Transcript Highlights:

• That 54 Jewish centers were targeted at the same time.
• And you really made that the center of what you have done.
• .want Citizens to be bloated in policy count and exposure as it once has been.
• We want them to be able to provide meaningful services that their citizens count on, that they count
• count on for the quality of life that they expect.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent District 20, which is in Central West Omaha. Good morning, everyone.
• I represent District 20, which is in Central West Omaha.
• Questions from the committee may follow, but do not count against your time.
• And Lincoln Regional Center is largely an adult facility.
• So wouldn't that come out of the budget of the Lincoln Regional Center?

Committee: Unicameral Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:31:47.240><c> this</c><00:31:47.440><c> bill</c> data centers, this bill data centers, this
• Counties play a central role in Minnesota's drainage system.
• <00:59:25.680><c> Minnesota</c> central Minnesota central Minnesota and<00:59:27.160><c> have</c><00:
• We won't even count the drainage.
• We won't even count the drainage.

Bills: HF4211 , HF3426 , HF4819 , HF3466 , HF3793 , HF3339

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I desperately, I know I can count on Senator Bradley, I don't want to discount the fact that these
• And I desperately, I know I can count on Senator Bradley, I don't want to discount the fact that these
• He's a second-year political science scholar at the University of Central Florida.
• His entrepreneurial endeavors created jobs and stimulated Central Florida's economy.
• The University of Central Florida Rosen School of Hospitality...

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no central reporting.
• It's not actually a detention center.
• A record 68,000-plus people are currently held in ICE detention centers.
• where I work, work in a health center in Jamaica Plain, schools, and, and health centers where I work
• I work in a health center in Jamaica Plain.

Bills: H4697 , S2635 , S2680 , S2681 , H5158

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: constables, civil deputy sheriffs, law enforcement, training, certification, public safety, emergency response, red lights, Barnstable, town management, public health, safety standards, nuclear power, waste management, community protection, BMX, motocross, safety, regulation, insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1050 supports the redevelopment of vacant commercial centers by allowing property owners to request
• AB 1357 fixes this issue by explicitly stating that guaranteed income payments will not be counted as
• AB 222 makes sure we can keep the lights on and the data centers up.
• As you know, they say the Central Valley, which is my district, is America's breadbasket.
• As you know, they say the Central Valley, which is my district, is America's bread basket.

Summary: The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, established a quorum after a roll call, and proceeded through a long House of Origin floor session with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine parliamentary actions. Early in the day, a motion by Assembly Member Gallagher to suspend the rules and take up AB 12 immediately failed on a 18-39 vote. The chamber then moved through the daily file, with many measures passing by wide margins, often with bipartisan support and little or no opposition. Among the notable bills discussed were measures on law enforcement oversight and records access (AB 847), CalFresh data-sharing exemptions (AB 593), campus-area housing for students and staff (AB 893), insurance and wildfire hardening updates (AB 1), missing middle housing code changes (AB 6), tribal peace officer status in a pilot program (AB 31), utility bill analysis before new mandates (AB 61), fairgrounds funding (AB 258), Diwali as a state holiday (AB 268), labor and worker organizing rights (AB 288), algorithmic price-fixing and antitrust enforcement (AB 325), elections and jail voter information (AB 331), protections for judges and court personnel (AB 343 and AB 352), school construction procurement (AB 361), school-zone speed limits (AB 382), transit worker protections (AB 394), blue carbon coastal mitigation (AB 399), K-9 standards for law enforcement (AB 400), livestock carcass composting (AB 411), translation of housing materials (AB 413), immigrant educational rights notices (AB 419), gun violence restraining order implementation (AB 451), special education and child care measures (AB 560 and AB 563), cannabis tax relief (AB 564), and disability access protections for businesses (AB 649). Several bills addressed housing, energy, public health, and public safety, and many authors emphasized affordability, transparency, and administrative efficiency. The session also included several ceremonial or recognition items, including ACR 73 declaring Italian American Heritage Month, which was adopted by voice vote after 65 coauthors were added. Most measures were approved overwhelmingly, though a few drew some dissent, including AB 421? no—AB 399 passed 42-30, AB 450 passed 49-6, AB 461 passed 49-8, and AB 621 passed 58-0. The transcript ends partway through AB 772, which was introduced as an educational equity bill addressing cyberbullying after school hours, but the remainder of that item is not included in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the cost of the Central<00:10:16.640><c> New</c><00:10:16.800><c> Hampshire</c><00:10:17.120><c>
• Turnpike,</c><00:10:17.600><c> Eastern</c> Central New Hampshire Turnpike, Eastern Central New Hampshire
• The highway was designed way before the traffic counts are what they are today.
• </c> traffic counts are what they are today. traffic counts are what they are today.
• </c> six the chicken center six the chicken center and<01:20:06.960><c> then</c><01:20:07.480><c> I</

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:

• May exceed 25 for as their FTE count May exceed 25 for portion<00:36:28.240><c> of</c><00:36:28.359>
• is actually higher than 640,000 because the bill uses FTEs instead of a head count.
• as your family so therefore count as your family so therefore someone<00:55:51.760><c> you</c><00:55
• </c> throughout this conversation we Center throughout this conversation we Center the<01:22:59.880><
• </c><01:23:03.560><c> that</c> if we're doing more to to Center that if we're doing more to to Center

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it Iraq because they have an acronym for everything in the military. operations center we call
• , knock on wood... ...IROC, Integrated Resilience Operations Center, knock on wood, we've had zero in
• NIRAL centers, but... of the equation right so there will necessarily be areas where you have a steep
• Colloquially, but the CENTCOM commander, Central Command, would be Iran.
• They're not going to necessarily count your score, but if you're in a combat arms specialty, then you

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We call it Iraq because they have an acronym for everything in the military. operations center we call
• , being the legal advisor... ...command and control center, being the legal advisor at the right hand
• NIRAL centers but...
• The CENTCOM commander, Central Command, would be Iran.
• They're not going to necessarily count your score, but if you're in a combat arms specialty, then you

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• We do what is called centralized recruitment.
• How much money is being invested to count the number of people who have licenses?
• I think that we need to have a workforce center that is well funded.
• Centers are using a mobile model more than other entities. Thank you. That's fine.
• Again, I mentioned the Residential Treatment Center.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• IT WILL BE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM'S TECHNICAL CENTERS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SO
• I came to count around 1 percent of the client.
• PARENTS ARE CALLING THEIR CALL CENTER, WAITING... FOR HOURS, HANGING UP, CALLING BACK.
• SENATORS, THIS BILL CREATES THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN INSURANCE AND RISK...
• THE CENTER WILL MANAGE THE MODEL BUT COLLABORATE WITH OTHER UNIVERSITIES.

Bills: SJR4 , SJR40 , SJR81 , SCR37 , SCR39 , SB22 , SB32 , SB33 , SB36 , SB38 , SB95 , SB209 , SB249 , SB311 , SB326 , SB365 , SB458 , SB609 , SB660 , SB664 , SB693 , SB732 , SB745 , SB760 , SB762 , SB779 , SB783 , SB785 , SB868 , SB871 , SB883 , SB921 , SB955 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1057 , SB1067 , SB1151 , SB1171 , SB1210 , SB1255 , SB1265 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1307 , SB1313 , SB1316 , SB1318 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1365 , SB1426 , SB1470 , SB1484 , SB1494 , SB1559 , SB1592 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1637 , SB1677 , SB1706 , SB1758 , SB1762 , SB1786 , SB1809 , SB1818 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1871 , SB1967 , SB2064 , SB2077 , SB2112 , SB2148 , SB2320 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SJR36 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SJR4 , SJR40 , SJR27 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SB921 , SB609 , SB660 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB304 , SB1023 , SB204 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB955 , SB957 , SB541 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB1062 , SB711 , SB746 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB1567 , SB310 , SB311 , SB505 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1841 , SB1008 , SB2016 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB860 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1537 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB984 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1877 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB731 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1058 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB508 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB38 , SB393 , SB1371 , SB1365 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB2039 , SB1919 , SB1895 , SB1598 , SB1493 , SB1810 , SB1791 , SB1706 , SB1644 , SB1238 , SB783 , SB458 , SB22 , SB651 , SB897 , SB1809 , SB1080 , SB745 , SB826 , SB989 , SB1320 , SB1437 , SB2320 , SB2289 , SB1171 , SB664 , SB1637 , SB2064 , SB868 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB883 , SB249 , SB1318 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB365 , SB1067 , SB1786 , SB326 , SB1401 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SB1265 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1559 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1677 , SB95 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB871 , SB510 , SB33 , SB2420 , SB1860 , SB1541 , SB1316 , SB1314 , SB1313 , SB1426 , SB1398 , SB1869 , SB1750 , SB1871 , SB36 , SB855 , SB1233 , SB760 , SB2425 , SB2037 , SB1758 , SB1759 , SB2365 , SB1924 , SB762 , SB1271 , SB1818 , SB605 , SB1405 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB1967 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1855 , SB863 , SB37 , SJR39 , SCR1 , SCR27 , SCR32 , SCR42 , SCR6 , SB2232 , SB819 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB1962 , SB2253 , SB825 , SB1577 , SB1184 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1901 , SB1030 , SB2368 , SB1963 , SB1960 , SB1643 , SB1625 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB231 , SB2411 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB2231 , SB1490 , SB530 , SB34 , SB1261 , SJR81 , SB32 , SB458 , SB664 , SB693 , SB868 , SB1008 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1484 , SB1637 , SB1809 , SB1822 , SB2064 , SB2112 , SB2320 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB609 , SB660 , SB921 , SB779 , SB1470 , SR388 , SB3042 , SB440 , SB2876 , SB3042 , SB440 , SB2876

Transcript Highlights:

• I knew I could count on you.
• opened Bryan Pregnancy Center in the Brazos Valley.
• here in Central Texas.
• For example, at our pregnancy center, we had some...
• Paris Pregnancy Care Center. Paris? Uh-huh. Paris, Texas. Oh, Paris, Texas.

Bills: SB670 , SB1388 , SB627 , SB912 , SB269 , SB528 , HB2711 , HB4819 , HB5248 , HB4175

Committee: House Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• So I represent, as I said, South Central Los Angeles.
• And I would say South Central is a global cultural content...
• I am the regional director of the Central California Small Business Development Center Network.
• I'm executive director for Central West Ballet in Modesto.
• I'm executive director for Central West Ballet in Modesto.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm the executive director of the Gender Health Center.
• American Resource Center, in strong support.
• Valley Opportunity Center, the Center for Employment Training, First Day Foundation, Los Amigos de la
• We appreciate that with Western Center on Law and Poverty.
• We appreciate that with Westwood Center Law and Poverty.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The timer will count down, and after two minutes there will be a buzzer and I will then have to ask you
• One central theme that has emerged from concerns expressed by parents, teachers, superintendents, child
• A former gym teacher at the Salt and Saul school in Salem, where you represent, is facing 37 counts of
• I'm a resident of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, and president of the North American Indian Center, Boston
• We are Massachusetts' oldest urban Indian center, providing cultural and social services for the New

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding they're requesting to build Central Maui.
• Maui</c> they're requesting to build Central Maui they're requesting to build Central Maui and<01:11:
• Innovation Center are key to fostering Innovation Center are key to fostering small small small business
• ><c> and</c> concept they did for Central Wahu and concept they did for Central Wahu and they<05:17:41.120
• </c><05:23:34.320><c> in</c> added Product Development Center in added Product Development Center in

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kathy McBride, on behalf of the Michelson Center for Public Policy, in support.
• And we want to make sure that every single dollar that they spend counts and provides them with the service
• And we want to make sure that every single dollar that they spend counts and provides them with the service
• This department would serve as the centralized state department for broadband and digital equity activities

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met to adopt its 2025-2026 rules and hear three bills. The committee first adopted the rules on a roll call vote, then heard AB 1303 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would clarify that a Social Security number is not required to apply for California Lifeline and would restrict sharing subscriber information with immigration enforcement absent a court warrant or subpoena. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable Californians, including undocumented residents, domestic violence survivors, unhoused people, and identity theft victims, access essential communications services; there was no opposition. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary. The committee next heard AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta, which would require broadband providers to report pricing and speed-performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs and make the information publicly available, with privacy protections and a standardized reporting template. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and help consumers, local governments, and the state understand what broadband service Californians are actually receiving; testimony highlighted disparities in speed and pricing in low-income communities. The bill was amended in committee and passed on a due pass as amended motion to the Committee on Business and Professions. Finally, the committee heard AB 693 by the chair, Assemblymember Boerner, which would consolidate broadband and digital equity functions into a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity and create an 11-member commission with decision-making authority. Supporters said the current split between agencies creates delays and coordination problems, while members discussed governance, geographic representation, and whether the proposal would require follow-up constitutional or statutory changes. The bill passed 9-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Afterward, the committee added AB 1303 and AB 1271 as later add-ons, both of which were also reported out, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since that time, we're Fargo, the regional center.
• Since that time, we're Fargo, the regional center.
• Since that time, we're at Fargo, the regional center.
• Chairman Roers, yeah, as I was going through and counting, I was like, how did it...
• Chairman Roers, yeah, as I was going through and counting, I was like, how did it...

Bills: HB1162

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1162, which would add the West Fargo mayor as a voting member of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority board. The sponsor and Fargo’s mayor argued West Fargo has grown into a major regional water stakeholder and should have a formal vote, while members questioned the board structure and why the change was not framed more specifically. The bill was supported in testimony, closed without opposition, and received a 6-0 do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 1259 on annual legislative sessions and session structure. Members adopted an amendment that left the structure and logistics of sessions to legislative management rather than prescribing details in statute, after discussion about flexibility, committee workload, annual versus biennial sessions, and concerns about preserving debate and committee process. The amended bill received a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with some members voting no because they preferred a different committee recommendation or had concerns about the broader change. House Bill 1254, which would allow any North Dakota resident to obtain a State Library card, drew supportive testimony from the bill sponsor and State Library staff. They said the change would align law with current practice and expand access to books, e-materials, and other resources statewide, including for military families and out-of-state state employees. The committee closed the hearing and approved the bill 6-0. The committee also considered House Bill 1469, which narrows financial disclosure requirements so only business or trust interests directly related to the office sought or held must be disclosed. After brief discussion that the change would reduce unnecessary disclosure burdens, the committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a 6-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 1368, dealing with administrative rules and the standard for challenging them, was opposed by committee counsel as too broad and legally problematic; the committee rejected it on a 4-2 do not pass vote. Finally, House Bill 1219, which would reduce the required perpetual care fund set-aside for certain cemeteries from 20% to 10%, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, cemetery representatives, and local users, but also concern about long-term fund health. The committee ultimately recommended do pass on a 5-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• licensed alcohol and drug counselors, to be eligible providers working in a federally qualified health center
• So if we were to look at contracting with an economist next year, we would go through the Central Purchasing
• If we were to look at contracting with an economist next year, we would go through the Central Purchasing
• and assessing fees, and include that in a good-faith effort in reports going forward so we can truly count
• One, of the transfer of wealth we do from one industry to another, ...truly count the cost, one of the

Bills: SJR50 , SJR51 , SJR52 , SJR53 , SJR54

Committee: Senate Administrative Rules

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administrative Rules met with a quorum and considered five Oklahoma Health Care Authority and OMMA rules resolutions. Senate Joint Resolution 50 was presented as a federal-law conformity change allowing licensed professional counselors, LBHPs, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors to work as eligible providers in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics; despite questions about the fiscal estimate, it passed 9-0. SJR 51 was amended to correct rule citations related to human genome sequencing, then failed on a 4-5 vote after members noted an estimated $860,000 fiscal impact tied to legislation. SJR 52, removing physician visit limits in Medicaid, was described as an access-to-care and rural health measure that could reduce ER use; it passed 8-1. The committee then took up SJR 53 from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which would align rules with statutes requiring prepackaging of medical marijuana products and other provisions. Members questioned OMMA extensively about the economic impact, the discrepancy between the agency’s estimate and Loft’s much larger estimate, and whether the rules were already being implemented under emergency authority. OMMA said the rules mirrored existing statutes and that the cost would fall on the industry and ultimately consumers, not the agency. After debate about regulatory fairness and the effect on the industry, the resolution passed 5-4. Finally, SJR 54, a non-major OMMA rule change renaming the adjudicator from administrative law judge to hearing examiner to match the Administrative Procedures Act, drew concerns about independence and whether OMMA should be required to contract for outside adjudicators. The director said the change was only a terminology alignment and would not alter current practice, and Senator Bergstrom said he would pursue legislation next year to require outside contracting. An amendment changed the committee’s position from disapprove to approve, but the underlying resolution still failed 4-5. The committee then adjourned.