Transcript Highlights:

• Alice Taylor Morgan, same-race Black adoptee. I support this bill. Thank you.
• So one aspect is, yes, of course, race, gender, identity, things like that.
• Besides race and gender and identities in those aspects, we also want to know who they are as a human
• “Yes, they would still get city, county, hospital, and race.” “Yes.
• And it's more than just race and gender and religion and culture and things like that.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 490 by Senator Umberg, which would require the Department of Health Care Services to investigate allegations of unlicensed sober living or residential recovery facilities within set timelines, issue notices promptly, and conduct follow-up site visits. Supporters, including a Garden Grove councilmember and the League of California Cities, said the bill would improve public safety, clarify enforcement, and address complaints about illegal operations in neighborhoods. County behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, arguing counties lack jurisdiction over these private facilities, could face liability and unfunded workload increases, and should not be pulled into enforcement responsibilities that belong to the state. After extensive discussion about whether the bill creates a county role or merely a pathway for local assistance, the committee passed SB 490 on an 8-0 vote and placed it on call for missing members. The committee then heard SB 381 by Senator Wahab, which would allow adult adoptees, and in some cases descendants of adoptees, to obtain their original birth certificates, create a contact preference form for birth parents, and remove current limits that omit certain birth information from amended certificates. The bill drew strong support from adoptees, birth parents, and advocates who said access to original records is a matter of identity, dignity, and health because it can reveal family medical history and cultural background. Several committee members expressed support for the goal but raised concerns about privacy, the potential emotional impact on birth parents, and whether the contact preference form adequately protects confidentiality. The author and supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored, that the form is nonbinding, and that many birth parents are open to contact; they also noted the bill had been amended to delay implementation and allow public notice. The transcript ends amid continued debate, with members indicating the bill would continue moving forward with further work, but no final vote is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alice Taylor Morgan, same-race Black adoptee. I support this bill. Thank you. Thank you.
• So one aspect is, yes, of course, race, gender, identity, things like that.
• Besides race and gender and identities in those aspects, we also want to know who they are as a human
• Yes, they would still get city, county, hospital, and race. Yes.
• And it's more than just race and gender and religion and culture and things like that.

Committee: Senate Health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw high rates of hate against people because of their race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender
• So the way that the report categorizes it, it's based on race, religion, and different bias types.
• So it's an anti-race, color, creed, gender, whatever it is.” “That's correct.
• Jackson, and the members of the Select Committee on Race, Hate, and Xenophobia. Good afternoon.
• We know that race is a social construct.

Summary: The Select Committee on Hate, Racism, and Xenophobia met to examine the scope of hate activity in California and hear from state agencies, commissions, and community organizations. The chair opened by framing hate as a persistent crisis affecting many protected groups, and Assembly Member Gonzalez briefly joined the committee. The first panel included the California Department of Justice and the California Commission on the State of Hate, both of which presented recent data and policy recommendations. The Department of Justice reported that in 2024 California saw 2,023 reported hate crime events, 2,568 hate crime offenses, and 2,491 victims, with anti-Black bias remaining the most common category, followed by anti-Jewish and anti-Latino bias. DOJ also said referrals for prosecution increased, and it described its hate-crimes guidance, rapid response protocol, and multilingual resources. The Commission on the State of Hate said hate is undercounted in law enforcement data and cited a survey suggesting about 2.6 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year, including more than half a million potentially criminal incidents. It recommended permanent data infrastructure, mandatory law enforcement training, and continued funding for community-based prevention and victim support. The committee then heard testimony from representatives of the NAACP, LULAC, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, CARE, Equality California, and the Racial Equity Commission. Witnesses described systemic racism, anti-immigrant enforcement, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian bias, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate, often linking these harms to political rhetoric, social media, and federal actions. They urged the Legislature to fund programs such as California vs. Hate, Stop the Hate, nonprofit security grants, language access, school and mental health supports, and legal assistance, while also protecting civil rights, due process, and free speech. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing, but members indicated they would request additional recommendations and continue the discussion in future hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, we all hate, hate, be it on the basis of someone's religion, race, or anything else.
• Cultural Marxism divides the room by immutable characteristics, principally by race.
• theory is and they'll say well there's no class on critical race theory well there doesn't need to be
• in critical race theory, which, again, is based in cultural Marxism.
• Is it better to clarify what constitutes actual discrimination on the basis of race or national origin

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: anti-Semitism, hate crimes, college campuses, civil rights, public safety, protests, intimidation

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.

Transcript Highlights:

• We would still have the favorable incentives for those who have an option of where to buy their cigarettes
• </c><00:03:10.560><c> for</c><00:03:10.800><c> those</c> have the favorable incentives for those have
• the favorable incentives for those who<00:03:11.760><c> have</c><00:03:11.920><c> an</c><00:03:12.159
• Whether the machine deals cards or plays horse races or is a slot machine.
• Whether the machine deals cards or plays horse races or is a slot machine.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's caused an arms race where people are having to raise more money.
• They don't have to spend $100 million against you in your next race.
• And so, I mean, you can, in some ways... ...in your next race.
• I'll tell you, in my city council first race and in my Assembly race, we had a local billionaire who
• Races would be so much more affordable for working-class people.

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Finance met as a subcommittee at first due to a lack of quorum, then established quorum and proceeded with an informational hearing on AB 1984 by Assemblymember Rogers. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce the influence of money in politics by limiting political spending by corporations and other state-created entities, with supporters arguing that Citizens United has fueled dark money, eroded public trust, and distorted democracy. Testimony in support came from the author, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Nancy Price of the Alliance for Democracy, and several advocacy groups and individuals, who emphasized corruption concerns, the need for transparency, and the view that the bill would make elections more accountable and less dominated by anonymous spending. Committee members raised concerns about constitutionality, the definition of covered entities, and whether the bill could unintentionally favor wealthy individuals or independent expenditures over ordinary candidates. Assemblymember Rubio argued that the measure could disadvantage candidates from poorer districts and shift power toward self-funded or IE-backed campaigns, while Assemblymember Schiavo and others noted the corrosive effect of dark money and the difficulty of running in a system shaped by large outside spending. The author and witnesses responded that the bill would not eliminate all spending, but would require spending to come from identifiable individuals and reduce anonymous corporate and dark-money channels. Opposition testimony came from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill would be unconstitutional under First Amendment precedent and would silence businesses and nonprofits rather than solve the underlying problem. Additional opposition was voiced by the California Building Industry Association and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. The committee also briefly considered and passed the consent calendar, including AB 2607, by roll call vote. The hearing on AB 1984 remained informational only, and no vote was taken on the bill before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, whoever wins that race, the AI race, may be the winner when it comes to national defense.
• there's tremendous opportunities for monies from the government, not just the ... whoever wins that race
• whoever wins that race the<00:10:51.320><c> AI</c><00:10:51.640><c> race</c><00:10:52.560><c> um</c>
• the AI race um the AI race um may<00:10:53.600><c> be</c><00:10:53.760><c> the</c><00:10:53.880><c>

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• George Floyd’s death forced this country to confront race and justice.
• Just this week, the Attorney General issued an opinion calling race-based protections unconstitutional
• This should give all of us pause about how race, rights, and rhetoric are being treated in this moment
• That moment forced this nation to confront race and justice in a very real and new way.
• That moment forced this nation to confront race and justice in a very real and new way.

Bills: S0194 , S1246

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, remembrance, free speech, civic engagement, youth leadership, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum and first considered SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s Line Fund for health service workforce shortages. Senator Davis explained that the bill would broaden eligibility beyond nursing to include health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit use of funds for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which professions would qualify, and Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility but could be made more concrete. Several witnesses supported the bill, and the committee reported SB 1246 favorably without additional funding being requested. The committee then took up SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday. The bill drew both support and opposition from public speakers, with supporters emphasizing Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and unborn children, and opponents arguing that his public statements on race, civil rights, and Black leaders made him an inappropriate figure for state honor. Members also debated whether statute was the right vehicle for such recognition and whether the bill could encourage future requests for similar commemorations. A late-filed amendment by Senator Jones would have added George Floyd to the remembrance language, framing the issue as selective remembrance and pointing to Floyd’s death as another national reckoning. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated SB 194 at length, with supporters describing Kirk as a defender of open debate and opponents saying the bill would legitimize divisive rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported SB 194 favorably, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones voting no, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Simon voting yes, and Chair Calatayud casting the deciding favorable vote. The committee then adjourned after a motion to record Tab 2 in the affirmative was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Walter Elliott said this: 'Perseverance is not a long race.
• It is many short races, one after another.'
• As we tackle one short race at a time, give us the perseverance to keep trotting.
• As we tackle one short race at a time, give us the perseverance to keep trotting ahead.

Summary: The House convened, completed roll call with 69 members present and one absence, then opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. No substantive legislation was taken up during the meeting. The only formal action on the floor was approval of the House Journal for the third legislative day, which passed by voice vote after a motion and second. During announcements, members were informed that single-scoop ice cream was available in the back room courtesy of the Idaho Farm Bureau Foundation. The clerk also read the committee schedule, noting several committees would meet later that day while others would not meet on Thursday or Friday. With no further business, a member moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote, and the House adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Walter Elliott said this: Perseverance is not a long race.
• It is many short races, one after another.
• As we tackle one short race at a time, give us the perseverance to keep trotting.
• As we tackle one short race at a time, give us the perseverance to keep trotting ahead.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:38:56.560><c> sex,</c> discriminate on the basis of race, sex, discriminate on the basis of
• race, sex, or<00:38:57.119><c> other</c><00:38:57.359><c> things.
• to do it on have plenty of incentive to do it on their<03:49:14.239><c> own.
• People have incentives to report data that furthers the purposes of their organization.
• People have incentives to report data that furthers the purposes of their organization.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee’s higher education subcommittee met to discuss HB 443, HB 510, and related issues. The chair explained the subcommittee membership and noted that Representative Luno was absent and replaced by Representative Bricky, with other full committee members allowed to participate in discussion but not final votes. No votes were taken during this meeting, and the chair said final subcommittee recommendations would likely come in the first week of November. On HB 443, which concerns terms of appointment to the Higher Education Commission, the chair described the bill as intended to let the governor replace members who are not attending or no longer representing the appointing organization. He said the prior governor supported the idea, but the current governor’s office believes the bill is unnecessary because nonattendance or loss of representation would already amount to resignation or removal. Members raised questions about legal authority and whether the same principle should apply to other boards. The chair said he was leaning toward finding the bill not needed, but would continue discussion later. The committee then spent most of the meeting on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty at public higher education institutions and address collective bargaining issues. Supporters, including Representatives Papovich and Brown, argued the bill would provide clear, minimum protections, especially because campus rules are lengthy and vary by institution; Brown also suggested adding an independent ombudsman or representation for students. Opponents, including Representatives Burton and Bricky, said existing campus regulations already provide due process and that the bill could interfere with campus governance and collective bargaining. The chair and others discussed whether the bill’s definitions should be aligned with existing law to avoid confusion, and several members suggested using existing statutory definitions or cross-references. The chair also said the bill would apply only when disciplinary action is involved, not as a general challenge to DEI policies, though members referenced recent national examples involving DEI-related disputes as context.

Transcript Highlights:

• a partisan race.
• I can think of no more important race that voters should know your agenda is than the school board race
• All races are partisan.
• races and school board races, community college districts, hospital districts, and multi-county water
• Political races are partisan.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum as Doctor of the Day, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, a veterans treatment court judge, and Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first/second readings before beginning a long third-reading calendar. Members considered and voted on a wide range of bills covering tax administration, groundwater and water rights, licensing timeframes, homicide, school employee transparency, mining, retirement system cleanup, utility regulation, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, veterinary board changes, geological survey reorganization, court fees, real estate licensing, probation, and several education-related appropriations and policy measures. Many bills passed on largely party-line votes, while others passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. Several members explained votes on issues such as superintendent contract transparency, ESA administration funding, mining reclamation, water supply and drought policy, motorcycle safety, AI and adult-content verification, and abortion-pill coercion. The House also passed multiple concurrent resolutions and memorials, including measures on election administration, Judea and Samaria, Route 66, and a memorial to rename State Route 69. Election-related debate was especially pointed, with supporters arguing for precinct-based voting and opponents warning of cost, reduced access, and logistical burdens. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of measures on Calendar No. 1, starting with HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:39.279><c> uh</c><00:14:39.639><c> 21.5</c><00:14:40.639><c> million</c><00:14:41.000><c> in</c> races
• </c><00:14:41.800><c> race</c><00:14:42.560><c> um</c><00:14:42.759><c> $8.4</c><00:14:43.639><c> million
• </c><00:14:44.639><c> in</c> the governor's race um $8.4 million in the governor's race um $8.4 million
• in the<00:14:45.000><c> Attorney</c><00:14:45.440><c> General's</c><00:14:46.000><c> race</c><00:14:
• race those are all<00:14:47.279><c> outside</c><00:14:48.199><c> spending</c><00:14:49.199><c> and</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just certainly to do is sell selection is is not picking and choosing if you will, based on on race
• And so there are race and ethnicity, information that that we collect.
• And so the Hispanic non-Hispanic is considered an ethnicity rather than a race.
• Thank you know, where do they fall on the race?
• So they're not on the chart there because the demographics look at race and we reported by racing, not

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Costs have gone up, but the current expenditure limit for House races is still under $24,000.
• Too many races, candidates run unopposed, and that doesn't contribute to a healthy democracy.
• or even some of the mayor and prosecuting attorney races.
• Aloha. concern removing the county races from concern removing the county races from uh<01:21:14.880>
• </c><01:21:47.280><c> or</c> governor lieutenant governor races or governor lieutenant governor races

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal within the language also had a 70% benchmark for all race and ethnicity groups.
• </c> deeper within uh within large race deeper within uh within large race categories<00:14:56.959><c
• </c><00:15:11.600><c> category</c> look at kind of a larger race category look at kind of a larger race
• </c> within a larger race within a larger race category<00:15:32.160><c> and</c><00:15:32.319><c> this
• If so, do we also have that data broken down by race?

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have ambulances at registered races and AMA events, so that is being taken care of.
• gloves, even though he was not allowed to race.
• Massachusetts has two types of tracks: race tracks and practice tracks.
• Race tracks are regulated, insured, and operate organized events.
• A flagger alerts the control room and stops the race via radio. A track manager dials 911.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several public safety bills, with testimony first on S.2681, Colby’s Law, which would establish safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Supporters, including the family of a child killed at a track, argued the bill is needed because some tracks lack basic protections such as barriers, emergency plans, on-site medical staff, and adequate track maintenance. A motocross track representative opposed the bill as overregulation that could impose major costs and argued existing safety efforts and voluntary safety committees are preferable. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S.2680, which would expand emergency preparedness requirements around aging nuclear power plants and nuclear waste sites from a 10-mile to a 50-mile radius. Supporters from Cape Cod Downwinders, Massachusetts Peace Action, physicians, and other advocates said current law is outdated and insufficient, citing risks from radioactive waste storage, limited federal oversight, and the need for broader evacuation and emergency planning. Testifiers urged the bill’s passage, and no action was taken. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Protect Act, H.5158, dealing with limits on cooperation between state/local agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement. Sheriffs testified about how ICE detainers and notification requests work in practice, emphasizing discretion, public safety, and the difference between sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees. Supporters from labor, education, and health care groups said immigrant communities are living in fear and asked for stronger protections, including bans on 287(g) agreements and clearer limits on ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The hearing also included testimony on H.4697 regarding training and certification of constables and civil deputy sheriffs, with the Hampshire County sheriff saying sheriffs are already working with POST and MPTC on training standards and that the bill may be duplicative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did I hear you correctly say that the maps were not based on race?
• You don't think the maps were about race?
• So you're making. it about race again. No, I didn't make it about race.
• You all made it about race when you put race in the maps. Unrelated to the resolution, I believe.
• blind doesn't make you any less race conscious.

Bills: SB 1 , HCR 20 , HR 131 , HR 133 , HR 135 , HR 136 , HR 137 , HR 144 , HR 145 , HR 146 , HR 149 , HR 150 , HR 151 , HR 152 , HR 158 , HR 161 , HR 162 , HR 163 , HR 165 , HR 166 , HR 168 , HR 169 , HR 170 , HR 175 , HR 178 , HR 127 , HR 129 , HR 130 , HR 132 , HR 134 , HR 138 , HR 139 , HR 140 , HR 141 , HR 142 , HR 143 , HR 153 , HR 154 , HR 155 , HR 156 , HR 159 , HR 160 , HR 164 , HR 167 , HR 172 , HR 173 , HR 176 , SB 1 , HB 8 , HB 15 , HB 27 , SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• You might know about the juvenile justice incentives that the administration is doing now.
• law, the State Police Gaming Division, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation, and the Louisiana State Racing

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 12 and took up a series of bills, mostly on juvenile justice, gaming-related background checks, bail/electronic bonds, and corrections policy. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably SB 258 on juvenile traffic violations, SB 321 on electronic bonds, SB 134 on limiting certain child sexual abuse material offenses for juveniles under 17 in specific circumstances, HB 75 on promotional play for racetracks as amended, and SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain fourth-offense impaired driving cases. Later, the committee also advanced SB 440 on the Renaissance District board membership, SB 393 on explosives regulation, SB 487 on charitable gaming rental arrangements, SB 339 and SB 288 on criminal background check procedures in the gaming and related regulatory systems, and SB 325 on excluding certain persons from sports wagering. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 201, which would change juvenile homicide sentencing procedures, including first- and second-degree murder cases, and how reviewing courts consider parole eligibility and prior death sentences converted to life. Supporters said the bill aligns sentencing with existing Supreme Court precedent and gives courts clearer guidance; opponents from children’s rights and civil liberties groups argued it weakens the “rarest and uncommon” safeguard for juvenile life-without-parole sentences and could expand harsh sentencing beyond constitutional limits. After debate and testimony, the committee adopted an amendment and reported SB 201 favorably by a 7-3 vote, with Representatives Adams, Knox, Moore, and others voting no. The committee also heard SB 523 on clemency and sentencing considerations for defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Survivors’ advocates and domestic violence organizations supported the bill’s overall purpose but objected to the mandatory pre-sentence investigation language, warning it could introduce biased information and harm survivors; the Board of Pardons and Parole said its staff and trauma-informed victim assistance coordinators are trained to handle these cases. The committee adopted an amendment narrowing the bill and then reported SB 523 favorably. Finally, SB 320 on DNA detection and crime lab reporting was advanced without opposition, and SB 470 on pregnant women in custody passed after testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and discussion of pregnancy testing, bonding options, and prohibiting shackling during delivery and postpartum periods.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe the unallocated $485 million, $200 million of that, should go in an incentive grant program
• Disabled students, particularly those who live at the intersection of race and disability, are often,

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals for universal school meals, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), and community schools. On universal meals, the Department of Education supported continued funding for the Universal School Meals Program and a fourth round of Kitchen Infrastructure and Training Grants, citing meal-count growth, improved meal service, and the need to offset federal uncertainty, inflation, and reduced direct certification tied to immigration-related policy changes. The LAO recommended rejecting another kitchen grant round, arguing prior rounds are still being spent and the state has not clearly defined unmet need. Members also raised concerns about the state’s ability to backfill federal meal funding and about how federal requirements affect programs like Summer EBT/SUN Bucks. Public commenters largely supported school meals and kitchen investments, with some urging support for plant-based milk options and continued infrastructure funding. For ELOP, the Department of Finance proposed $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding, including $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended going further and fully fixing the Tier 2 rate, saying rate uncertainty complicates district planning. CDE supported the proposal and said the program has improved attendance and academic outcomes, while noting new CalPADS reporting will provide more data soon. Senators discussed whether ELOP should remain a standalone program or be folded into LCFF, and whether the state should require stronger outcome reporting. Public testimony generally backed stabilizing Tier 2 funding, but some speakers urged more support for older youth and more timely, user-friendly reporting. On community schools, the administration proposed $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding to expand the model to thousands more schools and to support existing grantees, along with stronger technical assistance, statewide alignment, and an accreditation/self-certification framework. The LAO recommended continuing the current one-time grant approach instead of creating a new ongoing categorical program, warning about reduced flexibility, administrative burden, and the state’s capacity to support a much larger cohort. CDE supported the ongoing investment but asked for additional county office and technical assistance funding. Senators and public commenters were broadly supportive of community schools, emphasizing improved attendance, graduation, and student engagement, while also debating accountability, accreditation, and whether non-classroom-based charter schools should be eligible. Public testimony strongly favored ongoing funding and highlighted community schools’ role in mental health, family engagement, and wraparound supports.