Transcript Highlights:

• There's lots of roads in my district, but no freeways. Yeah, and I actually was in your district.
• Representative Jamila Taylor, 30th District.
• The Abernowsky-28 District. Folks, I'm David— The 28th District. Folks, I'm Dave Paul.
• Work with the local flood districts.
• But instead of the flood districts, if you're working with conservation districts who may already be

Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an organizational session and received a presentation from Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries staff on recovery from the December atmospheric river storms. Committee members were introduced, and staff outlined a new process for submitting proviso and project requests through an online app, with members directed to work through their caucus policy staff. The chair also announced caucus meetings and noted staff changes for the session. WSDOT and WSF described emergency response operations, including statewide activations, damage assessment, and the use of emergency declarations to speed repairs. Staff explained how they pursue federal reimbursement through FHWA Emergency Relief and, separately, FEMA for debris removal, while noting that permanent repairs still require environmental clearances. They reported more than 50 emergency work orders, 16 emergency contracts, about 107 road sites closed at one point, and an initial damage estimate of roughly $30 million. Examples of storm damage and recovery included US 2 near Skykomish and Tumwater Canyon, US 12 near Naches, Highway 410, Highway 42 near Mount Baker, I-90 shoulder damage, and a major US 101 slope failure near Forks that will require longer-term geotechnical work. Members asked about environmental permitting, bridge impacts, flood coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, and whether emergency declarations allow broader actions; staff said the declaration mainly speeds stabilization and contracting, does not change tolling authority, and does not waive environmental requirements. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and Pico Water District.
• Lily McKay, on behalf of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and West Valley Water District, in
• Lily McKay on behalf of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and West Valley Water District in support
• Jack Wurston, Aliva Hine Municipal Water District and the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, in support
• Jack Wurston, Aliva Hine Municipal Water District and the Padre Dam Municipal Water District in support

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee held its first meeting and adopted committee rules for the 2025-26 session. SB 1020 was pulled from the agenda for a future hearing. The committee heard SB 1001, which would direct the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to issue standardized identification cards for essential utility workers so they can more easily access evacuation zones during emergencies. The author and supporters, including Rowland Water District and the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, described a breakdown during the 2025 Eaton Fire when utility crews were denied access despite having credentials, causing delays in shutting off water at damaged homes. No opposition was present, and members broadly supported the bill as a practical emergency response measure. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 1001 to the Senate Public Safety Committee, with the measure held on call until all members voted. The committee also heard SB 1153, a wildfire preparedness bill from Senator Caballero. The bill would require urban retail water suppliers in high-risk areas to include wildfire-specific response procedures in their emergency response plans, and it includes findings clarifying that public water systems are not designed to function as wildfire suppression systems. The author accepted committee amendments clarifying that the bill does not limit liability for negligence, and witnesses from water agencies and industry groups supported the measure, citing the need for better planning and the financial strain of post-fire claims. Members discussed the balance between improving preparedness and avoiding language that could create a liability safe harbor or shift responsibility away from needed infrastructure investments. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 1153 as amended to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, also held on call until all members voted. A consent item, SB 870, was also approved. After the committee reconvened and all members present voted, SB 870, SB 1001, and SB 1153 each received unanimous 8-0 votes and were reported out of committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• recurring money that goes directly to school districts and charter schools.
• And so we have had districts kind of do a little bit of both.
• School districts also had to.
• There's $50 million that will flow out to school districts.
• And then how you, how you react to that as a local district. Right?

Transcript Highlights:

• I had to do the reporting, and it's very hard even district to district because it's so specific to those
• At our district, schools apply to become a community school.
• And that's really special for a large district like San Diego Unified versus a smaller district that
• and Anaheim Union High School District.
• Caitlin Zhang, on behalf of the Small School District Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I had to do the reporting, and it's very hard even district to district to do the reporting because
• Turnover in our districts, which in rural is a huge problem for us.
• At our district, schools apply to become a community school.
• And that's really special for a large district like San Diego Unified versus a smaller district that
• , Anaheim Union High School District, parents, and students.

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes several of our school districts, including the school district in my district, Tomball
• It is addressed in here by definition under junior college districts and other state college districts
• I know as well our school districts, and I know in particular one of my school districts, Carrollton
• , and other special districts.
• or special districts.

Bills: HB26 , HB73 , SB 14 , HB46

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The good member from the 37th District, Representative Street.
• The good member from the 16th District, Representative Klicker. Thank you, Mr.
• And this is just another set of tools to use to hopefully help the district in my, the school district
• The good member from the 41st District, Representative Zahn. Yes, Mr.
• The good member from the 2nd District, Representative Barkis. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and announced caucuses before moving through introductions, committee reports, and second reading bills. The chamber considered three bills on second reading: HB 1175, allowing small business establishments in residential zones; HB 1376, allowing voluntary prepayment of capital gains tax up to six months early; and HB 1500, concerning resale certificates for units in common interest communities. HB 1175 received Amendment 1461, which added a population-estimate reference for small communities, and then passed 94-2. HB 1376 passed 97-0 after supporters said it would let taxpayers capture a federal deduction by paying earlier, while still preserving state revenue. HB 1500 received a technical striking amendment updating condo-law language and then passed 85-12; supporters said it would improve access to complete resale certificates for condo sales, while some members raised concerns about added regulation and costs. The House then took up third reading bills. Substitute HB 1302, which would let local governments waive utility connection charges for certain green technology or industrial symbiosis projects, passed 76-21 after supporters emphasized environmental benefits and opponents warned it could shift costs to other ratepayers. HB 1796, allowing school districts to bond against capital levy collections to speed projects and reduce inflationary costs, passed 78-19; supporters said it would save taxpayers money and help districts complete needed construction sooner, while opponents argued it could bypass voter intent and increase indebtedness without renewed approval. Finally, Substitute HB 1980 was returned to second reading for a striking amendment, which was adopted, and then passed 97-0. Supporters described it as a pilot program to help employers and transit agencies work together to move workers more efficiently in congested areas, using existing transit/HOV infrastructure. The House also re-referred HJM 4010 and HB 2402 to different committees, then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a beloved charter school in my district, Answer Charter School, and we are really... ...my district
• Sonia Gallivis, District 16.
• Senator Cook, Sonia Gallivis, District 16.
• Senator Cook, Sonia Gallivis, District 16.
• But our real rural districts, and there's... ...but our real rural districts, and there are several in

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Stoddard County Ambulance District is here. Stoddard County Ambulance District is here.
• Jones 12 District, Perkins District, Irwin District, Violet District, Vernetti District, Fowler District
• , Viet District, Warwick District, Whaley District, Harbison District, Murray District, and the Merrith
• District, just to name a few.
• Louis City, District 77. Thank you. To inquire the gentlelady from the fabulous 66th District.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 35th day by a 115-1 roll call vote. Members spent much of the opening portion introducing a large number of special guests and visiting groups, including university alumni and students, ambulance and first responder personnel, hospice and behavioral health advocates, public administrators, educators, transportation stakeholders, and other community leaders recognized for service or advocacy work. The chamber then received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bills 1625, 2383, 3035, 3205, and Senate Bill 888, along with committee substitutes for some of those bills. The House proceeded to third reading and passage on a long series of bills. Among the major measures were HB 2774, a fuel-source bill limiting state and local governments from dictating bids or purchases based solely on fuel source, which passed 138-5; HB 2383, addressing copper theft and related telecommunications equipment crimes, which passed 130-5; and HB 3205, regulating litigation funding and requiring disclosures, which passed 144-1. Several bills drew extended debate. A combined bill on statutes of limitation and child sexual abuse claims, House Committee Substitute for HBs 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, passed 98-12 with 39 present after members debated both the abuse-related provisions and a separate reduction in the personal injury statute of limitations. HB 3146, dealing with ballot summary statements and the initiative petition process, passed 90-55 after sharp disagreement over whether it protected voters or undermined judicial review. Other measures passed with broad support, including HB 2146 on hospital investment options (143-1), HB 1756 establishing June’s Week to recognize rare pediatric diseases and families affected by them, HB 1783 on public health contracting (138-6), HB 2099 on expedited removal of squatters (136-1), HB 2896 loosening residency restrictions for university board appointments (111-17), HB 2505/2044 giving grandparents priority in certain custody cases (144-0), HB 1625 increasing penalties for drug trafficking (137-2), HB 2302 removing barriers to employment for people leaving incarceration (142-0), HB 3035 setting depreciation rules for vehicle tax valuation (100-43), HB 1870 updating debt collection and garnishment laws (137-9), HB 2335 giving school districts more flexibility over teacher training schedules (146-2), and HB 1827 allowing occupational therapists to certify disabled parking credentials (145-0).

Transcript Highlights:

• And let me explain our district.
• We are a small district. I am a part-time... ...is a big thing. We are a small district.
• Sacramento area, small ag districts.
• a year in order to, you know, within the district to irrigate, if our district can show that we are
• So this district, like OH, is lucky. And there is no staff. So this district, like OH, is lucky.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:

• Then this also deals with CTE grants to school districts.
• Each district gets up to $600 per student in a grant.
• Then this also deals with CTE grants to school districts.
• Each district gets up to $600 per student in a grant.
• If public school districts in the state.

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• That is Jeff Sprout, Superintendent of Levine Elementary School District. ...District, and he is with
• Charlie Martin, his CFO for Levine School District.
• Mays, Superintendent, Alhambra Elementary School District. Legislative District 22.
• Aspacia, Elementary School District, LD 29.
• Combs Unified School District. LD 22.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and recorded attendance. Members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Noel Campbell, and several guest groups were recognized in the gallery, including Greater Phoenix school district leaders, GCU Government and History Club students, Arizona Food Bank Network representatives, and local and tribal officials visiting for appropriations and transportation-related discussions. The chamber also adopted a proclamation recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Senators and guests offered remarks about the Holocaust, rising antisemitism, and the importance of education and remembrance, followed by a moment of silence. Later, the Senate received and unanimously adopted House Concurrent Resolution 2045 honoring the life and public service of former Congressman Raul Grijalva, with members of the Grijalva family present on the floor and several senators sharing personal tributes. The Senate then processed a long list of governor’s nominations, first readings, and second-reading bill referrals, including measures on natural resources, education, health, public safety, elections, taxation, utilities, and appropriations. Senator Bolick also read a proclamation for National School Choice Week. The body recessed briefly, returned to consider SCR 1036 on Attorney General public statements, and then received committee announcements before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• and school districts.
• Districts are already building it.
• What this bill allows us to do or allows the school districts to it, district.
• in my own school districts in my own district that that populate a lot of the support list of every
• This simply offers more flexibility for the districts, especially for the over 75 districts that we heard

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 1067, which would require annual early math screening for K-2 students beginning in 2028-29 to identify learning gaps and connect students to evidence-based support. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice and UC Davis researcher Dr. Charles Wilkes, argued that California’s low math performance and persistent achievement gaps justify early identification and intervention. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and CTA, said the bill could create a new mandate, encourage narrow skill-based instruction, and divert attention from implementing the California Mathematics Framework and investing in teacher training and coaching. Committee members discussed how the screener would work, whether it would identify disabilities or simply flag students needing further evaluation, and cited examples of districts already using early screening tools. No vote was taken because quorum had not yet been established at that point. SB 1110, a child care subsidy administration bill, was presented next. Senator Becker and co-sponsors from the Child Care Resource Center and EveryChild California said the measure would stabilize the child care system as the state moves to enrollment-based funding by clarifying funding for administrative and family-service functions and helping providers maintain staffing, payment timelines, and compliance. There was support from several child care and education organizations and no opposition testimony. The bill was not voted on because the committee still lacked quorum. After recess, the committee heard SB 1374, which would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders on their own behalf when they face credible threats of violence. The CSU Chancellor’s Office and San Diego State police described incidents where threats were directed at campuses broadly rather than specific individuals, leaving institutions without a legal remedy under current law. UC and independent colleges supported the bill, and there was no opposition. The bill was held on call pending quorum. The committee then took up SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses. Senator Nila and supporters argued that recent UC San Diego data show severe gaps in incoming students’ math preparation and that the audit would help assess admissions and placement practices; there was no opposition testimony. Members raised concerns about the scope and timing of the audit request, and the bill was held on call. The committee also heard SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools in statute and direct model ordinances for local land use regulation. Supporters said microschools are growing but face inconsistent zoning treatment, while some members questioned whether the Legislature had enough information to define the model or direct state guidance without more study. After quorum was established, the committee voted SB 1086 out on a 4-1 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with Senator Perez voting aye, Senator Ochoa Bogh aye, and Senator Cabaldon no; the remaining votes were not fully recorded in the transcript. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a voluntary pilot program in Central Valley counties to allow schools to share credible safety concerns with regional threat assessment centers. Senator Hurtado and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and Corcoran High School students, said the bill would improve early intervention and communication around threats. Members expressed support while also raising privacy and federal-sharing concerns about fusion centers; the bill was discussed but no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :52.960><c> and</c> SF2250 would encourage districts and SF2250 would encourage districts and schools
• </c> 2250, we can support Minnesota districts 2250, we can support Minnesota districts in<00:36:28.480
• </c> isn't just a big school district isn't just a big school district problem.<01:25:54.400><c> Uh,<
• School districts um in school districts.
• </c><01:41:36.080><c> districts.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> time um after Labor Day School Districts time um after Labor Day School Districts can<00:02:27.680
• </c> a.40 so that individual school districts a.40 so that individual school districts can<00:02:57.840
• Introduce yourself for the record. allowing districts to start before Labor allowing districts to start
• </c> particular will provide all districts particular will provide all districts with<00:03:34.040><c
• </c><00:07:01.240><c> to</c> districts it simply allows districts to districts it simply allows districts

Bills: HF1124 , HF1457 , HF1803

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• An amount of money goes out to the school districts.
• The gentleman from District 31. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• The gentleman from District 26, for a personal privilege.
• The gentleman from District 14, for personal privilege.
• The gentleman from District 22. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those lower spending districts are dragging down the measure that is the basis for how we judge all districts
• over that there is no way to truly project what the impact of the foundation formula will be on a district-by-district
• We are making districts...
• Many districts, including what we think of as... ...big districts cannot solve today's challenges alone
• Districts today often receive less support in...

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as districts go, we currently have 22 A districts and 26 B districts, and we have no... 22 A districts
• and 26 B districts, and we have no D or F districts.
• Larger districts and even some rural districts have been unable to comply due to local circumstances.
• I do 36 districts. 12 of them have done. 24 have not. So thank you very much.
• I do 36 districts. 12 of them have done. 24 have not. So thank you very much.

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:

• district for the non-public aid.
• district for the non-public aid.
• district for the non-public aid.
• </c><00:38:33.119><c> and</c><00:38:33.280><c> District</c> the public school district and District the
• </c> district has and it encourages districts district has and it encourages districts to<01:21:25.280

Bills: HF984 , HF921 , HF922

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c> School districts should have the School districts should have the authority<01:15:08.400
• </c> Minnesota and several school districts Minnesota and several school districts in<01:24:07.840><c
• . districts. districts.
• </c><01:41:34.800><c> I</c> many, many districts in the state. I many, many districts in the state.
• :55.280><c> I'm</c><01:50:55.360><c> a</c> district or found district I'm a district or found district

Committee: Senate Education Policy