Transcript Highlights:

• To be very candid, with significant underfunded basic education by the state, to limit how much a district
• To be very candid, with significant underfunded basic education by the state, to limit how much a district

Summary: The House Education Committee heard public testimony on three bills focused on school district finances and education ombuds confidentiality. House Bill 2593, an OSPI request, would require school districts to maintain minimum general fund balances beginning in the 2031 school year, with OSPI calculating district-specific amounts and adopting rules. It would also require monthly financial reporting starting in 2028-29 and allow OSPI to withhold apportionment for late reporting or require repayment plans if districts fall below the minimum. Supporters, including OSPI and the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to prevent districts from reaching binding financial conditions and to provide earlier intervention; opponents from WASDA, rural districts, and school boards argued it would reduce local control, create cash-flow problems, and impose rigid limits that do not fit different district circumstances. Several witnesses also raised concerns about the proposed maximum fund balance and the impact on districts with enrollment volatility, federal impact aid, or special project savings needs. The committee also heard House Bill 2551, which would let school districts with estimated ending fund balances at or below 3% of revenues seek OSPI approval to sell real property before entering binding financial conditions, with proceeds used to restore solvency rather than being deposited into capital or debt service funds. The prime sponsor and Tacoma School District testified that the bill would give districts flexibility to avoid deeper fiscal distress, while OSPI said it supported the concept but suggested a higher threshold and broader minimum fund balance policy. Testimony in opposition or concern focused on the risk of selling appreciating assets, the possibility of one-time sales being used to solve ongoing budget problems, and the need for stronger state funding rather than asset liquidation. The committee also heard House Bill 2440, which would make identifying information in Office of Education Ombuds complaint records confidential, allow limited disclosure by consent or under legislative or gubernatorial subpoena, and require release of a complainant’s own records with redactions; the bill was supported by the ombuds office and its sponsor as a way to protect complainants and encourage reporting. No votes or executive actions were taken. The committee closed the public hearings after hearing testimony and recorded sign-ins, and the chair noted that the bills could be eligible for executive action beginning the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we need great candidates for those jobs all the time because they are short-term appointments, and
• Getting more great candidates from New Mexico would be fantastic.

Bills: HB1 , HB1

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• And there are very few water districts that are hostile takeover candidates.
• Or hostile takeover candidates, most water districts, if they're a small public water district, they

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The Utilities Committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1917 on a 15-0 vote, with one member present and eight absent. The chair noted that members were also working on separate legislation to clarify how detachment from a district would occur, and encouraged input on that effort. The committee then moved into public hearings. House Bill 2000, sponsored by Rep. Martin, would allow public sewer districts to notify delinquent customers by first-class mail instead of certified mail before disconnection. The sponsor and sewer district witnesses argued this would save money, improve efficiency, and still provide adequate notice because customers already receive monthly bills and often do not pick up certified mail. Opponents, including Consumers Council of Missouri, argued certified mail provides an important warning in crisis situations and that sewer delinquency can lead to serious consequences such as water shutoff or liens. The bill also drew questions about whether first-class mail is actually trackable and how sewer disconnections work in practice. House Bill 2397, sponsored by Rep. Bromley, would change the process for dissolving and selling public water districts by allowing a board option to lower the voter approval threshold from two-thirds to four-sevenths, while also adding board approval and other safeguards. Supporters, including Missouri-American Water, the Missouri Chamber, and Missouri Energy Development Association, said the bill would help struggling districts sell systems, improve reliability, and reflect a compromise with added local control. Opponents, including the Missouri Rural Water Association and Association of Water Districts, argued the two-thirds threshold should remain because districts are valuable public assets and the change could make it easier for private companies to acquire them. The committee also heard concerns about ballot language, proceeds from sales, and whether the Public Service Commission’s oversight would remain in place. House Bill 2382, sponsored by Rep. Simmons, would eliminate sales tax on residential-only utility bills. The sponsor said utilities are essential services and should not be subject to what he described as double taxation, and he argued local governments could find other revenue sources. Supporters said the bill would provide relief to households and reduce taxes on basic necessities. Opponents, including the Missouri Municipal League, city officials, and municipal utility representatives, said the tax is voter-approved revenue that helps fund police, fire, roads, and other essential services, especially in smaller communities with limited tax bases. The Department of Revenue clarified that the tax currently applies to 544 cities, 106 counties, and one hospital district. The hearing concluded without further action on HB 2382.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the requirement to have any number of candidates go through this procedure and then shift that
• This bill allows an unelected board to disqualify candidates and remove elected sheriffs from office

Bills: SB5865 , SB5880 , SB5912 , SB5855 , SB6011 , SB6009 , SB5868 , SB5974

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: garnishment, debt, form standardization, financial protection, legal processes, toxicology testing, laboratories, accreditation, public health, standards, indigent defense, task force, criminal justice, legal aid, public defense, face coverings, law enforcement, public safety, civil liberties, court security

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the requirement to have any number of candidates go through this procedure and then shift that
• Joe Crete concluded that the bill allows an unelected board to disqualify candidates and remove elected

Summary: The committee first took up executive action on several bills. SB 5865 on garnishment forms was amended to require the Washington Pattern Forms Committee to finish the new forms by December 31, 2026, with an effective date of January 1, 2027; a competing amendment was withdrawn, and the bill received a due pass recommendation. SB 5880 on toxicology testing by certified laboratories was amended to clarify that local governments may accept private donations to help fund ISO-IEC 17025 testing, without requiring them to do so, and it also received a due pass recommendation. SB 5912 to reinstate the Indigent Defense Task Force was amended to remove legislators from the task force, add members, revise duties and reporting, and adjust staffing and reimbursement provisions; it too was advanced. SB 5855 on law enforcement face coverings drew extensive amendment debate. The committee rejected amendments that would have narrowed mask exceptions, added weather/environmental language, created a private right of action against federal officers, and established a claims account for officers, but adopted the proposed substitute and sent the bill forward on a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard public testimony on SB 6011, which would let Court of Appeals bailiffs conduct threat assessments and access certain criminal history information for Court of Appeals judges and staff, mirroring authority already given to Supreme Court bailiffs. The bill’s sponsor and the acting chief judge for Division I said the change would address increasing threats and allow bailiffs to investigate and refer matters efficiently; there was no opposition testimony. SB 6009, which would make permanent direct-review procedures for certain administrative and land-use decisions, was described as a successful COVID-era process that reduces unnecessary court steps and conserves resources. The sponsor and a Court of Appeals judge supported making the sunset provisions permanent, and testimony was generally favorable. Public hearing also continued on SB 5868, which would add one Superior Court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties. Court officials, county leaders, and the Administrative Office of the Courts testified that both counties have growing caseloads, trial delays, and backlogs, and that the counties had budgeted their share of the cost. The committee then heard SB 5974, which would add eligibility requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals, restrict the use of volunteers and specially commissioned officers, and clarify duties of sheriffs. Supporters argued the bill would improve professionalism, accountability, and public trust, especially in immigrant and survivor communities. Opponents, including several sheriffs, cities, and counties, argued it would undermine local control and voter authority, impose costly background checks, and raise constitutional concerns. Public testimony on SB 5974 closed when time expired, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's kind of my extent of my knowledge on this topic, if I'm being very candid.
• And so that's kind of my extent of my knowledge on this topic, if I'm being very candid.

Bills: S7010

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments. Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate your candidness as a member of LFC, and as we passed out the budget last week, you're exactly
• They're looking at taking a chunk of, and this is me being candid with all of you in terms of what I

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• people with disabilities, among other groups that he has disparaged routinely since he's been a candidate
• people with disabilities, among other groups that he has disparaged routinely since he's been a candidate

Transcript Highlights:

• And so is it a road diet candidate? Is it a complete streets candidate? Is it part of a local plan?

Transcript Highlights:

• And so in that way, I don't think we have any trouble finding candidates.
• In that way, I don't think we have any trouble finding candidates.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management held a joint informational hearing focused on maximizing the value of state cybersecurity investments, especially by fully using security features already included in existing vendor contracts. The first panel included representatives from Microsoft, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks, who described the products and services they provide to California and generally agreed that agencies often have strong adoption in some areas but still face challenges from tool overlap, limited staff, lack of awareness of available features, and the need for ongoing training and configuration support. They also discussed major threats such as ransomware, data loss, attack-surface exposure, IoT/OT vulnerabilities, and the growing role of AI in both attacks and defenses. Members pressed the vendors on whether state departments underuse purchased cybersecurity tools, how to improve utilization, and how to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage. The vendors said utilization is often constrained by staffing, procurement complexity, and the need to align tools with agency missions and maturity levels, but emphasized that training, leadership buy-in, and regular vendor-agency collaboration can improve results. They also discussed how AI can help with phishing triage, data-loss prevention, and security operations, while warning that agencies must manage AI safely and with human oversight. The second panel featured officials from the Department of Technology, Cal OES/CalSIC, and the California Military Department. They described statewide oversight efforts including audits, independent security assessments, continuous monitoring, advisory services, vulnerability disclosure programs, and workforce development initiatives such as the Information Security Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Education Summit. Officials said some underutilization is real, but it is often tied to differing agency maturity, overlapping tools, and deliberate feature restrictions to reduce attack surface and complexity; they emphasized a balanced approach using people, process, and technology, with plans of action and milestones to hold departments accountable. They also noted federal uncertainty around MS-ISAC and the state and local cybersecurity grant program, saying California is advocating through federal partners and monitoring the impact. The hearing ended after public comment and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the candidates coming up for parole don't candidates coming up for parole don't make it easy for

Bills: HB202 , HB42 , HB146 , HB492 , HB285 , HB7 , HB454 , HB42 , HB7

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• When decisions happen behind closed doors, we lose the opportunity to evaluate candidates against our
• Does this candidate understand Florida's unique educational landscape?

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of education bills focused on transparency, accountability, attendance, school start times, student well-being, and career planning. HB 1321, by Rep. Salsman, would remove public-records and public-meeting exemptions for university presidential searches, eliminate the Board of Governors from those searches, require Board of Governors members to file full financial disclosures and be Florida residents, and expand syllabus posting requirements; it passed 15-0. HB 1079, by Rep. Botana, as amended, broadened eligibility for dropout retrieval programs to include students who withdrew and did not reengage in education, and it also passed 15-0 after a strike-all amendment and supportive testimony from a program provider. The committee also approved PCS for HB 969, by Rep. Kassel, which shifts evaluation of school mental health services to the Department of Children and Families and requires more detailed outcome data, surveys, and reporting related to the Mental Health Assistance Allocation program; it passed 15-0. HB 1367, by Rep. Booth, creates a statewide attendance policy with uniform definitions and reporting requirements to address chronic absenteeism; it passed 15-1 after support from business and education groups and some concern about state control over district policy. PCS for HB 261, by Rep. Gerwig, revises the 2023 middle and high school start-time law by allowing districts to document compliance efforts and unintended consequences rather than fully meet the mandated later start times; it passed 16-0. The most debated bill was HB 1483, by Rep. Valdez, which would align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar 90/80/70/60 letter-grade standard over a five-year transition and require school grades to appear on student report cards. Supporters argued the current scale is misleading and too lenient, while opponents warned it would sharply increase failing school labels, create costs and turnaround mandates, and confuse parents and students. Despite extensive testimony from school board members, teachers, students, and advocacy groups on both sides, the bill passed 12-4. The committee then quickly approved HB 1245, a one-year Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program for three universities with the highest share of Pell-eligible students, and HB 571, which expands career planning, paid work experience, and credit-transfer review for students; both passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like in mayoral elections, when we don't hear candidates talking about education. because they wouldn't
• will head to the polls without a clear understanding of who will be accountable for education, and candidates

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Look, we're just a few days into the Trump administration and already seen a huge gap between what candidates
• So President Trump was very clear that he's going to govern in a way that is different than candidate

Committee: Senate Senate Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• And by the way, on the competence issue, let's be candid, this was a deal where Mr.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had some pretty fierce arguments over that period of time, but I can say that both of these candidates

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Just, I mean, but it's either it's, and I'm just being very candid with you and Mr. Hull and Mr.
• </c><01:07:08.960><c> with</c><01:07:09.119><c> you</c> and I'm just being very candid with you and I'm
• just being very candid with you and<01:07:09.440><c> Mr.
• So some of those have been, you know, private testing in a room with just that one licensee candidate
• </c><01:52:30.719><c> um</c> with just that one lensure candidate um with just that one lensure candidate

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• They are, I'm being very candid here, but they're ridiculous.
• c><00:07:47.280><c> I'm</c><00:07:47.599><c> being</c><00:07:47.759><c> very</c><00:07:48.080><c> candid
• They are I'm being very candid joke.
• They are I'm being very candid here<00:07:48.639><c> but</c><00:07:48.880><c> they're</c> here but they're
• ,</c><02:08:17.119><c> assuming</c> I want to be completely candid, assuming I want to be completely

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, this one—and I'm guessing the next one—are they good candidates for doing something similar, given
• ><01:52:53.840><c> are</c><01:52:54.040><c> they</c><01:52:54.239><c> good</c><01:52:54.560><c> candidates
• </c> the next one are they good candidates the next one are they good candidates for<01:52:55.239><c>
• Would this be a decent candidate for consideration of just moving into RSA instead of repeating it in
• for consideration of just candidate for consideration of just moving<02:03:31.800><c> into</c><02:03

Summary: The meeting began as a Division 3 work session on HB 71, but much of the early discussion focused on whether a previously discussed non-germane amendment could be considered or voted on that day. Members and the chair debated process and notice requirements, and the clerk’s guidance was that the amendment needed a separate public hearing before the full Finance Committee. The amendment was described as requiring DHHS contracts and addenda to include compliance with the Patient Bill of Rights, with a repeal date so the requirement would expire on November 30, 2026. The motion to move OTP on HB 71 with the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee agreed the amendment would be scheduled for a future full Finance hearing instead. The committee then turned to HB 71 itself and heard testimony from DHHS representatives John Williams and Jenny O’Higgins on the fiscal note and policy implications. Members questioned the estimate that the bill could put $12 million to $18 million per year in federal funding at risk, including HUD and Office of Refugee Resettlement funds. DHHS explained that the estimate was based on a broad reading of the bill’s term “specified alien,” which they said was not clearly defined in the bill, so they analyzed it using the federal definition of “alien” and assumed the bill could affect lawfully present non-citizens as well as undocumented individuals. They said the figure represented a worst-case scenario and that they were not claiming the loss was certain. Members also pressed DHHS on whether the bill could affect emergency sheltering in schools, public academies, or institutions of higher learning during disasters. DHHS said the language could create conflicts with federal funding conditions because emergency shelter programs generally cannot impose barriers on who may be sheltered, and they warned that excluding certain people could affect refugee-related and HUD funding. Questions were raised about whether the bill’s language would apply to private institutions as well as public ones, and whether the state could still use schools in short-term emergencies. DHHS said the language was broad, that they could not answer every legal question definitively, and that they would need input from public health and legal staff. No final vote on HB 71 was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/work session mode after the amendment motion was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• CPA candidates for lensure for CPAs.
• or candidates committees.
• or candidates committees.
• </c><00:40:08.560><c> or</c> contribute to, um, candidates or contribute to, um, candidates or candidates
• All this bill candidates committees.