Transcript Highlights:

• And explain how the race and ethnicity data will remain confidential and will not be used to determine
• As a contrasting example, Go-Biz has a staff of 194 to support grant and incentive programs for the business

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Idaho State Police, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy, also known as POST, and the Racing
• of the individual colleges and universities, at their discretion, to employ voluntary separation incentive

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first received updates from LSO on the latest green sheet, including the revenue impact of House Bill 559, recent cash transfers, and the Idaho Budget Rescissions Act for FY 2026. Members then moved through a series of FY 2027 maintenance budgets, beginning with the legislative branch. The committee discussed the statewide 2% reduction layered on top of the governor’s recommendation, benefit-cost adjustments, and how those decisions were being built into the maintenance budgets. The legislative branch budget passed, followed by unanimous-consent adoption of related language. The committee next considered public safety, natural resources, health and human services, economic development, judicial branch, constitutional officers, and general government budgets. In each case, analysts explained how rescissions, ongoing base reductions, and statewide adjustments were incorporated. Several members objected to the across-the-board cuts, arguing they would reduce staffing or services in corrections, juvenile corrections, environmental quality, health and welfare, public defender services, crime victims compensation, tax administration, and treatment courts, while supporters said the committee needed a target and would revisit details in enhancement work groups. Most budget motions passed on divided votes and were forwarded with do-pass recommendations. The committee also adopted multiple sections of standard and nonstandard language, including cash transfers, reporting requirements, and agency-specific provisions. In Health and Human Services, members debated language requiring reporting on large acquisitions and transfers, and in Economic Development and General Government they adopted language affecting the State Public Defender, the Department of Insurance, and group insurance premiums. The meeting ended while the committee was still working through a disputed general government language item about funding employee health insurance premiums from reserve accounts, with members debating whether the language should reference specific reserve funds or broader reserve funding and whether the proposal was properly within JFAC’s scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inspection Division, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy, also known as POST, and the Racing
• of the individual colleges and universities, at their discretion, to employ voluntary separation incentive

Summary: The committee received an LSO update on the latest green sheet, including the fiscal effects of House Bill 559, recent cash transfers, and the Idaho Budget Rescissions Act for FY 2026. Staff then walked through FY 2027 maintenance budgets, explaining how statewide decisions, benefit costs, contract inflation, and cost allocation were built into the numbers. Members also discussed clarifications to the health insurance calculation language and the treatment of certain agency plans, including graduate medical education and the Secretary of State’s cash balance approach. The committee considered and approved maintenance budgets for the legislative branch, public safety, natural resources, health and human services, economic development, the judicial branch, constitutional officers, and general government. Several members objected to the across-the-board reductions, arguing they would create long-term costs, harm staffing and services, and shift expenses to other parts of government or to the public. Supporters said the committee needed a target, that the maintenance budgets were structurally balanced, and that further changes could be addressed in the enhancement process. Most budget motions passed on divided votes, and the committee also adopted standard language for each packet. The committee debated several pieces of nonstandard language, including provisions related to budget integrity, reporting requirements for large Health and Welfare acquisitions, a cash transfer for livestock depredation prevention, public defender parking, insurance reimbursement limits, and a proposal to use reserve funds to hold state employee health insurance premiums flat. Some language was adopted by unanimous consent, while the employee premium language prompted extended discussion over which reserve funds could be used and whether the proposal should apply differently to elected officials and other employees. The meeting ended while that issue was still being worked through, with the committee having advanced multiple budget packets and accompanying language to do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also created something new for recognition incentives to make it a little bit more competitive
• So, yes, I—whether it’s sports, band, chorus, debate, robotics, the solar car races that our kids participate

Summary: The committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met to discuss chronic absenteeism, district attendance interventions, and related truancy procedures. Chair Simon reviewed Florida’s attendance laws and escalation process, including school-based interventions, child study team meetings, referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice, truancy petitions, and possible sanctions for parents and driving privileges. The committee heard first from University of Florida professor Dr. Chris Curran, who presented state and national absenteeism data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023-24. He emphasized that absenteeism has multiple causes, including transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family barriers, and said effective responses include early warning systems, multi-tiered supports, mentoring, and community partnerships rather than relying only on punitive measures. Members questioned Dr. Curran about whether absenteeism is a behavior or barrier issue, whether exclusionary discipline is counted, the need for a uniform definition across districts, and whether more punitive truancy enforcement is effective. He said the issue is usually a mix of barriers and choices, that excused and unexcused absences both matter for chronic absenteeism data, and that root-cause analysis and supportive interventions are generally more productive than punishment alone, though consequences can still play a role. The committee then heard from Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli and district staff, who described a highly structured attendance system built around attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, multilingual outreach, and frequent parent notifications. They said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023-24 and credited their success to early contact, community partnerships, and a strong district culture around attendance. Volusia County Schools Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a newer districtwide attendance initiative that uses automated letters, same-day notifications, data dashboards, MTSS tiers, incentives, and community supports such as bikes, washers and dryers, and faith-based partnerships. He reported Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023-24 to a projected 29% and said the district is now seeing about 20% in the first quarter of the current year. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also created something new for recognition incentives to make it a little bit more competitive
• So yes, I, whether it's sports, band, chorus, debate, robotics, the solar car races that our kids participate

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The committee met to discuss student attendance and chronic absenteeism in Florida K-12 schools, with Chair Simon outlining the state’s attendance requirements and intervention process, including school contact after unexcused absences, child study team review, district superintendent referral, DJJ family services referral, truancy petitions, and possible parental prosecution and driver’s license consequences. Dr. Chris Curran of the University of Florida presented statewide data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023–24, and noted that absenteeism varies by district, school level, demographics, and urbanicity. He emphasized that causes are multifaceted—ranging from transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family circumstances—and said effective responses include early warning systems, text or phone outreach, multi-tiered interventions, mentoring programs like Check & Connect, and community partnerships. He also cautioned that punitive responses alone are often less effective than addressing root causes and keeping students engaged academically even when they miss school. Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli described her district’s attendance efforts as a priority supported by attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, and extensive parent communication. She said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023–24 and attributed success to consistent monitoring, family outreach, and community support, while stressing that students must be physically present to learn. She also argued that many absences are tied to barriers such as clothing, transportation, childcare, or family mental health, and that districts need resources to address those issues. Dr. Rachel Dawes added that Collier uses multilingual brochures, attendance awareness campaigns, vacation-planning guidance, door tags, automated calls and letters, and a truancy flow chart, with truancy court used as a last resort. Volusia County Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a districtwide overhaul that included an attendance matters campaign, automated notices sent early and often, same-day and period-by-period notifications, a data dashboard, and tiered supports through MTSS. He said Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023–24 to a projected 29% and reported a first-quarter rate of about 20% in the current year. He highlighted community partnerships, including AdventHealth support for washers and dryers, bikes for students with transportation barriers, and monetary recognition for schools that reduce absenteeism. In response to questions, both district leaders emphasized that funding, staffing, and consistent follow-through are essential, and that attendance work is most effective when paired with family engagement, data monitoring, and practical supports rather than punishment alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• they're going to be, I guess, more incentivized to build cash balances, there may be somewhat of an incentive
• certifications for compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it something that, you know, the kind of training or incentives?
• attractive enough because, you know, if we're not even at the ballpark, I mean, if this is a horse race

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how will it help you think about the way in which you should begin to look at race?
• investment by those communities, and I've never seen a situation where regulatory impositions as an incentive

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Boss, there may be no greater incentive to serve the United States Armed Forces than the GI
• , our mission is clear, to support America's 17 million veterans and family members, regardless of race

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention

Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• and said we are all created equal, and we should be treating each other equally and without any... race
• There's no deadline to respond to job offers and no built-in incentive to require a person to attend

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the spending in Minnesota is increasing just as it is around the country, with state House races
• House and Senate races, a figure that's doubled since 2016.
• </c><00:30:21.560><c> drawing</c><00:30:21.840><c> more</c> um with state house races drawing more um
• with state house races drawing more than<00:30:22.160><c> $2</c><00:30:22.400><c> million,</c> than
• , a figure that's doubled Senate races, a figure that's doubled since<00:30:33.440><c> 2016.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She said that in some quarters of corporate America there is a tendency to race to the bottom in the
• ><00:07:26.919><c> to</c><00:07:27.080><c> the</c><00:07:27.199><c> bottom</c> tendency to want to race
• to the bottom tendency to want to race to the bottom in<00:07:27.759><c> the</c><00:07:27.879><c> name
• to</c><00:08:04.960><c> engage</c><00:08:05.280><c> in</c><00:08:05.400><c> a</c><00:08:05.520><c> race
• to engage in a race to the bottom<00:08:06.919><c> um</c><00:08:07.080><c> where</c><00:08:07.240><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oklahoma only has three limited exceptions for gambling: the lottery, horse racing, and class 3 tribal
• gaming. lottery, horse racing, and class 3 tribal gaming.
• the games, all the actual bingo games and things that are under Oklahoma law or either under horse racing
• have been any kind of training as related to someone that might be different from you, whether it be race

Bills: SB2065 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1589 , SB1597 , SB1216 , SB2173 , SB2028 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2014 , SB1805 , SB2044 , SB1836 , SB1380 , SB2179 , SB1436 , SB1558 , SB933 , SB1651 , SB1328 , SB1572 , SB1966 , SB175 , SB1475 , SB1950 , SB2049 , SB2052

Keywords: pollinator, state symbols, agriculture, insects, environment, business entities, limited liability company, LLC, foreign LLC, domestic LLC, limited partnership, foreign limited partnership, registered agent, Secretary of State, annual certificate, good standing, certificate of authority, designated office, email address, electronic mail

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where we, that's our shortcoming, and that's not race, that's not religion, that's not creed.
• It's probably economic, but it's not race, it's not religion, it's not ethnicity, it's not gender, it's
• probably spent on my on my placement that's that's where we that's that's our shortcoming and that's not race
• that's not religion that's not creed it's probably economic but it's not race it's not religion it's

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and first temporarily postponed SB 920, the mathematics education bill. The committee then took up SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, with Senator Rodriguez explaining that the bill would give districts more flexibility in educator pay by restoring meaningful cost-of-living adjustments for teachers with direct student contact, allowing districts to recognize relevant advanced degrees, and removing rigid performance-pay caps. Several senators spoke in support, emphasizing teacher retention, compensation, and the need to invest more in education. The bill was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. The committee next heard SB 1036 on school counselors, presented by Senator Calatayud, which aims to address counselor shortages by removing certification barriers tied to classroom teacher requirements and expanding the pool of eligible applicants. Testimony and discussion focused heavily on the shortage of counselors, high student-to-counselor ratios, and the impact on academic guidance and student mental health. Students and a veteran teacher described limited access to counselors, overburdened staff, and the need for more support personnel; Senator Osgood also noted the role of BRACE advisors and broader student support needs. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 1036 by unanimous vote. During the counselor bill discussion, senators also reflected on access and equity in college and career advising, with comments about the need for more efficient use of counselor time and better outreach from Florida colleges. The meeting ended after members recorded their votes on the two bills and, with no objection, adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Andrea Tinnon, turn director, of the ratepayers, With me to testify today is Adria Tinnon, Director of Race
• Adria Tinnon, Director of Race, Equity, and Legislative Policy for TURN, and I'm proud to be here in
• First is Adrienne Tinnon, Director of Race, Equity and Legislative Policy at TURN.
• Adrienne Tinnon, Director of Race, Equity and Legislative Policy at TURN, here in support and sponsorship

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications heard two bills. SB 742 by Senator Perez, the Wildfire and Emergency Management Act, would require investor-owned utilities to inventory and remove permanently abandoned or decommissioned transmission lines, update CPUC General Order 95, and participate more directly in emergency operations centers. The bill was presented as a response to the Eaton Fire and concerns that an unused transmission line may have contributed to the ignition. Supporters, including TURN and a utility wildfire survivor coalition representative, argued that abandoned lines are a serious wildfire risk and that utilities should be required to create removal plans and timelines. Senators raised questions about implementation, CPUC oversight, and ratepayer impacts, but the author and supporters said the bill is designed to reduce future fire and litigation costs. The committee adopted amendments and voted 12-0 to pass SB 742 as amended to Senate Appropriations, holding the roll open briefly before closing it. The committee also heard SB 327 by Senator McNerney, which would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation or expansion and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books and accounts. TURN and California Environmental Voters supported the bill, saying ratepayer money should not be used for political lobbying and that the Public Advocates Office needs clear statutory authority to investigate misuse of funds. PG&E and SDG&E/Southern California Gas opposed the bill unless amended, saying some of the cited lobbying costs were not recovered from ratepayers, that the bill could blur the roles of the CPUC and the Public Advocates Office, and that due process concerns remain. After discussion about clarity and amendments, the committee voted 10-3 to pass SB 327 as amended to Senate Appropriations, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that race are better than...
• that race are better than...
• ,</c><00:43:11.760><c> your</c> two-lap head start in a race, your two-lap head start in a race, your
• Men, women, gender identity, race, everybody's treated equally.
• ><c> treated</c> identity, race, everybody's treated identity, race, everybody's treated equally.<01:

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During the last governor's race, there was a situation where one of the candidates—and I'm going to have
• The governor's race was over, and the donations continued to a county executive race in the state of

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House began by noting the absence of a quorum and then established one by vote. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1788, which was described as a campaign finance measure responding to a reported case of deceptive recurring political donations. The sponsor said the bill requires affirmative opt-in consent for recurring contributions, clear receipt and cancellation information, and that recurring donations tied to elections end at the election unless they are ongoing party contributions. Members discussed a House Amendment 1 that was characterized as cleanup language from the Missouri Ethics Commission and not a substantive change. Several members asked about how the bill would affect recurring donations to political parties versus issue-based campaigns, and the sponsor said party donations would not be affected by election timing, while election-related solicitations would end at the election. The amendment was adopted, and members then spoke in support of the bill as a consumer-protection and transparency measure. The House adopted the committee substitute as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. After the bill action, the House moved to announcements, including a Bible study invitation, a reminder to wear red for Heart Month, a Future Caucus AI meeting, and a Special Committee on Rural Issues meeting. The House then adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, and members were told to be prepared to consider House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294 upon return.

Transcript Highlights:

• would be really something that isn't currently happening, at least to my knowledge, in school board races
• would be really something that isn't currently happening, at least to my knowledge, in school board races
• Placing these elections on crowded November ballots alongside national races will drown out local issues
• School board races and levy questions can be overshadowed by state and federal contests, reducing overall
• for a moment about nonpartisan and the difficulties getting messages out in a very crowded November race

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that zoning has been used to keep out certain races or classes of people in some areas.
• We know that zoning has been used to keep out certain races or classes of people in some areas.
• We know that zoning has been used to keep out certain races or classes of people in some areas.
• We know that zoning has been used to keep out certain races or classes of people in some areas.
• or classes of people out certain races or classes of people in<00:10:13.120><c> some</c><00:10:13.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those 25 districts have stuck with an odd-year election because they believe keeping these nonpartisan races
• Those 25 districts have stuck with an odd-year election because they believe keeping these nonpartisan races
• Those 25 districts have stuck with an odd-year election because they believe keeping these nonpartisan races
• Those 25 districts have stuck with an odd-year election because they believe keeping these nonpartisan races
• Those 25 districts have stuck with an odd-year election because they believe keeping these nonpartisan races

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all