Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Sweeney uh amendment Representative Sweeney uh amendment 1175,<02:58:57.760> seconded
• Yeah, I'd like to move that we accept<04:41:00.240> the<04:41:00.560> amendment Second.
• I'll Representative Run moves House Bill 1 amendment on page 25, seconded by Representative Evil.
• Put my— So it looks... one amendment on page 26 seconded one amendment on page 26 seconded by<05:27:46.080
• So, I'll move amendment 1312. I'll second it. Okay.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll move on to pass as amended. Second.
• So we'll make a committee amendment, and I'll move on to pass as amended." "Second."
• I second that. >> Sure. >> Discussion. >> We need an amendment, though. >> Do we do—well, the amendment
• I'll move the committee amendment as distributed. >> I'll second it. >> We have a second.
• I do have an amendment. Just ask for a second. >> All right.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ninety seconds is an eternity.
• Therefore, even the amended 10 seconds is a significant state-imposed barrier to information.
• Second? All right. He moved and seconded. Okay. You got it all worked out?
• Second? All right. He moved on second. Okay. You got it all worked out?
• We have a motion and a second.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate it. >> I'd like to move on to pass on the amendment. >> Second. >> All in favor of the pass
• pass on the amendment. pass on the amendment. >> Second. >> Second.
• Well, I think we have to adopt the amendment and hope someone seconds it.
• I second your amendment, Senator. You're golden.
• All in favor of 0788s say I. >> I. >> I make a motion ought to pass as amended. >> Second. >> All in

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.240> moved<00:11:02.519> by second and second it's been moved by second and
• seconded<00:11:04.240> by<00:11:05.040> uh Senator Murphy and seconded by uh Senator
• in<00:11:42.760> favor<00:11:43.000> of a second second all those in favor of a second
• But I think we gave you a copy of an amendment by F.
• so if we choose to the the amendment so if we choose to the amendment<00:22:22.600> we<00:22:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're opposed unless amended.
• We have a motion by Addis, second by Krell. With that, Secretary... Second by Krell.
• I think we do have amendments and the committee amendments that will address our concerns.
• The second part of this provision, added in the second house, is that we're looking to do what was done
• We are in a supportive and amended position and appreciate the work on our requested amendments to date

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are AB 395 with amendments. File Item 6. AB 422 with amendments. File Item 7. AB 453.
• AB 422 do pass as amended to appropriations. AB 503 do pass as amended to appropriations.
• Thank your staff for working on those amendments. Once those amendments are in place.
• And the aye recommendation is with the amendments. We are accepting all the committee amendments.
• Is there a second? Second. Madam Secretary, please call the roll. File Item 26, AB 1230.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm recommending an aye, as amended, vote. Do I have a second? A motion, a second, for this bill?
• I am recommending an aye, as amended, vote today. Do I have a motion and a second on this bill?
• I am recommending an aye as amended. Can I get a motion and a second for this bill?
• I am recommending an aye as amended vote. The bill has been moved and seconded.
• And I am recommending an aye as amended, and the bill hasn't properly moved and seconded.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda of bills focused largely on child welfare, foster care, child care, CalWORKs, mandated reporting, and public benefits. Early items included AB 890, which would ease county transfer rules for nonminor dependents in extended foster care; AB 461, which would replace punitive truancy-related penalties with supportive services for families; and AB 753, which would create an interim associate teacher pathway to help address the child care workforce shortage. Testimony on these bills emphasized barriers faced by foster youth, low-income families, and child care providers, and members expressed support for the general policy direction. The committee also heard AB 926 on foster care visitation, AB 563 on early childhood planning and reporting, AB 601 on standardized mandated reporter training, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification aid, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 970 creating a Los Angeles County mandated reporter pilot, AB 1161 protecting public benefits during disasters, AB 1172 allowing trained staff to administer emergency seizure medication in community care settings, and AB 363 expanding CalWORKs student supports and work-study. Witnesses generally supported these measures as ways to reduce trauma, improve reunification, modernize reporting and training, and expand access to services. County welfare and child welfare groups, advocacy organizations, and providers largely testified in support, while some bills drew concerns from county representatives about implementation or needed amendments. Several bills were voted out of committee, often unanimously and sometimes as amended, including AB 926, AB 563, AB 601, AB 1074, AB 822, AB 970, AB 1161, and AB 1172; AB 1172 was reported on call. The committee also took up consent items and later voted on subcommittee-held bills AB 461, AB 753, and AB 890, leaving them on call. At the end of the hearing, the committee heard AB 1211, which would protect CalFresh benefits from federal cuts and require a feasibility study on increasing benefits and eligibility; testimony stressed rising food insecurity and the economic importance of food assistance, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• right for that back on the bill as amended The amendment is adopted.
• And the amendment...
• The amendment is adopted. Now, we're back on the bill as amended.
• You have 15 seconds left. Okay, I have 15 seconds left.
• The amendment is adopted back on the bill as amended. Are there questions on the bill as amended?

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• second stop.
• There is a late-filed amendment. Let's take up amendment. Okay. There is a late-filed amendment.
• And there is an amendment. There is a late-filed amendment.
• And there's also a substitute amendment to that amendment.
• There is an amendment, so if I could take up that amendment.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony. The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion?
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion?
• Senator Wakai, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion?
• to set amendments for SB1 1448 SD2. to set amendments for SB1 1448 SD2.
• President, I second that motion. It's been moved and seconded.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a roll call, approval of the prior day’s journal, and receipt of several communications, including governor’s messages transmitting proposed conference drafts for collective bargaining agreements, House communications on concurrence with Senate amendments and conferee changes, and conference and standing committee reports. The chamber also took up advise-and-consent items on governor’s messages, approving the nominees on consent with no objections and confirming them. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 121, House Draft 1, after several members registered no votes and Senators Kim and Gabbard reserved their votes; the resolution passed with five no votes. Members also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 96 on consent. During the meeting, Senator Kim introduced newly confirmed members in the gallery, including Ken Kawahara for the Board of Regents and student regent Joshua from Muina. On final reading, the Senate passed SB 1296 CD1 relating to disaster recovery and SB 1318 CD1 relating to water pollution by unanimous consent. The Senate also reconsidered and agreed to House amendments to SB 1448 HD2, with Senator San Buenaventura noting the changes were technical and created a clean date; one-day notice was then given for final reading. A legislative communication extending the conference negotiation deadline for fiscal bills from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. was filed, and the chair announced the decking deadline for fiscal bills in conference was 11:30 p.m. The Senate then recessed until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, leaving the journal open until midnight for additional conference committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, I second the motion.
• I second the motion. Any discussion? I second the motion. Any discussion?
• <00:36:28.560> All second the motion. Any questions? All second the motion.
• Representative Garcia, for the second time. >> Second time in opposition, Madam Speaker.
• I second the motion. Any discussion? I second the motion. Any discussion?

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have a second?
• Do we have a second? A second. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? These actions are adopted.
• This is the second reallocation.
• This is the second reallocation for fiscal year 26.
• I think we need a second on that motion. We have a second. So the motion is to extract the vote.

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with the amendment, how about conversation? And then. The amendments. So how about conversation?
• I think I would make the motion that we adopt the House amendments and further amend with the attached
• Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Senator Klein? All right.
• So we have a 6-0 on the amendments. Further discussion? Is there a motion on the bill as amended?
• Chairman Barta, I move we pass Senate Bill 2374 as amended. Okay. Is there a second? Second.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2374 discussed proposed amendments to the insurance rebating provisions and a new study on towing and recovery issues. Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Arnold explained that, after working with industry representatives, the compromise was to remove the large commercial rebating exemption language and keep the rest of the bill intact, while also clarifying that federal crop insurance remains subject to the state’s rebating laws. Members asked several questions about how the large commercial risk definition would work, how the rules would apply to nonresident producers and border-area farm policies, and whether the changes would affect long-standing industry practices. The committee also considered Commissioner Godfrey’s request for a study on who pays to remove vehicles from the roadside when the owner has liability-only coverage, especially in cases involving totaled or abandoned vehicles. Arnold said the issue has been raised by Highway Patrol and towing interests and that the study language was intended to examine possible solutions for the next legislative session. Some members expressed concern about shifting costs to the insurance industry, but others supported the study as a way to gain clarity. The committee adopted the amendment package, including the towing study language, by a 6-0 roll call vote. It then passed Senate Bill 2374 as amended by another 6-0 vote. The committee noted that the bill would need floor carriers on both chambers, with Representative Johnson and Senator Klein indicating they would carry it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following the amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Darby.
• Following the amendment to the amendment, the clerk will read the amendment to the amendment.
• Following the amendment to the amendment, the clerk will read the amendment to the amendment: Amendment
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Darby.
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Darby.

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB 3, HB 5, HB20, HB 22, HB 1, HB 2, HB 3, HB 5, HB 20, HB 22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the amendment reduces the annual assessment increase limitation on non-homestead properties from
• amendment.
• All right, seeing none, is there an amendment? Is there an amendment to the amendment?
• All right, seeing none, is there an amendment? Is there an amendment to the amendment?
• amendment.

Summary: The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments. Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71. The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the amendment.
• Up with the amendments here.
• My second question then, Mr.
• Opposition to that HAFC Amendment 2. Seeing none, we've adopted HAFC Amendment 2.
• The second part of that voice amendment, when we go down to page 2, line 19.

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. Second. Senator Weik, all in favor? Aye. Opposed? Nay. Nay, nay. Nay. Without rec?
• Senator Weik, a second? Second. Senator Stec, all in favor? Opposed? Nay. Nay. Nay.
• Senator Tedisco seconds. All in favor? Aye. Noes.
• Senator White seconds. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Without rec?
• Senator White seconds. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Without rec?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met on May 5, 2026, and considered a series of bills, several of them brought up through motions for committee consideration. Chair Shelley Mayer said she would allow brief remarks but stated her opposition to those motioned bills, emphasizing her general practice of giving minority members’ bills consideration. The committee first took up S-16 (Jacob’s Law, on bullying and related school safety issues), which was moved out of committee on a majority vote, with Senators Jackson and Bynoe recorded without recommendation. The committee then debated S-717, a local bill by Senator Rose to exempt the Wantagh Union Free School District from the state’s indigenous mascots/logos restrictions. Senator Rose argued Wantagh’s mascot and name are tied to local history and not intended to denigrate anyone. The bill was moved, but the committee vote was not favorable enough to advance it, and it was referred onward to the Investigations Committee. S-4496, Senator White’s bill to protect women’s sports from what supporters described as unfair competition by biological males, drew strong support from the sponsor and strong opposition from Chair Mayer, who said she opposed it as mean-spirited and unnecessary; the bill did not advance. The committee also considered several school bus and transportation bills. S-4748, by Senator Borrello, would repeal the electric school bus mandate and replace it with a feasibility study; he cited safety, cost, and operational problems with early adopters. S-8847, by Senator White, similarly sought to remove electric bus mandates and leave decisions to local districts, and S-9667, by Senator Ryan, would delay the zero-emission school bus mandate by five years. The committee advanced some of these measures to other committees or the floor, while others did not move. In addition, the committee approved S-7788 on special education reserve funds, S-8288A on reasonable rates for public school room use, S-8368 on records retention for Education Department proceedings, S-8370 on temporary resident placement of children with disabilities, S-8370 on release of student records to juvenile detention facilities, and S-1049 on updating the Dignity for All Students Act’s cyberbullying definition to include AI-related harassment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is the amendment to the amendment.
• Are there any questions on the amendment to the amendment?
• Is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment?
• The amendment is adopted. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• of the amendment... ...applies to those who are younger than 18 years of age, and the second part of

Bills: S0560, S0590, S0778, S1010

Keywords: child welfare, psychotropic medication, Department of Children and Families, community-based care, liability insurance, forensic services, defendants, mental health, judicial system, defense, legal definitions, minors, healthcare, parental rights, criminal penalties, civil action, sex-reassignment, investigations, economic damages

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills. SB 590, by Sen. Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment clarified retroactive application for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Sen. Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases and not to change the reasonable-suspicion reporting standard. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 778, by Sen. Simon, which would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barney Bishop appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without amendment. SB 560, by Sen. Garcia, would streamline procedures for psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in DCF custody, reduce duplicative background checks and reporting, and simplify consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s postsecondary education services and supports, extending eligibility ages from 18 to 26 while keeping the five-year cap. Senators discussed the fiscal impact and funding blend for the education stipend. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1010, by Sen. Yarbrough, which adds criminal and civil enforcement for violations involving sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for minors and related parental-rights provisions. An amendment clarified that the civil action authority applies to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. Public testimony was heavily divided, with supporters saying the bill enforces existing protections and opponents warning it would chill care, counseling, and school-based support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell, Sharief, and Rouson raised concerns about vagueness, standing, and impacts on teachers and health professionals; Sharief voted no, while the bill was still reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> See. >> Is there a second?
• >> Second. >> Move to approved by Representative Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward.
• Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward. All Schmidt, seconded by Senator Ward.
• Uh the second comment at the be amended.
• do a statutory amendment on those two. do a statutory amendment on those two.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened its September meeting, seated alternates to establish a quorum, approved the prior minutes and consent agenda, and then moved to the regular calendar. The main substantive item was the kinship care home licensing standards rule (2025-130), which had a conditional approval request with three comments. Committee discussion focused on whether the rule and statute aligned on temporary permits, renewal, and whether a statutory amendment might be needed. Department of Health and Human Services and DCF staff explained that kinship care licenses are issued for two years and may be renewed, while the temporary six-month permit is meant to bridge applicants until licensure. They also said the rule was amended to reflect statutory language, and members suggested adding clearer language to avoid confusion. The committee then approved the conditional request, including oral amendments for clarity, and noted that any needed statutory cleanup would be added to a running list of possible changes for future filing. The committee next took up an emergency rule from the Lottery Commission concerning games of chance and video lottery terminals. Staff said the emergency rule was needed to avoid substantial fiscal harm to the state and loss of expected revenue, and that it largely builds on existing charitable gaming infrastructure. Members questioned the emergency basis and asked about precedent for using fiscal harm as justification, but staff said they did not have precedent information immediately available. The commission representative said regular rulemaking was already underway and would be brought to the commission at its October meeting. The committee did not take adverse action on the emergency rule during the discussion. Finally, the committee reviewed Department of Safety Commissioner Emergency Rule 14357 on school bus transportation qualifications. The rule creates an exception for applicants whose driver’s license validity had a gap of no more than 30 days due to suspension or non-renewal, which staff said would help address a school bus driver shortage and reduce transportation problems for students. Members raised the possibility of a legislative fix to distinguish administrative lapses from safety-related suspensions, and staff said that could be considered. The committee noted the emergency rule is only effective for 180 days and will return through regular rulemaking for fuller review. The meeting ended with scheduling for the next regular meeting on October 17 and adjournment.