Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank you for bringing that up, and I will make sure that we work collaboratively with the
• We've got to make sure that we're collaborating and leveraging resources and expertise.
• working in silos and how we've got to stop working in silos and we've got to make sure that we're collaborating
• So I'm really open to suggestions and collaboration in the space, but I think it was important to give
• time in this committee, I did bring forward a bill last year that was signed by the Governor in collaboration

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met at the start of the 2026 session and heard four bills. AB 673 (Jackson) would create a five-year Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students who are not in a parent or guardian’s custody, with grants to local education agencies for housing referrals, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and related services. Support came from the Department of Education and an Alameda County Office of Education representative. Members raised questions about funding, reporting burdens on small districts, and coordination with county and nonprofit services, but the bill was approved 6-0 and sent to Human Services as amended. AB 1493 (Avila Farías) would have required school board special elections to be consolidated with the next primary or general election. The author argued this would reduce costs and increase turnout, while opponents including CFT and the California School Boards Association said it would reduce local accountability and preserve too much time for appointed members without voter input. Committee members debated turnout, democracy, costs, and whether the bill should instead address signature thresholds; the author said she was open to further work, but the measure failed on a 2-2 vote and did not advance. AB 68 (Gallagher) would require rural school districts, as defined in the bill, to have at least one school resource officer on campus, with a good-cause exception and a compliance plan if a district cannot meet the requirement. The author and a Glenn County superintendent said rural schools face long response times and need more protection, while CSBA, the Small School Districts Association, and several advocacy groups opposed the mandate, citing local control, costs, and evidence that SROs can increase anxiety and disciplinary actions without improving safety. After a lengthy debate over safety, local control, and funding, the bill passed 5-2 and was sent to Public Safety. AB 296 (Davies), which would create a standalone website for schools to buy and sell used career technical education equipment, drew support from construction industry groups and passed unanimously 8-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will make sure that we work collaboratively with the Department of Education to find ways to make sure
• We've got to make sure that we're collaborating and leveraging resources and expertise.
• working in silos and how we've got to stop working in silos and we've got to make sure that we're collaborating
• So I'm really open to suggestions and collaboration in the space, but I think it was important to give
• in this committee, I did bring forward a bill this last year that was signed by the Governor in collaboration

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the policy level, he is crucial in helping us review that scientific evidence and partnering and collaborating
• And then the complex treatment unit is a collaborative staffing with the worker's attending provider.
• .. ...collaborative staffing with the worker's attending provider and our doctor to look through the
• But I think the first person is here. collaborative staffing with the workers attending provider and
• We have had an underground economy task force before, and it's worth saying that the collaboration between

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• NGOs and others for improved coordination, resource sharing, and alignment among New Mexico's collaborative
• The Institute's collaboration program led to the development of the New Mexico Collaboration Hub, a statewide
• Economic development facilities and projects include the Mercedes Zunida Center, which is a collaboration
• Um, important collaboration and discussion.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to note that the State Tribal Collaboration Act is another law that should have been listed
• of practices and procedures, and staffing for reviewing holdings. as well as funds for tribal collaboration
• together, but on the slide about applicability, it says the spirit of New Mexico State Tribal Collaboration
• So state Tribal collaboration is leader-to-leader formal consultation, which we absolutely do when we
• I love collaboration.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Over time, the Ports to Plains collaborative is really focused on ensuring that those improvements remain
• quarterly host sponsors and partners from across the state to have education as a platform for collaboration
• the voice of the state's airport system, sharing our successes, identifying our challenges, and collaborating
• Representative, actually, the air races were really a good collaboration between the county, the city
• Training includes collaboration with the Administrative Office of the District Attorney and the courts

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Nava, on the bill here with your medical expert there, would you agree that more collaboration
• President, that we want more research and more collaboration.
• We're removing it. removing that collaboration from the ACIP. Mr.
• And to the people of New Mexico because you are not collaborating, which you said you wanted more collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• Value very much our collaboration with the State Aging Department and the solutions to mitigating the
• risks that Alzheimer's and dementia bring to our people and our state can only be done in collaboration
• year was a public awareness campaign that the Alzheimer's Association and the Aging Department collaborated
• In summary, Madam Chair, members, House Memorial 53 requests collaboration among the Aging, Long-Term
• This is a collaborative effort where roughly about 3,000 providers find jobs throughout now rural and

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• staff for their thoughtful work, and I do want to say a special thank you to Tanya for all her collaborative
• With the most recent amendment it reflects an in-depth conversation and collaboration that we have taken
• of work you've acknowledged that has gone into this bill and our chair's bill as well and the collaborative
• changeable by the legislature because it's a bill but I am really responding to your offer of collaboration
• is the way I heard it or invitation to collaborate because I think on the constitutional amendment and

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we haven't had collaboration spaces like we need to, so we are really grateful to be, um, almost
• And then, do your analysts ever collaborate, for example, with the LFC, um, or DFA analysts, just in
• Do they, is there any collaboration across your agency with the government, with the state agencies?
• And so there's more informal uh collaboration going on behind the scenes, um, and then, You know, depending
• on the program, we collaborate very heavily with the SIC on our venture capital program.

Committee: House New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commander Hannon Act directed better collaboration between the VA and the Department of Defense and
• certain. its own employees, especially those in high needs areas, are fully aware of the program and collaborating
• And third, VA collaboration and compliance.
• We have formal collaborations with major veteran employers across the state, consistent engagement at
• and I can say Oklahoma Veterans United has already developed internal models for cross county collaboration

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veterans, mental health, suicide prevention, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, HOPE Act, BRAVE Act, Every State Counts for Vets Mental Health Act, advocacy, legislation, mental health resources

Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, committee substitute to House Bill 1233. directs a collaborative effort to better integrate
• and implement a pilot program to test those recommendations in practice, allowing institutions to collaborate
• And I met this engineer out of the college station area who had recently collaborated with the machinist
• Another commendable aspect of this bill is its proactive approach to fostering and collaboration between
• It is a collaborative effort amongst all research institutions whether Whether they're private or public

Bills: HB42 , HB 125 , HB 1233 , HB2853 , HB3148 , HB3326 , HB3701 , HB4066 , HB4361 , HB4762 , HB4909 , HB4912 , HB42 , HB125

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• At one point, we met with the Jefferson County attorney to talk about how we can collaborate more, how
• At one point, we met with the Jefferson County attorney to talk about how we can collaborate more, how
• At one point, we met with the Jefferson County attorney to talk about how we can collaborate more, how
• At one point, we met with the Jefferson County attorney to talk about how we can collaborate more, how
• At one point, we met with the Jefferson County attorney to talk about how we can collaborate more, how

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:06 SB24 Discussion: 01:08 SB24 Vote: 13:22 SB18 Discussion: 14:40 SB18 Vote: 21:54, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 24, a measure aimed at combating property and casualty insurance fraud. Senator Girdler and witnesses from the Insurance Institute of Kentucky and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said the bill would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover statements that misrepresent the scope of property damage or repair costs, with the goal of addressing inflated storm-damage claims and out-of-state bad actors. Members discussed whether existing prosecutors were already handling these cases, the role of Commonwealth’s attorneys versus the Attorney General, and the need to keep the bill narrowly tailored to criminal intent rather than negligence or ordinary disputes over value. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill received favorable expression, and a title amendment was also adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, which would address a shortage of insurance options for automobile dealers by allowing nonadmitted carriers to provide garage liability coverage in Kentucky. Testimony from an insurance agent and a legislative agent for Big I Kentucky described a shrinking market in which some small dealers cannot find coverage at all, risking closure. Members asked about the meaning of garage liability, consumer protections, solvency concerns, and whether more competition could lower prices; witnesses said surplus lines carriers already operate in Kentucky, agents play an important vetting role, and errors-and-omissions coverage would apply to the agent. The bill was supported as a way to preserve dealer businesses and expand coverage options, and it passed the committee with favorable expression after roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• , again, for coaches to be able to provide that high-quality feedback, and then this notion of collaboration
• We need our teachers to be able to continue to collaborate, to really focus on making sure that we've
• Let's stay right there with how do you achieve that collaborative implementation model with the staff
• They collaborate with another team that we have, which is our state regional literacy directors.
• So if those schools are double down and focused on literacy, they collaborate with our math team.

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education received a Department of Education presentation from Deputy Commissioner Juan Copa on Florida’s K-12 assessment system, including FAST progress monitoring, end-of-course exams, science, writing, alternate assessments, English language acquisition testing, and VPK progress monitoring. Copa reported year-over-year gains in ELA and mathematics, noted that end-of-course and science results also improved, and explained how assessment data are used for school grades, third-grade promotion, graduation requirements, and other accountability measures. He also reviewed the independent study required by SB 1048, which recommended keeping PM3 as the primary accountability measure, proceeding cautiously on further test-length reductions and remote testing expansion, and using PM1/PM2 only as supplemental evidence in limited cases. Committee members focused on whether the new system is improving student outcomes enough, what supports teachers and schools need to use the data effectively, and how Florida compares nationally. Chancellor Dr. Burns said the department is emphasizing implementation of the new standards, high-quality instructional materials, coaching, professional learning, collaboration, and school improvement support, and also pointed to resiliency education standards and mental health supports. Copa said Florida’s latest NAEP results remain mixed but still generally outperform the nation in some grades, while members pressed for more information on best practices, other states’ approaches, and how districts are using the data. Several members requested follow-up information, including the independent review report, breakdowns of PM1/PM2/PM3 results by grade and subgroup, details on VPK outcomes by provider type and full-day versus half-day programs, and data on use of the CLT versus SAT/ACT for graduation concordant scores. The committee also discussed third-grade retention outcomes, computer-based testing, district assessment calendars, and whether some districts still administer additional local testing. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is about collaboration with higher ed, targeted development, and continuous monitoring of outcomes
• Another important impact has been staff collaboration and retention.
• We have formed a collaborative group, which meets monthly. We have...
• So through an MOU, DPI is managing that work in collaboration with NDHS.
• So through an MOU, DPI is managing that work in collaboration with NDHS.

Committee: Joint Education Committee

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on dual credit programming across North Dakota, with presentations from Valley City State University, Lake Region State College, Fargo Public Schools, and teachers from West Fargo and Drake-Anamoose. Speakers described dual credit as a way to give high school students college-level rigor, reduce future tuition costs, and help students explore academic and career pathways. Several presenters emphasized that strong local relationships between colleges and school districts are central to program quality, especially in rural areas where access to advanced coursework can be limited. Valley City State University outlined its quality-control model, including annual teacher trainings, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty evaluations, qualification standards, school visits, and a goal of building 24-credit College Studies Certificates. The university reported about 504 students in the fall and 559 in the spring, with roughly 5,539 projected credit hours and about 130 students expected to earn the 24-credit certificate. Members asked about faculty qualifications, online versus in-person delivery, student retention, revenue, and whether a more centralized statewide model might be more efficient; the presenter said centralization could reduce duplication but might weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College described a broader regional model, with about 913 dual credit students last fall across 44 school districts, roughly half of them taking online college courses and half taking face-to-face courses taught by qualified high school teachers serving as adjuncts. The college said it has paid for graduate credits to help teachers meet credentialing requirements and reimburses districts for teacher support and materials. Fargo Public Schools reported 50 dual credit courses through multiple higher-ed partners, 1,571 enrollments, and a 12.61% increase in participation, while also raising concerns about inconsistent registration systems, credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity across institutions. Teachers from West Fargo and Drake-Anamoose reinforced the value of dual credit, while noting concerns about retention in foundational science courses and the importance of maintaining rigor and support for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another important impact has been staff collaboration and retention.
• We have formed a collaborative group, which meets monthly.
• We have, A collaborative group, which meets monthly.
• So through an MOU, DPI is managing that work in collaboration with NDHS.
• So through an MOU, DPI is managing that work in collaboration with NDHS.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and technical assistance collaboration and technical assistance toward<00:51:41.600><c> compliance.
• We have the school safety center, who is going to be working collaboratively with schools.
• We have the school safety center, who is going to be working collaboratively with schools.
• We have the school safety center, who is going to be working collaboratively with schools.
• We have the school safety center, who is going to be working collaboratively with schools.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><01:03:14.880><c> and</c> is to convene, engage, collaborate, and is to convene, engage, collaborate
• collaboration framework, comprehensive planning,<01:03:40.000><c> coordination,</c><01:03:40.960><c>
• community collaboration as I mentioned,<01:04:05.520><c> and</c><01:04:05.839><c> protecting</c><01:
• Local conversations and collaboration between neighboring communities are essential to understanding
• This is a significant collaborative effort involving state agencies, St.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, these, you know, cross-collaboration is happening, again, across the state now.
• DYD and probation need to collaborate or transfer those duties to DMH. Something has to happen.
• I will say this: we are always in collaboration with trying to do things that help probation.
• We are always in collaboration with Trump. I will say this.
• We are always in collaboration with trying to do things that help probation.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the bill provides legislative findings and creates the Cancer Connect collaborative research
• incubator within the Department of Health, to be overseen by the collaborative, to provide funding for
• Senator, how will the collaborative ensure equitable distribution of grants across different regions
• Additionally, the collaborative will have information from C-CRAB, which is already established in statute
• The center will manage the model moving forward, but will collaborate with other universities, including

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects. Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.