Transcript Highlights:

• California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education, or C-SAFE. Thank you.
• education across the state so that veterans can use their education benefits such as the GI Bill, and
• Calvet's team has committed to ensure veterans from all walks Dignity and respect.
• We would be committed to supporting that. Thank you. Thank you.
• We have an ongoing commitment to the California Budget and Policy Center.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to her work in medical education, she is passionate about obesity care, emphasizing...
• I wish to announce that Senate Bill 1582 is withdrawn from the Committee on Education.
• It simply means that we're committed to truth, accountability, and compassion. Thank you.
• And I think that sexual assault should not be tolerated, no matter who commits it.
• If you commit a sexual assault on anyone, you should be punished.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, heard the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed several guests and a Doctor of the Day. Members also adopted a proclamation honoring the people of Iran and heard a brief disturbance in the gallery that led to the sergeant-at-arms escorting a person out. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, SB 1166 received a do pass recommendation without debate. SB 1184, a bill concerning flags that homeowners and condominium associations may not prohibit, drew debate over a proposed floor amendment by Rep. Villegas to add the pride flag to the protected list; the amendment was defeated 21-32 after division, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation. SB 1252 also received a do pass recommendation. The House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, placing SB 1166, SB 1184, and SB 1252 on third reading. An additional Committee of the Whole was then used to amend SB 1092, which was reported out as amended and deferred to engrossing. On third reading, SB 1020, a special license plate bill supporting the Arizona Space Commission and space-related education/workforce efforts, passed 35-21 with several members explaining votes in favor and against, including objections that a community college scholarship plate had not been heard. SB 1247, an emergency measure relating to health care institutions, passed 55-1 and met the two-thirds threshold. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2307, and later passed HB 2307 on final reading with the required emergency vote. The chamber also passed HB 2072 on final reading by a two-thirds margin after extensive debate over repealing Cesar Chavez Day in light of allegations of abuse and whether the day should instead be replaced with a farm worker recognition day. The House adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• education, and student loan repayment; and whereas the State of New Mexico, through the Education Trust
• So I am honored to present this to highlight 529 education savings plans.
• Through her years in 4-H, Sophia's commitment to the program extends beyond the show ring.
• And I hope that we continue to be a committed body to supporting their initiatives.
• Morales has built his educational... State University. Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the education for the LCS to continue with that is just having an advanced six-hour education.
• Normally the most um six-hour education.
• <01:01:23.119> minor they people that have committed minor they people that have committed
• <01:01:24.799> minor offenses and you can commit minor offenses and you can commit minor offenses
• Um, but that's their job to do the educating of people. >> That's right.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• investment in improving our education. investment in improving our education.
• comparison with general education comparison with general education revenue. revenue. revenue.
• across Minnesota educate our students. across Minnesota educate our students.
• child's education. child's education.
• instability in education more broadly. instability in education more broadly.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But prevention requires coordination, research, data, education, and sustained commitment.
• research, data, education, and sustained commitment. commitment. commitment.
• with that commitment. with that commitment.
• reengages these early care and education reengages these early care and education workers, workers
• reengages these early care and education reengages these early care and education centers<01:23:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It exempts property used for educational purposes when any portion of real property is used by a child
• It exempts property used for educational purposes when any portion of real property is used by a child
• It exempts property used for educational purposes when any portion of real property is used by a child
• I know that President Auburton has certainly said, you know, that he wants and he's committed to...
• It easier for their children to die and you made it cheaper for someone to buy a gun and commit such

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met and first heard SB 674, which would allow county property appraisers, like tax collectors already can, to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses if approved in their Department of Revenue budget. Support came from property appraiser representatives, who said the bill would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SJR 318, a proposed constitutional amendment on tangible personal property used on agricultural land, along with an amendment clarifying the exemption’s scope and allowing the Legislature to set conditions by general law. Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber supported the measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the joint resolution favorably. Members also took up CS for SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval of local discretionary taxes when they expire; an amendment changed the bill to require expiration dates and tied reapproval to tax expiration rather than a fixed eight-year cycle. Local government and tourism groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, transportation surtaxes, beaches funding, and long-term financing, while supporters argued voters should periodically affirm local taxes. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill SB 1512, both dealing with a homestead-style property tax benefit for certain long-term leased residential properties. After multiple amendments narrowed the proposal substantially, limiting it to one qualifying property and then to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominium units, counties and cities still opposed the measures as a tax shift to other taxpayers. The sponsor said the changes reduced the scope and fiscal impact, and both measures were reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions, multiple tax holidays, motor vehicle fee reductions, a property tax study, rural investment tax credits, a freeze on local communications services tax rates, and other tax changes, with an estimated $2.1 billion revenue reduction. Testimony was mixed: property appraisers supported the property tax study, while many public commenters opposed the firearm and ammunition tax holiday and urged inclusion of gun safes and locks instead. County, city, tourism, and lodging representatives raised concerns about tourist development tax limits and other local revenue impacts, while supporters emphasized tax relief and the study’s value. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to submit SPB 7034 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• to keeping Minnesota a place committed to keeping Minnesota a place where<00:03:24.280> every
• that come with that education.
• that come with that education.
• that come with that education.
• that come with that education.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:46:32.640> posing<00:46:33.280> in educators and case management posing in educators
• Let's look at the cost for education. Let's look at the cost for education.
• , education, education, community<00:56:01.040> corrections,<00:56:02.240> and<00:56:02.559
• . education and having what they need to education and having what they need to be<00:59:04.079> successful
• fund for specified state education fund for specified educational<04:56:06.480> purposes<04:56

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, led the pledge of allegiance, and established a quorum before approving the corrected journal. The Majority Leader then moved a long list of bills—House Bills 1150 through 1179—to be made special orders for February 11, 2026 at 9:15 a.m., and the chamber agreed without objection. The committee then took up House Bill 1150, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Serna explained it included technical adjustments tied to other agencies, plus a pilot program to test a biocontrol strategy for the mountain pine beetle infestation in Colorado’s ponderosa pine forests. After brief opposition from a member who said he would vote no on spending measures generally, the bill passed. House Bill 1151, the supplemental appropriation for the Department of Corrections, generated extensive debate. Supporters said the bill was necessary to cover major costs such as medical case loads, outside medical and mental health contracts, local jail payments, prison case load, private prison utilization, and food services, while also addressing staffing and parole/community corrections coordination. Opponents argued the state keeps funding more beds instead of investing in services that reduce incarceration, criticized DOC management and delays, and said the legislature should demand better accountability and efficiency. Supporters countered that DOC does not control the parole board or community corrections, that the prison population is aging, and that the state must pay for required custody and care. The transcript ends amid continued debate over the corrections supplemental, with no final vote on House Bill 1151 shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:34.720> director I work with a special education director I work with a special education
• Working in public education is like me. Working in public education is a<00:08:20.479> calling.
• <00:08:32.479> counterparts than our equally educated counterparts than our equally educated
• <00:19:35.520> and programs like special education and programs like special education and
• table and talk about uh, educators table and talk about uh, educators joining<00:20:56.880> CEP

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, please proceed to page 8. committee on education policy if you go committee on education policy
• referred to the committee on education referred to the committee on education Finance<00:08:27.639
• I have made that commitment repeatedly. I've made that commitment with Leader Johnson.
• continue I have made that commitment continue I have made that commitment repeatedly<00:11:51.360
• reflects our values and our commitment reflects our values and our commitment to<00:12:21.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:16.600> that's<00:01:16.759> a Education that's a Education that's a lot<00:01:18.799
• They also coordinate continuing education programs for librarians and educators.
• education programs for librarians<01:04:28.920> and<01:04:29.400> Educators<01:04:30.400
• and by extension the educational and by extension the educational experience<01:12:47.360> of
• <01:14:44.400> of Information Technology educators of Information Technology educators of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. education for our young students succeed.
• and remaining committed to working with the opposition to resolve those issues in the Senate.
• Assembly Bill 1412 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez and an act relating to special education.
• After immigrating to the United States, Leo pursued higher education at Los Angeles City College.
• After immigrating to the United States, Leo pursued higher education at Los Angeles City College, the

Summary: The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members also made several guest introductions and memorial recognitions, including tributes to labor leader Louisa Blue and a Memorial Day moment of silence. The body adopted a motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 for certain Appropriations Committee bills, and later took up a second-day consent calendar and several resolutions. The chamber adopted ACR 68, declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month, and ACR 83, proclaiming California Maritime Day; both received broad support. On the floor file, members passed a series of bills covering child passenger safety, student financial aid, downtown office-to-housing conversion districts, rental vehicle theft prevention, fire hazard zone reviews, medical data protections, UC admissions transparency, office-to-housing streamlining, inoperable RV removal, domestic violence and child welfare, insurance classification for social service workers, sustainable aviation fuel CEQA review, UC hiring background checks, accessory dwelling units, fish and wildlife exemptions for Sutter County infrastructure, speed limit assessments, geothermal permitting, special education transfers, recorder fee adjustments, and a BIT program exemption for farmers and ranchers. Most measures passed with little or no opposition. AB 435, which would have implemented a five-step test standard for child passenger safety laws, was later reconsidered and failed on a vote of 36-12 after the call was lifted. The Assembly also adopted the second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, and added co-authors to several resolutions. The session ended with adjournments in memory and an adjournment until Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not just administrative services; there are things like CTE from the Department of Education, and
• and there's a statute that Education and there's a statute that guides<00:06:55.560> how<00:06
• <00:12:54.240> trust appropriation use the education trust appropriation use the education
• But the governor has now taken these projects and put them in her capital budget under the Education
• Because I used to be on education. I've been following it for years. It's actually...

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways committee held a capital budget orientation led by Legislative Budget Assistant Office staff, who walked members through the budget materials, the capital budget process, and the committee’s compare sheet. The presentation explained that agencies begin developing capital requests nearly a year in advance, submit them by May 1, and that the governor’s recommended capital budget is a reduced version of the much larger agency wish list. Members were told the agencies initially requested about $1.1 billion in projects, the catalog was trimmed to just over $400 million in general fund projects, and the governor’s recommendation in the pink book totals about $143 million in general fund capital appropriations. The committee also reviewed the prior capital budget and related statutes and committee procedures. Several specific projects drew discussion. The Department of Education’s CTE projects were explained as having been shifted into the operating budget in the prior cycle and now returning to the capital budget recommendation; members asked whether there was a backup CTE project and whether local approval had been secured for the named project. The Cannon Mountain tramway request was highlighted as a $20 million recommendation, with the presenter explaining that an earlier $18 million appropriation would be lapsed back to the general fund to help balance the budget. The Department of Corrections’ new prison project was also discussed; members were told the state has already appropriated $50 million for planning and site evaluation, but the governor’s current capital budget does not include a new prison construction appropriation because the project is not yet ready for that phase and may need to be funded differently, possibly through a separate, staggered appropriation. State Treasurer Monica Mezzapelli then presented on debt affordability and the state’s borrowing capacity. She said the state’s credit position has improved, with the debt-to-revenue ratio falling from 8.2% in 2015 to 3.8% in 2024, and explained that RSA 6-C limits debt authorization to 10% of unrestricted prior-year revenue. She noted that the Treasury’s planning assumes $60 million in annual bond issuance, with the prison-related $40 million now expected to be issued in 2026 rather than 2025 because the project is not ready to spend the funds. She said the state can still borrow more, but additional debt service must be paid from operating funds, and recommended keeping capital bonding in the $120 million to $130 million range to preserve affordability and the state’s credit rating. Members asked for clarification on the CTE funding shift, the prison schedule, and the meaning of the large agency request totals. The chair and treasurer discussed the governor’s $143 million recommendation versus the committee’s usual target range, and the treasurer said $130 million would be more comfortable than $140 million, with $135 million described as a possible compromise. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting was informational and ended with the presenters offering to answer follow-up questions as agencies come before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• His commitment to duty was recognized through numerous awards and decorations he received throughout
• So Arizona has no licensing, no education required before you get on the water with a watercraft.
• , whereas on June 1, 1868, Higher education, whereas on June 1, 1868, the Treaty of 1868 was signed,
• would serve as a pathway for the Navajo... ...who understood that education would serve as a pathway
• And whereas, Lela Alston is one of Arizona's most respected advocates of public education.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not attack higher education.
• education from its very origins.
• education from its very origins.
• Back when the state was fully funding higher education...
• We cannot reliably tell... once they leave K-12 education.

Bills: HR171, HCR49, HB632, HB1084, SB310, SB351, SB399

Keywords: HR171, House Resolution 171, M.J. Foster Promise Program, TOPS-Tech, TOPS Tech Award, Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, Louisiana Community and Technical College System, LCATCS, financial aid, scholarship, workforce development, career training, technical education, vocational education, postsecondary credential, associate degree, industry-based credential, high-demand jobs, high-wage occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• They are dedicated to providing a holistic education to their students, which not only promotes their
• The designation is not just an honor, but a solemn duty to remember, to educate... ...an honor, but a
• solemn duty to remember, to educate, and to ensure that the truth of history is never erased.
• We affirm our commitments to human rights, historical truth, and justice.
• Fox Foundation, our state government, research institutions, and many of our districts are committed

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims. On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes. The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you all for your commitment to prevent suicide in our community.
• There is less time to assess, counsel, educate, and reassure other patients.
• The board will be responsible for setting education, training, and continuing education standards, administering
• But education alone is not enough. Healing is relational.
• And commitment.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy, who outlined procedures for the hybrid public hearing, noted the committee would hear testimony on 15 bills related to treatment settings, and recognized members present. The first major bill discussed was H. 4200, authorizing a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted treatment in licensed facilities. Representative Jim O’Day and witnesses from Control Z supported the bill, describing it as a tightly controlled, medically supervised pilot with DPH oversight, limited sites, and screening requirements. Committee members asked about the number of sites and whether Column Health still existed; witnesses said the bill contemplated three separate pilot programs and that Column Health no longer existed after being purchased by another company. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1405 to make the drug stewardship program permanent by removing its 2026 sunset date. Senator John Keenan and others said the program helps collect and safely dispose of unused medications, reduces diversion, and should remain in place because manufacturers should bear disposal costs. A member from Boston added support based on local concerns about people searching through bags for drugs, and Keenan explained the original sunset reflected pilot status and industry pushback. A large portion of the hearing focused on S. 1394 and H. 2193, which would strengthen implementation of the 2023 Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform. The Children’s Mental Health Campaign, Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and Elliott Community Human Services testified that the roadmap’s helpline, community behavioral health centers, and crisis services are important but unevenly implemented. They urged a single point of accountability within EOHHS, regular strategic planning, a public data dashboard, and financial analysis of the behavioral health system and the access and crisis intervention trust fund. Witnesses said commercial insurance often does not fully reimburse community behavioral health center services, making sustainability difficult, and asked for better coordination across agencies and crisis response systems. Committee members asked whether the roadmap includes substance use disorder; witnesses said it is intended to cover behavioral health broadly, including mental health and substance use. The committee also heard testimony on bills to ban aversives and on suicide prevention signage. Lisa Jean Graff testified in support of S. 1394 by urging a statewide ban on aversive practices, including electric shock, withholding food or bathroom access, and other painful interventions, arguing disabled people deserve the same protections from harm as others. Fonda Bryant and Carol McLean supported a bill requiring suicide prevention signs on tall parking garages, describing personal experiences and saying the signs could create a brief pause and connect people to 988 or other help. McLean said her son died by suicide from a parking garage and that signage might have made a difference. The committee also heard strong testimony in support of creating intensive stabilization and treatment units within DMH facilities (S. 1398/H. 2204), with the Massachusetts Nurses Association and a DMH nurse arguing that highly assaultive patients need specialized, more secure units to protect staff and other patients and to improve care. Additional testimony supported creating a dedicated board for licensed mental health counselors (H. 4696/S. 1382), with Rep. John Badger, the Mass Mental Health Counselors Association, and others saying LMHCs are a large and growing workforce that needs its own licensing board, clearer standards, and faster implementation of existing licensure reforms. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H. 2223 regarding benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Survivors and advocates described severe withdrawal, lack of informed consent, cognitive harms, and long-term disability, while a physician supported the bill as a way to improve disclosure of risks. Finally, the committee heard multiple witnesses in favor of H. 2231/S. 1383 to establish peer-run respite centers statewide. Advocates and people with lived experience said peer respites provide non-coercive, home-like alternatives to hospitalization, can reduce trauma and repeated admissions, and may be especially important for marginalized communities; they also cited cost savings and existing positive outcomes from current respite programs. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing portion reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Keith Yashi, superintendent of the Department of Education, in person or via Zoom.
• I was incarcerated for 30 years for a crime I did not commit.
• After filing a crime I did not commit.
• Um, it looks like we're on 2298 relating to education. House Bill 2298.
• relating to education. relating to education. >> Oh,<01:40:27.040> sorry.

Bills: HB1997, HB2343, HB2566, HB2493

Keywords: students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded. House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As chairman, I'm committed to a thorough review of nominations pursuant to statutorily required checks
• So there's really that joint education piece because education can be expensive, and so we need to sort
• I appreciate, especially learning by your educational background.
• I mean, the impact to children's mental health, to their educational health, and to their educational
• Yeah, here's what I can commit to.

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.