Transcript Highlights:

• The other pot that it goes to is our Outdoor Equity Fund, which funds youth programs.
• I would just add that the Outdoor Equity Fund has, I think, 2.2 billion—no, it's over 3 billion.
• Dollars right now that we've seen in growth because of that Outdoor Equity Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• districts have available to them if it's not directly put in the budget for all districts, not through an equity
• It’s the equity leads.
• It's the equity leads.

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before my tenure in private equity, I held positions at General Telephone and Electronics Corporation
• <04:45:35.920> firms<04:45:36.320> investing landman private Equity firms investing
• landman private Equity firms investing in<04:45:37.440> uh<04:45:37.560> conventional<
• based private Equity Firm that invested<04:46:01.680> in<04:46:01.840> conventional<04
• I held positions at private Equity I held positions at General<04:46:11.040> telephone<04:46:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• based on the original bill, what the amendment does is it removes from line 12, under principles of equity
• :52:38.120> under<00:52:38.400> principles<00:52:39.000> of<00:52:39.200> equity
• <00:52:39.640> and<00:52:39.760> good 12 under principles of equity and good 12 under
• principles of equity and good conscience<00:52:40.560> from<00:52:40.840> the<00:52:41.480
• And that was in the 661, we put in that member equity fund. Okay?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we talk about equity, it starts with whether we build housing that people can actually live in.
• mainstream transportation option, and affordable housing providers share the state's long-term climate and equity
• National Charging Access Coalition, representing 30-plus organizations that advance transportation, equity
• These building codes are essential for equity.
• These building codes are essential for equity.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we are serious about equity, we must invest in culturally responsive solutions and support community-led
• If we are serious about<00:21:47.240> equity,<00:21:48.000> we<00:21:48.160> must
• ><00:21:48.480> invest<00:21:49.560> in<00:21:49.720> cultural about equity, we
• must invest in cultural about equity, we must invest in cultural responsive<00:21:51.720> solution
• It's clearly a regional asset, as well as an equity issue, because it's the only free zoo in the state

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman is correct, you know, hedge funds and private equity are buying up professional practices, and
• Chairman is correct, you know, hedge funds and private equity are buying up professional practices, and
• on the medical side, you know, anesthesiology groups, all those have either been bought by private equity
• And so we're happy to sit down with the other side and say, hey, let's make sure that private equity
• It gives the dentist another avenue to sell their practice other than private equity.

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment right here is providing a step of equity.
• Nothing to stop the health insurance companies, who are increasingly being taken over by private equity
• Talk about equity. Talk about growth. Talk about empowerment. We want the best for Minnesota.
• Those that are in it for the outcome of equity.
• These aren't like private equity firms buying places and seeing how much they can get for property.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would also add that I agree that there are some concerns about equity, especially when it comes
• Cloud has, to Chair Rarick’s point about equity, uh, St.
• Ricar's<00:44:14.480> uh<00:44:14.640> point<00:44:14.960> about<00:44:15.359> equity
• Ricar's uh point about equity. Uh St. Ricar's uh point about equity. Uh St.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote. The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly. The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within those funds, about $30 million are currently invested in equities.
• Within those funds, about $30 million are currently invested in equities.
• <01:50:13.679> in in that are currently invested in in that are currently invested in equities
• .<01:50:14.239> The<01:50:14.400> proposed<01:50:14.719> legislation equities.
• The proposed legislation equities.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Mariko Yoshihara, on behalf of Tech Equity Action, a proud co-sponsor of this bill and support
• Student loan debt is an equity issue.
• This important legislation will affirm California's dedication to educational equity in the protection
• please proceed thank you thank you madam share AB 747 the service of process accountability reform and equity
• AB 747, the Service of Process, Accountability, Reform, and Equity Act—the SPARE Act—will protect against

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• to administer the final and largest of the grant monies to the BEAD program, which is a Broadband Equity

Bills: HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: broadband, Oklahoma Broadband Office, broadband access, statewide broadband plan, internet connectivity, funding, grant programs, expansion council, termination plan, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, state agencies, high-risk AI decisions, deepfakes

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> H. 550, an act relating to gender equity within Vermont's correctional facilities. >> Recognize
• Um, and it's called an act relating to gender equity within Vermont's correctional facilities.
• Um, and it's called an act relating to gender equity within Vermont's correctional facilities.
• I should say, however, that Vermont has been at the forefront for years in terms of transgender equity
• . equity. equity.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• understands the signs of dyslexia and how to support affected students, an essential step toward equity
• <00:53:07.400> and essential step towards equity and essential step towards equity and education
• That's still consistent federal law, ensures educational equity, and no student should face barriers
• <01:14:16.159> that<01:14:16.320> no<01:14:16.480> student educational Equity
• that no student educational Equity that no student should<01:14:17.000> face<01:14:17.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That perception that schools teach to the lowest common denominator is out there, for the sake of equity
• <04:08:19.000> or there uh for the sake of equity or there uh for the sake of equity or self-esteem
• Our neighboring state, Vermont, did it as well, and they focused their attention on taxpayer equity.
• so I think everybody in Vermont Equity so I think everybody in Vermont pays<05:03:23.080> $10
• student outcomes the taxpayer Equity student outcomes the taxpayer Equity follows<05:04:07.120><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which limits the maximum credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program. Representative Ladd said the bill clarifies that eligible courses may not exceed four credits and was requested by the community college system. Representative Earth offered an amendment to make the bill effective on passage, which the committee adopted 18-0. The committee then approved HB 193 as amended by an 18-0 OTPA vote and placed it on the consent calendar. The committee next retained HB 295, concerning School Building Aid program funds, after Representative Spillsbury said the building aid bills were complex and needed more work. The motion to retain passed 18-0, with the chair explaining that retained bills can be revisited later and that related language could be moved among building aid bills. HB 354 was not acted on because the chair said the Department of Education and others had suggested possible changes that should be worked out first. HB 366, another school building aid bill, was also retained 18-0 for the same reasons as HB 295. The committee then considered HB 494, which funds the math learning communities program. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program, reducing the proposed increase by a net $50,000 and keeping funding at current levels for the biennium. After discussion about budget pressures and the program’s role in supporting math instruction and professional development, the amendment passed 18-0, and the bill as amended was approved 18-0 and placed on consent. Finally, the committee took up HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovici-Muller moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing charter schools should not be treated differently from other public schools, while Representatives Luno and Damon opposed the motion, saying charter schools differ in governance and financial risk and should not receive limited state building aid. The motion failed 10-8, so HB 515 was sent to the regular calendar. The committee assigned Representative Damon to the minority report and Representative Popovici-Muller to the majority report, with a noon deadline the next day. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program. Representative Ladd described the program as a successful affordability measure that saves families money and supports college access. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program at current levels, reducing the proposed increase by $500,000 in each year of the biennium. Shannon Reed of the Community College System said the change could limit enrollment or the number of funded courses, though students could still take additional courses at their own expense. Representative Ladd explained the program’s tuition structure and said the funding would help meet demand; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 716.

Transcript Highlights:

• Louisiana Department of Health, in coordination with the legislature, the Louisiana Center for Health Equity
• Louisiana Department of Health, in coordination with the legislature, the Louisiana Center for Health Equity
• would basically urge and request the department to coordinate with the Louisiana Center for Health Equity
• I'm the president and founder of the Louisiana Center for Health Equity, and this resolution is really

Summary: The committee first heard SB 145, which would require adult residential care providers, especially assisted living centers, to have generators or other backup power arrangements and to submit preparedness plans to LDH. After technical amendments and testimony from the sponsor, LDH, and the assisted living industry clarifying the bill’s scope and cost concerns, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. It then took up SB 433, which would require Medicaid coverage of medically necessary FDA-approved weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 medications, subject to appropriations and fiscally sustainable coverage criteria; the bill was reported favorably after discussion of current Medicaid coverage and costs. The committee also approved SB 52, which requires better coordination between DCFS and LDH so SNAP and Medicaid benefits can follow children more quickly when they are removed from or returned to a home. Technical amendments changed reporting deadlines and required written notice, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 4 on public water fluoridation was amended to allow local governments or voters to opt out through a petition and election process, with support from the Louisiana Dental Association and others after compromise language was adopted; it was reported favorably with amendments. SB 152, which would prohibit the sale of cultured or lab-grown food products for human consumption, was also reported favorably with amendments after brief testimony in support and opposition. The committee next approved SCR 37, which asks the Surgeon General to review Louisiana’s informed consent laws and report back on any gaps, after discussion that the existing medical disclosure panel had not met since 2018. It then considered SB 194, a public assistance bill aligning Louisiana Medicaid and SNAP rules with recent federal changes on non-citizen eligibility and tightening Medicaid’s reasonable opportunity period for citizenship verification. After extensive debate over immigration, emergency care, and whether the bill could harm eligible applicants or rural hospitals, the committee adopted an amendment allowing LDH discretion for emergency health care services and reported the bill favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, HCR 113 created a task force to study gestational carrier agreements and assisted reproductive regulation; after debate over surrogacy, ethics, and referral to Civil Law, the committee rejected the referral motion and then reported the resolution favorably, and the meeting moved on to SB 333 on child-in-need-of-care proceedings and legal representation funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• That has to do, of course, with the limited equity co-op concept that's spelled out here, as distinct
• That has to do of course with the That has to do of course with the limited<00:25:52.400> equity
• <00:25:52.720> co-op<00:25:53.200> concept<00:25:53.760> that's limited equity
• co-op concept that's limited equity co-op concept that's spelled<00:25:54.280> out<00:25:54.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The racial equity commission, which was established by executive order, is also housed at LCI.
• by the LAO, and under statewide initiatives, under that category, what's represented is the Racial Equity
• are not excluded and was developed with meaningful stakeholder input, including through the Land Equity
• are not excluded and was developed with meaningful stakeholder input, including through the Land Equity

Summary: The meeting began with a lengthy opening discussion with Secretary Karen Ross of the Department of Food and Agriculture, who reviewed the department’s proposed budget, emphasized California agriculture’s record output, and highlighted major priorities including climate-smart agriculture, groundwater management, local food systems, farm-to-school, food hubs, invasive pest prevention, bird flu response, and food safety. She also warned about federal budget cuts, especially at USDA and FDA, and discussed market access challenges abroad, rising input costs, labor shortages, and the need for automation and workforce training. Members raised questions about the future of Farm to School, the California Nutrition Incentive Program/Market Match, local food procurement, and how to better connect farmers to schools, food banks, and food hubs; Ross said the department had strong evidence the program benefits small farms and Title I schools and noted continued interest in building out local food infrastructure. The committee then took up item one on eliminating vacant positions at the Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Food and Agriculture. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that the Governor proposed eliminating 6,000 vacant positions statewide, with the Joint Legislative Budget Committee previously rejecting 650 of them, including 174 in these three departments. LAO and Finance said the vacancies represented a source of budget flexibility, but warned that eliminating them could create program impacts; LAO recommended retaining the special-funded positions at Fish and Wildlife and Food and Agriculture, while weighing the General Fund positions against other priorities. Finance argued the reductions were part of a broader budget-resiliency exercise and that departments could reclassify or shift vacancies to higher priorities. Members focused heavily on the practical impacts of the cuts. Assemblymember Petrie-Norris argued that Fish and Wildlife staffing shortages were already slowing permits needed for housing, clean energy, water, and transportation projects, and questioned the value of saving relatively small amounts of money. Fish and Wildlife officials said the department had prioritized mission-critical work and could still meet permitting obligations, but acknowledged limited-term staffing constraints. State Parks said the proposed ranger and maintenance cuts would not have immediate effects but could slow maintenance and eventually worsen deferred maintenance. Food and Agriculture said some of the eliminated positions supported early pest detection and eradication, but that the department believed it could still meet its mandate and reclassify positions if needed. The chair and several members signaled concern about the Fish and Wildlife and Parks cuts, while also noting the broader need for budget reductions. The committee then moved to item six, hearing an overview from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Staff described the office’s role in CEQA implementation and said the budget requests were baseline funding to maintain existing functions, including IT services and administrative/legislative support, rather than new programs. The chair asked the presenters to move quickly through background material so the committee could get to questions, and the item began with no votes taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is a real threat is a significant increase in private equity involvement in health care, and their
• Importantly, this is also an equity issue. Interior design is a diverse profession.
• At its core, a no vote on AB 1796 is a vote against women and LGBTQ professional equity in our broader
• And so for those reasons, for patient safety, for equity, and also for the thousands who will be impacted

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll also add that there's also an equity-based concern here.
• You know, I totally understand the issues of equity when it comes to people being able to afford devices
• funding transportation projects to reduce climate impacts while improving public health, safety, and equity
• I strongly support efforts to minimize environmental and equity impacts of our transportation sector

Keywords: 988, house, all