether local districts would truly see clearer lines of authority. Allen responded that the Legislature retains plenary authority over education, that the transition would be minimally disruptive, and that the proposal was designed to create a single line of management and clearer communication for local districts. The discussion also covered the Legislature’s role in curriculum and education policy. LAO staff explained that the Legislature has broad authority over education and can direct curriculum-related policy, though it has generally delegated detailed curriculum work to the State Board and the Instructional Quality Commission. Several senators said the current system already creates confusion for voters and local educators, while others argued the proposal adds another layer of bureaucracy and overpromises on results. No vote was taken at this hearing; members continued questioning witnesses and indicated the proposal would be examined further in later panels, including testimony from local education leaders.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.440> you<00:12:19.520> have<00:12:19.680> to<00:12:19.800> pick<00:12
• <00:12:22.200> know,<00:12:22.320> when<00:12:22.480> you're<00:12:23.280>
• The<00:12:26.320> one<00:12:26.440> thing<00:12:26.560> that<00:12:26.720> is
• > that<00:12:28.880> we<00:12:29.040> have<00:12:29.200> to<00:12:29.320>
• We<00:12:31.160> have<00:12:31.320> to<00:12:31.400> be<00:12:31.480> able

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate leaders and supporters held a press availability focused on passing a state capital investment, or bonding, bill this session. Chair Sandy Pappas said the state has received more than $7 billion in project requests and is pushing for a $1.4 billion bonding package to address infrastructure needs such as clean water, state parks and trails, college and university repairs, sewer capacity for housing growth, and other public facilities. She and other speakers stressed that delaying projects raises costs and that they do not expect a special session, making action before adjournment especially important. Testimony from labor and legislative leaders emphasized the economic benefits of bonding. Anthony Wilkie of SMART Local 10 said public bonding projects create work hours for skilled trades and cited Fraser Hall at the University of Minnesota as an example of a project that employed union members. Senator Nick Frentz argued that bonding supports jobs, especially in greater Minnesota, and highlighted water infrastructure needs, including communities facing manganese contamination and high water rates if they must finance treatment plants alone. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart pointed to PFAS-related water treatment costs in Minnetonka Beach and said she would support higher education and water projects. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the Senate is working toward the $1.4 billion target, noting the state’s AAA bond rating and the need to keep borrowing costs low. She also said the recent Metro Surge period led to about 4,000 lost construction jobs, strengthening the case for a bill this year. In response to questions, Pappas said negotiations with Senator Housley and House leaders were underway but still early, with no final target set yet; she said staff are preparing project lists and language, and that some items, such as HCMC, may move separately. No formal vote was taken in the exchange, but the speakers expressed optimism about reaching a bipartisan agreement before session end.

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><00:12:53.279> by<00:12:53.399> which<00:12:53.519> we're<00:12:53.639> going

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval. House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work. The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.