Transcript Highlights:

• importantly educating our children. importantly educating our children.
• school districts to reach children school districts to reach children children's<01:04:44.319>
• just feel as though I'm missing just feel as though I'm missing something<01:11:37.679> and
• I am here a mother of two children.
• why they have withdrawn their children why they have withdrawn their children from<01:36:42.880>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions. Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies. Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony for a given bill we do try to group together, so please indulge us if we miss somebody.
• Oh, we missed. All right, fair enough. Thank you. Go ahead.
• They offer educational experiences to tens of thousands of children and families.
• So even though our children are directly impacted by school budgets, we don’t get a vote.
• So even though our children are directly impacted by school budgets, we don't get a vote.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions. Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record. The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That section throws thousands of children under the bus for higher profits for 1,800 retailers.
• I learned that I missed a birthday celebration, too, while I was gone. So, my bad.
• This approach sadly misses opportunities, At a five- to six-figure cost.
• This approach sadly misses opportunities to prevent patient harm.
• Annually to secure supported child care slots for over 16,000 children and their families.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support. The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations. Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, two, my child doesn't miss out. Right?
• The coalition could need funding to actually enroll the children.
• , 212, 220,000 children.
• The same level investment, you'll still serve 220,000 children.
• At the potentially eligible number of children even at 150.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and focused on School Readiness, specifically the new provider reimbursement rates and the School Readiness Plus program. The chair gave an overview of how School Readiness is funded and administered, noting that the Legislature now sets county-based reimbursement rates using market and cost data, and that School Readiness Plus was created to help families who would otherwise fall off the subsidy “cliff” at 85% of state median income by extending assistance up to 100% of state median income. Panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and the Division of Early Learning described the programs as major workforce and family-support tools that help parents stay employed and help providers recruit and retain qualified staff. Testimony emphasized that higher reimbursement rates increase parental choice, help providers cover rising child care costs, and support better staffing and lower turnover. The panel also said School Readiness Plus is easing the pressure on families to turn down raises or promotions for fear of losing child care assistance, though uptake is still early because the program only began in late 2024 and is only available to current School Readiness families at redetermination. The Division of Early Learning reported about 275 children enrolled in School Readiness Plus as of March 10, with expenditures of about $161,420 through January 2025, and said participation is increasing. Members asked about the federal-state funding split, wait lists, reverted funds, coalition accountability, county-based rate differences, and whether the entrance eligibility threshold should be raised or shifted to state median income. The panel said roughly 70% of School Readiness funding is federal, about 4% has typically reverted in recent years, and the wait list is around 12,000 children, with reasons including income ineligibility, lack of available seats, and funding limits. They argued that raising the entrance threshold would expand access but would require additional funding, and they also discussed the need to reduce workforce barriers such as in-person testing and training requirements. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond the presentation and member discussion, and the subcommittee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Families and Children Committee has met and reports House Bill 669 should pass.
• Whereas an abundance of research shows that children who grow up in married, two-parent families are
• And whereas children with a promiscuity.
• poor, or bear children in their teens. poor, or bear children in their teens.
• All right, he's going to miss his photo op. The chair is preparing to sign Senate Bill 5.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care for children born alive. Life for children born alive.
• and giving children every shot that's... ...prioritize protecting children and giving children every
• So I obviously care about children. I also taught for 40 years. I love children. I love babies.
• So just know, I know you love children. I know your hearts toward children.
• We are the Children and Family Committee, and these children are why we are here.

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard testimony on Senate Bill 999, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson. Hudson said the bill was a revised substitute combining the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act with language from other bills dealing with domestic violence/no-contact orders, the Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Board, and cyber-harassment. He argued the born-alive provisions were needed to ensure infants born alive during or after an abortion receive the same care as any other child, and he cited a Canadian study and Missouri infanticide law as support. Committee members questioned him about the study, the scope of the bill, the medical duty of care, and the bill’s non-severability clause and multiple-subject concerns. Supporters included Missouri Right to Life, which said the bill was needed to protect babies born alive after abortion attempts and prevent confusion in medical settings. Opponents, including Abortion Action Missouri, argued the bill was a “trap law” designed to restrict abortion access, said no such situation was being documented in practice, and cited opposition from numerous medical organizations. An informational witness from Campaign Life Missouri said he supported the born-alive language but warned the added provisions and non-severability clause could make the bill vulnerable to a constitutional challenge and could jeopardize other enacted provisions if struck down. During executive session, members debated the bill’s purpose and political implications. Several members said they would vote no because they trusted Missouri medical providers and opposed adding more law to an already regulated area, while others said they supported the bill as a protection for children born alive. The committee then voted 12-4 to send Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 999 do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Miss Alice Davis Roberts, go ahead.
• Alice uh Davis Roberts go that uh Miss Alice uh Davis Roberts go ahead<00:02:49.120> and<00:02
• Thank you, Miss Roberts. David, members, any questions?
• Thank you, Miss Mishek.
• I have lots of experience with children I have lots of experience with children who<01:42:27.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have interviewed parents of children that survived from the relevant cabins that children died in.
• I have interviewed parents of children that survived from the relevant cabins that children died in.
• He comforted these families and these children.
• Every one of these children died in the river that night.
• “I’m missing anything here?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still missing a person. It’s 13-2. Um, yeah, Sofikitis is missing.
• We are still missing a person. It’s 13-2. Um, yeah, Sofikitis is missing. So, it’s...
• How are you, Miss Foss? >> Good afternoon. How are you, Miss Foss?
• for Miss Foss? for Miss Foss?
• children to agriculture. children to agriculture.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband, Jeb, and I live in Fayetteville, and we have two children who are no longer children.
• My husband, Jeb, and I live in Fayetteville, and we have two children who are no longer children.
• We like to say he didn't want to miss football season.
• Pete Gess, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
• I work hard to provide for my children.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, presented by Senator Jonathan Dismang as the next step in Arkansas’s long-running effort to reduce the state income tax rate. He said the bill would lower the rate from 7% to 3.7%, with the personal income tax change retroactive to January 1, 2026, and the corporate income tax change taking effect the following January. In response to a question, he estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their tax bill fall from roughly $3,600 to just over $2,000, or about a 45% reduction in effective tax rate. Several members of the public testified against the bill, arguing that further tax cuts would reduce revenue needed for education, health care, food assistance, housing, and disability services. Speakers included a clergy member and social worker from Little Rock, a parent describing the high cost of supported living services for her son with cerebral palsy, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They emphasized underfunded public schools, early childhood education waitlists, hospital and child care pressures, and the view that tax cuts disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while vulnerable Arkansans rely on state-funded services. In closing, Senator Dismang said the bill was part of a decade-long tax reduction effort and argued that Arkansas could be both compassionate and competitive without cutting essential services, noting the state was operating with a surplus. Senator Petty and Senator Boyd echoed support, saying the state should focus on outcomes, maintain competitiveness, and that no services would be cut. The committee then voted do pass on SB 1, and the bill passed by voice vote before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are Vermont children, and they need to be able to attend school in...
• These are other people's children, and they deserve our best work.
• Madam, I am tired and I miss my family.
• You have made a lasting impact on Vermont and on me, and I will miss you.
• of Vermont, and I truly am going to miss you.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, bill SB87 by Senator—uh, I think Miss Weaver, you had...
• Okay, would briefly—Miss Colan Madison, would you like to talk about your substitute briefly?
• Miss Coleman Madison, did you have a question? You said it removed the franchise language.
• You know, if it's all about the children, why are we not protecting our food?
• I'd like to ask Miss Paula Green to explain it, please.

Bills: HB194, SB87, SB237

Keywords: healthcare, advanced practice nursing, nurse collaboration, medical board, nursing board, committee structure, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC

Transcript Highlights:

• He is taking away health care from children.
• I missed some of the debates, some of the fireworks.
• Kids are missing out on learning, I'm missing out on work hours, I'm missing out on time that we need
• Children, 5,948 had religious or health exemptions.
• Miss? Okay. We're gonna.

Transcript Highlights:

• There needs to be an impetus for the children to apply.
• If they miss the paperwork, their kids don't eat.
• We support free school meals for all children.
• Thank you, Miss Franklin, for your testimony. Is there anyone else wishing to provide testimony?
• <01:13:47.920> are<01:13:48.239> at children are at children are at 265<01:13:50.800>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:25.840> Kelly Senator Hovie commending Miss Kelly Senator Hovie commending Miss Kelly
• hungry children and we have work to do. hungry children and we have work to do.
• do those children go? do those children go?
• Miss Lans, do you have an you. Miss Lans, do you have an amendment? amendment? amendment?
• I said, "Take this to Miss Hall." I said, "Take this to Miss Hall."

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not protect children or parents.
• to my children.
• In the State of Florida, we protect minor children.
• And when these children, the minor children. I will repeat it.
• Minor children are getting sex reassignment treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I HATE TO HAVE MISSED ALL THAT BUT I GOT THE TAIL END, EXCITING STUFF.
• THAT'S JUST FOR CHILDREN.
• WE THINK THAT IS PROBABLY THE MISSING COMPONENT OF THE BILL.
• THEY ARE CHILDREN AND THEY ARE SENIORS AND PEOPLE IN BETWEEN.
• AND SAID YOU CAN'T SELL PRODUCTS ATTRACTIVE TO CHILDREN, CHILDREN ARE STILL GETTING PRODUCTS CLEARLY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, the children of governor-elect Kelly Ayotte, by the way, dude.
• Joseph her children Joseph her children family family family members<00:40:29.720> and<00
• I want to thank your children for your dedicated service to our state.
• As a parent, our life's work is our children.
• have the freedom to put their children have the freedom to put their children in<01:11:25.480>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Winters started with her grandson Colin 9 years ago.
• And Miss to be part of your family.
• Well,<01:48:35.320> Miss<01:48:35.600> Winters, Well, Miss Winters, Well, Miss Winters,
• , carried bills, protected children, carried bills, protected children, everything<01:54:14.320><
• abortion of children in the womb. abortion of children in the womb.

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both my beautiful children are gone.
• They're murdering our children, and something needs to be done.
• We have to protect our children.
• Why should we hold children to a higher standard?
• We miss you. Mr. Hoover, the floor is yours.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.