Transcript Highlights:

• When you start looking at the AI component and the data centers, solar has become more appealing.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.

Bills: SB137, SB504, SB1213, SB1216, SB1221, SB1224, SB1232, SB1238, SB1255, SB1256, SB1258, SB1264, SB1266, SB1325, SB1441, SB1448, SB1450, SB1460, SB1496, SB1543, SB1589, SB1597, SB1621, SB1655, SB1679, SB1687, SB1716, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1921, SB1932, SB1936, SB1980, SB2011, SB2030, SB2084, SB2112, SB2170, SB2182

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits, prison programs

Bills: AB49, AB93, AB108, AB169, AB188, AB212, AB221, AB224, AB251, AB282, AB284, AB296, AB304, AB331, AB356, AB366, AB375, AB409, AB467, AB475, AB476, AB479, AB494, AB514, AB515, AB533, AB542, AB550, AB558, AB567, AB568, AB571, AB581, AB583, AB584, AB585, AB595, AB596, AB597, SB170, SB427, SB460, SB508

Keywords: educational personnel, teacher licensing, reciprocal licensure, provisional teaching, school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, state education standards, public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, health insurance, speech-language pathology

Bills: SB1287, SB1983, SB1796, SB1806, SB1558, SB2135, SB483, SB1198, SB1265, SB2154, SB2139, SB1552, SB2118, SB1775, SB259, SB1344, SB1380, SB2007, SB1572, SB2074, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB1503, SB1833, SB1561, SB1555, SB2044, SB1749, SB904, SB1565, SB1500, SB667, SB1484, SB1562, SB1644, HR1045, SB227, SB1627, SB1475, SB1966, SB2049, SB1531, SB80, SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB710, SB1489, SB1614, SB2045, SB1250, SB1304, SB1501, SB1946, SB592, SB65, SB1257, SB444, SB640, SB2178, SB1242, SB1642

Keywords: abstraction, licensing, Oklahoma Abstractors Board, criminal background, good moral character, SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions

Transcript Highlights:

• I have seen what they're doing already, and especially with hypergator and their ability to use the AI

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one appointment. SB 720, by Senator Osgood, would allow formerly incarcerated Florida residents to retain their residency status for tuition purposes so they can qualify for in-state rates after release. Senator Osgood and supporter Eddie Fordham testified that the bill addresses documentation barriers faced by long-term incarcerated people and supports reentry and rehabilitation; several organizations waved in support. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 372, by Senator Trumbull, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis. The Florida Sheriffs Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. SB 176, by Senator Berman, would require public postsecondary institutions to provide clearer, publicly available procedures for reporting threats to physical safety and identifying responsible contacts and protective steps. Support came from several education and faculty groups, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. Members then recommended confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the State University System Board of Governors. Finally, SB 816, by Senator Bradley, would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance diabetes research, education, prevention, and outreach. Senators emphasized the institute’s potential to improve outcomes and attract grant funding, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and when I have seen what they're doing already, especially with HyperGator and their ability to use AI

Bills: S0176, S0372, S0720, S0816

Keywords: campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one confirmation. Senate Bill 720, relating to resident status for tuition purposes for previously incarcerated Floridians, was presented by Senator Osgood and supported by testimony from Eddie Fordham, who described his own reentry and college experience and the difficulty of proving residency after long incarceration. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, emphasizing rehabilitation and access to education. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 372, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis, with support noted from the Florida Sheriffs Association. Senate Bill 176, dealing with campus emergency management, conduct, and workplace violence policies, was also reported favorably after discussion focused on clearer reporting protocols, protective measures, and timely updates for students, faculty, and staff; several groups waved in support. Members also voted to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the State University System. Finally, Senate Bill 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes, received supportive testimony from medical and university representatives and favorable comments from senators, including remarks about research, federal funding, and improved outcomes. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• those lines about the Chinese issue, he had just found out that morning at a press conference with the AI
• of the 353 Chinese drones, they were not on Vantis because they could do what Alibaba did, the open AI
• Chinese drones, they were not on Vantis because they could do what Alibaba did, the open AI.
• I want to preface this by saying, we're not embracing AI or anything like that, but we are embracing

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what they're doing, they're using AI.
• 01:07:15.680> doing,<01:07:15.920> they're<01:07:16.080> using<01:07:16.560> AI
• <01:07:17.160> And<01:07:17.720> if they're doing, they're using AI.
• And if they're doing, they're using AI.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ongoing subscription costs for consolidated policy and systems manual, an IT tool that will enable AI
• tool that um and systems manual, an IT tool that will<00:04:31.640> enable<00:04:32.280> AI
• <00:04:32.640> search<00:04:33.000> functionality<00:04:33.920> to will enable AI
• search functionality to will enable AI search functionality to increase<00:04:34.440> payment

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• to help us identify areas of concern and project the best safety countermeasure to implement using AI
• safety countermeasure to<00:32:17.720> implement<00:32:18.520> using<00:32:18.920> AI
• /c><00:32:19.840> based<00:32:20.120> on<00:32:20.200> that to implement using AI
• based on that to implement using AI based on that safety<00:32:20.640> analytics<00:32:21.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 31 and heard a series of resolutions focused on roadway safety, transportation access, and infrastructure coordination. Early measures included HCR 104/HR 96 on advancing coastal trails on O‘ahu’s North Shore and HCR 63/HR 57 on clarifying responsibility for Honouliuli Bridge and addressing safety, wildfire, and emergency access concerns. The Department of Transportation supported both, and a resident testified that the Honouliuli bridge is a single-lane emergency replacement on state land that has limited access for fire protection, heavy vehicles, permits, and repairs. DOT said it was working with DLNR and that jurisdiction may ultimately lie with the County of Maui, with research ongoing. The committee also heard HCR 62/HR 56 on alternative vegetation management along Hana Highway, HCR 43/HR 39 on raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary, and HCR 52/HR 48 on integrating the safe system approach into county road design; these drew support testimony and no opposition. The committee then considered HCR 120/HR 112 on regulating transportation network companies under motor carrier law. DOT and the Public Utilities Commission offered comments, while Lyft opposed, arguing the legislature already created a TNC-specific framework in 2022 and that motor carrier law is not a good fit for app-based ride platforms. In questioning, PUC explained that TNCs would fall under both PUC motor carrier jurisdiction and DOT permitting, and DOT said it would follow up on enforcement questions. Members also discussed HCR 119/HR 111 on an indirect traffic disruption grant program, with the chair asking DOT to clarify how it enforces penalties when contractors or others fail to follow road closure requirements. Other measures discussed included HCR 96/HR 88 on moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system, which DOT supported; HCR 128/HR 120 on coordinating capital improvement planning for Hawaiian Home Lands developments, which DOT and DHHL supported; HCR 127/HR 119 on a state highway police force, which DOT supported; and HCR 125/HR 117 on a statewide plan for derelict utility poles and lines, which drew support from DOT, Hawaiian Electric, and Hawaiian Telcom, with DOT acknowledging it lacks current statutory authority to force immediate removal. The committee also heard HCR 58/HR 54 on school crosswalk safety for Mililani Elementary, HCR 55/HR 51 on using artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety, and HCR 54/HR 146 on expanding the Hele-On Shared Ride program on Hawai‘i Island. Supporters of the Hele-On measure said expanded service would help rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities reach medical appointments and daily activities, while noting cost and technology-access concerns; they said missed or delayed appointments are a real issue in remote areas. The final item discussed in the excerpt was HCR 64/HR 58 on minimizing rumble strip dimensions on Kūhiō Highway on Moloka‘i, with DOT saying it had already removed some strips where large emergency vehicles were affected on narrow curves.

Transcript Highlights:

• operate a centralized registry of artificial intelligence in Kentucky state government and implement an AI
• government<00:42:00.560> and<00:42:00.720> implement<00:42:01.480> an<00:42:01.720> AI
• government and implement an AI government and implement an AI governance<00:42:02.520> process

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• especially now with modern technology and other issues that are arising and, um, especially because of AI
• that are arising and especially<00:34:20.720> because<00:34:21.040> of<00:34:21.280> AI
• 00:34:21.679> and<00:34:21.919> some<00:34:22.159> other especially because of AI
• and some other especially because of AI and some other things.<00:34:22.879> I<00:34:23.040><

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to talk about the rule transformational AI care model, which was the genesis for my Senate
• transformational talk about the um rule transformational talk about the um rule transformational AI
• 50:57.280> was<00:50:57.359> the<00:50:57.520> genesis<00:50:57.920> for AI
• care model, which was the genesis for AI care model, which was the genesis for my<00:50:58.400> Senate

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee heard a presentation from Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Program. He said Kentucky received about $213 million in federal funding, among the highest awards nationally, after a fast application and negotiation process. He emphasized that the grant is time-limited, must be used for the specific goals in the state’s application, and cannot be treated as a general bailout or replacement for existing funding. He also noted the state will use a website, ruralhealthplan.ky.gov, to share the full application, award terms, and future opportunities. Dr. Stack outlined five focus areas: maternal health and prenatal/early childhood supports; EMS and trauma response workforce and transfer capacity; behavioral health crisis care through the EMPATH model and mobile crisis services; oral health access through more hygienists, telehealth, and hub-and-spoke models; and rural community hubs for chronic disease prevention and innovation, including food-as-medicine and healthier lifestyle interventions. He stressed that the program is meant to be transformative, not duplicative, and that it cannot pay clinician salaries, fund new construction, replace EMR systems broadly, or duplicate billable services. He said the state will work with community partners, hospitals, universities, and others, including the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, to begin implementation. Members responded positively overall. Senator Berg praised the award and the goal of integrating care across the state, but raised concerns about access to prenatal care and about possible future changes to water fluoridation, warning both could harm children and rural families. The chair and other members thanked Dr. Stack for the update and congratulated him on the award. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• wanted to mention, because it was brought up a couple of times, was I was asked recently at my job about AI
• AI interpreting, and I did a lot of research on it since before I came here.
• somebody who is signing, and then you could see their written word here, but we're not there yet as far as AI
• So I just want to make sure, because we brought it up a few times, that AI might be the wave, but it's

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Human Services Committee met in interim session and first approved the previous meeting minutes before receiving a series of presentations on homelessness and housing stability. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency updated members on the new Interagency Council on Homelessness, describing its executive-order mandate to review resources, gather input from stakeholders, identify gaps, and develop recommendations. She said the council’s first work is building a statewide program matrix of existing homeless services and funding sources, with attention to youth, tribal communities, and other vulnerable populations. Members raised concerns about youth homelessness, homeless veterans, and how the council will stay focused on a practical framework rather than getting lost in details. The committee also discussed possible connections to the rural health transformation grant and agreed to continue the topic later in the spring. Beth Olson of Presentation Partners in Housing described the organization’s housing-first model in Cass County and Clay County, including homeless prevention/diversion, housing navigation, and Cooper House, a 42-unit permanent supportive housing building in Fargo. She said the organization focuses on people with long-term and chronic homelessness, many with mental health, addiction, health, domestic violence, and Indigenous identity-related barriers, and reported strong outcomes: 85 of 86 people housed in 2025, 91% still housed after one year, and major reductions in emergency room use, ambulance rides, jail stays, detox days, and shelter use. She also explained that state funding has grown from a small share of the budget to about $1.1 million in state-connected funding for fiscal 2026, largely through contracts tied to supportive services. Members asked about vouchers, rent contributions at Cooper House, length of stay, and whether similar projects could be expanded elsewhere. Andrea Olson of the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota outlined statewide homeless and housing-related services delivered through six community action agencies in all 53 counties. She explained the Community Services Block Grant structure, said housing was identified as the top need in the most recent statewide needs assessment, and described programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, North Dakota Homeless Grant services, and Home ARP supportive services. She emphasized that the end of North Dakota Rent Help has increased pressure on the system, that the current $2 million annual homeless grant is far smaller than prior rent-help assistance, and that community action is using case management and financial assistance to move households toward self-sufficiency. Members asked about funding formulas, rural service delivery, and coordination with Presentation Partners to avoid duplication. YouthWorks then began a presentation on youth homelessness, describing services for ages 12 to 24, the special needs of youth and former foster youth, and the organization’s use of federal and state funds to support transitional housing, emergency shelter, maternity housing, and diversion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• They said this is kind of a new thing as we go into AI, and that there are a lot of states starting to
• c> we<00:31:32.320> go<00:31:32.399> into<00:31:32.720> a<00:31:33.039> AI
• <00:31:33.600> You<00:31:33.679> know, new thing as we go into a AI.
• You know, new thing as we go into a AI.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• They teach information and digital literacy, and we were at the AI briefing that this committee kind
• c> digital literacy and we were we're at digital literacy and we were we're at the<00:33:19.000> AI
• that<00:33:19.919> this<00:33:20.039> committee<00:33:20.399> kind the AI
• briefing that this committee kind the AI briefing that this committee kind of<00:33:20.639> hosted

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I was wondering what the current role of AI in the judiciary is in terms of how it is used, frequency
• If I am researching a case in front of me, I am Entering a search, that is AI, right?
• It goes all the way to some jurisdictions that are operating their lowest courts on AI.
• On AI, for example, we have a paralegal look at that.

Transcript Highlights:

• This grant is focused on career and AI readiness, while remixing open textbooks through an equity lens
• government recognizes Massachusetts as a model for OER development, particularly in preparing students for AI-driven
• This bill is in justice. in preparing students for AI-driven careers.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing. A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes. The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further. Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI represents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for our institution, our state, and society,
• The University of California has been a leader in defining the AI landscape, from precision medicine
• curricula to equip today's workforce as well as the next generation with the fluency to navigate an AI-augmented

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard testimony and took up three main budget areas: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance and the statewide system of support, and universal school meals with kitchen infrastructure grants. Public commenters and agency witnesses generally supported continued or increased funding for ELOP, with several groups urging stabilization of Tier 2 rates, more support for older youth, and preservation of equity guardrails and local flexibility. On school meals and kitchen infrastructure, testimony broadly supported universal meals and additional kitchen funding, while the LAO questioned the need for a fourth round of kitchen grants and recommended rejecting it until clearer unmet-need data are available. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing for the program and $62.4 million ongoing to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579 and tying future changes to program requirements. CDE said the program is showing positive results in attendance and math, but data on enrollment patterns, TK participation, and some overlap with other programs are still being collected. Members raised concerns about possible double-funding with ACEs and 21st Century programs, the lack of site-specific data, and whether the current structure best targets students most in need; the issue was left open. For differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the current statewide system of support and the Governor’s proposal to shift to universal and targeted assistance with a three-year cycle. Finance said the proposal would provide more stable county office funding, broaden universal supports, and give the State Board more flexibility to revise eligibility criteria; it also proposed $131.9 million ongoing for universal and targeted assistance. The LAO objected to changing the system before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria and recommended revisiting the proposal later, while several members worried that a three-year entry window and broader board authority could weaken subgroup-based equity protections. The committee also discussed school meal funding, with Finance proposing $1.8 billion for universal meals and $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for kitchen infrastructure, while CDE emphasized ongoing needs, deferred maintenance, and the importance of flexibility for innovative strategies such as food pantries. The committee held the issues open and invited additional public comment before moving on.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI represents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for our institution, our state, and society,
• The University of California has been a leader in defining the AI landscape, from precision medicine
• curricula to equip today's workforce as well as the next generation with the fluency to navigate an AI-augmented

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three education budget items: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance/statewide system of support, and universal school meals plus kitchen infrastructure grants. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding and $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579, and committee members questioned how the rate was determined, how much funding is actually spent, and whether overlapping funding from ELOP, ACEs, and 21st Century programs is being tracked. CDE said ELOP is showing positive attendance and math outcomes, but some requested data will not be available until mid-2027; members also raised concerns about double-funding, transparency, and whether middle and high school students are being equitably served. On differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the statewide system of support and the various tiers of universal, targeted, supplemental, and intensive assistance. Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to replace the current DA structure with a more stable universal and targeted assistance model, funded at $131.9 million ongoing, with a three-year support cycle aligned to LCAP and ESSA timelines and broader State Board authority to revise eligibility criteria. The LAO objected to considering the proposal before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria, and committee members expressed concern that moving to a three-year cycle could delay support for LEAs that newly fall into need mid-cycle. There was also discussion about whether the proposal would weaken subgroup-based equity guardrails or give the State Board too much discretion over who qualifies for support. For school meals and kitchen infrastructure, Finance proposed $1.8 billion ongoing for universal meals and an additional $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for a fourth round of kitchen infrastructure and training grants. The LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the unmet need is not yet clear. CDE said prior investments have improved meal participation, efficiency, and menu variety, but many schools still lack the facilities for scratch cooking and face construction, electrical, and procurement barriers. Members asked for more data on how prior grants were used, which schools are benefiting, and whether funds could also support lower-cost food access strategies such as pantries, while noting federal restrictions on some meal-service innovations.