Transcript Highlights:

• So I have a third child who's in second grade.
• I teach Spanish as a second language.
• did wrestle a girl, and it was over in about 20 seconds.
• So just a second.
• This is your chance. I think we have no Brians.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll give everyone 30 seconds just to... You can stretch, you get 30 seconds. Thank you.
• If you could just give us five more seconds.
• I am a believer in second chances, whether innocent of the crime or not.
• chance that this bill would allow.
• Any seconds? Second.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security focused on several correction-related bills, including visitation reform, elder and medical parole, incarcerated persons’ human rights, and creation of an independent correctional oversight office. Vice Chair Christopher Worrell chaired the hearing in place of Chair Dan Cahill for much of the session and explained that the committee would first hear from incarcerated individuals remotely, then move to public testimony. The committee repeatedly enforced three-minute limits and accepted written testimony as well. Much of the testimony from incarcerated people emphasized that visitation is central to rehabilitation, family stability, and reentry, and that current DOC policies—visitor caps, pre-approval requirements, scheduling rules, dress-code enforcement, and restrictions on contact—have reduced family contact and caused harm. Several speakers argued that elderly and medically frail prisoners should be released through parole because incarceration is costly, ineffective, and inhumane for people who pose little public-safety risk. Others described poor prison conditions, limited programming, inadequate healthcare, segregation-like housing, and the impact of K2 use, suicides, and self-harm. Supporters of the oversight bill said an independent office is needed to address racial disparities, grievance failures, and lack of accountability within the DOC. A number of speakers tied their support to personal experiences, including alleged racial discrimination, denial of programs, and barriers to family visits. Some testified that rehabilitative programming, education, and restorative justice reduce violence and improve outcomes, while others said the DOC spends too little on programming and too much on punishment. Committee members asked a few follow-up questions, including about K2 contraband and how to reduce drugs in facilities, and one member asked about typical visitation lengths. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony on the bills and several witnesses urged favorable reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second.
• <00:25:37.760> Second. Move to approve. Second. Move to approve. Second.
• Second, Second, Second, senator. senator. senator.
• Second.
• . second. second.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, but also the opportunity of dignity and a second chance.
• Judge Harris believed so deeply in the power of second chances.
• Outside, Judge Harris believed so deeply in the power of second chances.
• He invested in individuals and believed in the importance of second chances.
• With grace and humility, Judge Harris believed firmly in second chances.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlining hearing rules, testimony limits, and written-testimony procedures. The first bill discussed was H. 4876, a proposal to strengthen supports for survivors of abuse. Representative Carol Faiola testified on behalf of a constituent who described how a lifetime restraining order was effectively undermined after a family member’s death, arguing the bill should limit abusers’ legal standing after death, improve survivor notification and privacy protections, expand coercive-control definitions, and create education and resource programs. The committee then heard testimony on H. 5111, which would strengthen the Massachusetts Antitrust Act. Representative Dave Rogers and Attorney General’s Office antitrust chief Anthony Mariano said the bill would give the state more tools to pursue anti-competitive conduct, including conduct with multi-state effects, while allowing enforcement even when federal authorities are also involved. They said it would increase penalties, clarify that invitations to conspire are violations, protect labor markets, remove limits affecting some housing transactions, and extend the statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for a related “universal 1983” bill, S. 2976/H. 2976, creating a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal, state, or local officers acting under color of law; supporters said it would fill gaps in remedies against federal officers while preserving qualified immunity. Testimony also supported H. 4783, a bill affirming the rights of people experiencing homelessness. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless said the measure would push back against growing criminalization of homelessness, especially after the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and local encampment bans, and would protect the use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. On H. 4826, condo owners and advocates said Chapter 183A is outdated and leaves owners with too little say and too few remedies against mismanagement, citing problems such as unsafe water, major assessments, and lack of meaningful dispute resolution. The committee also heard strong support for H. 5116, renaming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse, with testimony from family members, legislators, attorneys, and community leaders describing Judge Harris’s mentorship, community service, and commitment to second chances. Later testimony covered S. 2975, a bill to deter ICE courthouse arrests and protect access to justice; CPCS, law students, and defense advocates said courthouse arrests chill participation by defendants, witnesses, and victims and disrupt pending cases. The committee also heard support for H. 5244, repealing an archaic law criminalizing concealment of a child’s death, with advocates arguing it has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed. The hearing concluded with additional testimony in favor of S. 2976 and more support for the Judge Harris courthouse renaming, after which the chairs closed the hearing and reminded the public how to submit written testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• They need a chance to prove their innocence.
• They need a chance to prove that their child may have a condition that they did not know about.
• She asks clarification and questions, and she seeks a second opinion.
• And the second part of that, the second question was in Section 6, I was asking if there was any consideration
• Michael, one second. Just really quickly. Mr. Rainer, thank you for your advocacy.

Bills: S0042, S0196, S0878, S0902, S0914, S1092, S1168, S1340, S1404, S1414, S1684, S1686

Keywords: child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, uterine fibroids, health database, medical research, personal data protection, women's health, clinical laboratory, licensure, healthcare personnel, technologist, technician, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404. Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• a second time.
• <00:10:25.360> a<00:10:25.560> second team to uh be on this a second a second team
• to uh be on this a second a second time<00:10:26.720> and<00:10:26.880> the<00:10:27.040
• If an application was denied, there was no petition for reconsideration or second chance, and that was
• If an application was denied, there was no petition for reconsideration or second chance, and that was

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota House Commerce Committee held its inaugural meeting with Chair Tim O’Driscoll and co-chair Representative Greg Davids opening the session and inviting members to introduce themselves. Members briefly described their districts, business backgrounds, and priorities, with recurring themes including small business competitiveness, insurance and health care access, property and real estate issues, agriculture, and making Minnesota easier to do business in. Committee staff also introduced themselves and reminded members and testifiers about sign-in procedures and microphone use. The committee then heard an overview from Eric Toell, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, on the agency’s work and budget priorities. He said the office now oversees adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, has grown from about nine employees to 90 full-time staff plus temporary workers, and has been working with a Cannabis Advisory Council on testing, warning labels, and implementation issues. He also described outreach efforts, including webinars, newsletters, guidebooks for local governments, and office hours for applicants, along with enforcement of hemp-derived product rules through more than 3,000 inspections and an increase in compliance rates from about 35% to 75%. Toell also reported that the medical cannabis program has surpassed 51,000 patients and nearly 2,500 registered health care providers, and that a chronic pain report found more than a third of patients reported decreased pain. On the adult-use side, he said the office has posted proposed rules for public comment, plans to adopt them after review, and will open a licensing window from February 18 to March 14. He explained that the office is also managing community reinvestment grants and a technical assistance grant, with an emphasis on safeguards to ensure funds reach intended recipients. No votes were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• provided for problem-solving courts to illustrate the use of data, and then to be a bridge for your second
• And that's the second on the slide. It's not a court-owned system. It's the clerks.
• And that's the second on the slide. It's not a court-owned system. It's the clerks.
• of staying in recovery over their lifetime, less chance of recidivism, less chance of overdose.
• of staying in recovery over their lifetime, less chance of recidivism, less chance of overdose.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to continue its review of performance measurement in the criminal justice system. The first presentation, from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure, described how the court system uses multiple data sources to track filings, dispositions, clearance rates, workload, and support services, and how those data inform judge need, budget requests, resource allocation, and court administration. He also discussed ongoing efforts to improve case-level reporting, the use of case management systems in trial and appellate courts, and performance efforts in problem-solving courts and civil case management. McClure noted that the legislature provides dedicated funding for problem-solving courts and for medication-assisted treatment, and that the courts are required to report outcomes and monitor compliance with contract requirements. Melanie Brown-Whor of the Florida Behavioral Health Association then reviewed the medication-assisted treatment program funded through the courts budget. She said the program combines medication with counseling and behavioral supports, serves people involved in or at risk of criminal justice involvement, and has expanded over time to include additional medications and more counties. She reported improved engagement and retention, with more than 10,000 people screened over five years, about 9,200 receiving medication, and over 6,600 successfully discharged. Senators asked about racial and ethnic demographics, hospital referrals, and how services are delivered; Brown-Whor explained that local community providers deliver treatment under contract and that the program is working to improve data reporting and consistency. The Department of Law Enforcement then presented on investigations, forensics, and criminal justice information services. Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard outlined FDLE’s strategic plan and major investigative priorities, including cybercrime, targeted violence, crimes against children, mutual aid, and the SAFE fentanyl eradication program. He said SAFE has led to major seizures, arrests, and a reported decline in fentanyl deaths. Director Jason Bundy described FDLE’s forensic laboratory operations, DNA and rapid DNA capabilities, cold case and missing persons work, and the staffing and turnaround-time challenges tied to complex evidence testing. Director Lucy Saunders reviewed FDLE’s criminal history, biometric, incident-based crime reporting, and criminal justice transparency systems, noting that Florida is still transitioning agencies from summary reporting to incident-based reporting. The committee raised questions about Rapid DNA deployment, cold case coordination, and the slow pace of NIBRS/FIBRS adoption. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• second term. Thank you. Thank you. second term. Thank you. Thank you.
• opportunity and chance to be here. opportunity and chance to be here.
• continue that work during the second continue that work during the second term.<00:19:58.840>
• <00:42:22.160> to<00:42:23.000> um the nominee a chance to um the nominee a chance
• <00:42:39.000> to<00:42:39.760> um chance to um chance to um share<00:42:40.760> with

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition. In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable. The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think our analysts deserve a chance to really go through this.
• Do we have a second on that motion? Second. Let's take a vote on that. Mr.
• And I'll second the original motion, Mr. Chairman. Second.
• Second. We have a due pass from Representative Romero and a second from Representative Hockman Pia.
• I maybe could support this if I had a chance to really go over it.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee met with quorum and took up only HB 3, the Department of Transportation Appropriation Act of 2026 for FY27. The bill was presented as an amended budget that would increase NMDOT’s operating budget by about $132.6 million, or 10.2%, using available cash balances, additional projected revenue, and contingent revenue tied to Senate Bill 2, the highway bond bill. Staff walked through the amendment section by section, explaining changes to project design and construction, highway operations, program support, modal programs, federal and interagency transfer lines, corrected performance-measure language, and added budget adjustment authority for the current and next fiscal years. Several members raised concerns about the late circulation of a revised amendment and the appearance of multiple bill versions, arguing the committee had not had enough time to review the changes and that the process may have violated the 24-hour rule. Others asked for clarification on how the budget distinguished between rehabilitation and maintenance, and DOT staff explained that major rehabilitation is generally tied to STIP projects while maintenance is handled through district-level plans and contracts. Members also discussed the use of cash balances for non-recurring spending, the impact of electric vehicles on road revenue, and the need for more maintenance, litter cleanup, fencing, and beautification funding. DOT and executive representatives noted the amendment includes a significant maintenance increase and said additional non-recurring funding could also come through House Bill 2 and the capital bill. The committee first rejected a substitute motion to delay action, then adopted the amendment and later voted due pass on HB 3 as amended. Public comment was opened, but no one spoke in support or opposition. After passage, members explained their votes, with some supporting the bill as a needed transportation investment and others objecting to the process and the compressed review timeline.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I ended up in Stony Brook, but I came out of there with a second chance...” “...and got away with
• I had a second chance and a clean bill, and that was given to me through Stony Brook.
• I was given a second chance at life and a chance at sobriety. To shut it down would be...”
• “I was given a second chance at life and a chance at sobriety. To shut it down would be unfair.
• I referred to it jokingly as ‘die-at-jail’ the whole time I was there, but it gave me a second chance

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session on bills dealing with involuntary commitment and access to addiction treatment, especially proposals to move Section 35 civil commitments away from jails and prisons and into facilities licensed or approved by DPH or DMH. Chairs Velis and Domb framed the hearing as a discussion of how to support people in crisis with compassion, while also warning against using involuntary commitment as a way to remove unhoused people from public view. The hearing also touched on related concerns about discharge practices, treatment capacity, and the need for a broader continuum of care. Testimony split largely along two themes. Addiction researcher Keith Humphreys argued that many people enter treatment under pressure, that involuntary treatment can be ethically justified in the face of overdose risk, but that it should not be mandated unless high-quality services exist first; he emphasized the need for inpatient care when someone is a grave danger, followed by case management and outpatient support. MAMH’s Kate Alicante supported the bill, saying Massachusetts is the only state that commits people with substance use conditions to jails or prisons and that carceral settings add trauma and stigma; she pointed to prior legislative steps, including the Section 35 commission and the planned closure of DOC’s MESAC facility, as evidence that the Commonwealth is moving toward health-based settings. A major portion of the hearing focused on Stony Brook, a sheriff-run stabilization and treatment center in Hampden County. Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald, several committee members, and multiple people in recovery described the facility as humane, well-run, and effective, with longer stays, medical monitoring, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and warm handoffs to aftercare. Several witnesses said Stony Brook saved their lives or helped family members recover, and they argued that the sheriff’s office model should be expanded rather than eliminated. Others, including family members and advocates, countered that even a well-run correctional setting remains stigmatizing and that people should not be treated in facilities run by sheriffs or corrections when they have committed no crime. No vote was taken. The hearing concluded with continued testimony, including Senator Friedman’s support for Section 35 as a civil commitment tool but not in a criminal justice setting, and her separate support for a bill to speed inpatient mental health treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Freeze, did you get a chance to testify or speak in favor?
• One second. Okay, members, we have the DE1 amendment in front of us.
• One second. Okay, members, we have the DE1 amendment in front of us.
• The chances of survival of a heart attack are as high as 90%.
• Under that, in the second year, there’s the first sentence and then the second paragraph.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Please give the next family the chance we never had.
• Second, as you've heard today, this saves money.
• ... ...incidentally, by chance.
• The second point is that it's extremely easy. Unlike other cancers, ...lives.
• The second point is that it's extremely easy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on children’s health, tobacco control, newborn screening, pediatric cancer, palliative care, and professional licensure. Early testimony highlighted Senate bills to expand newborn screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, and congenital CMV, with families and clinicians describing severe diagnostic delays, missed treatment windows, and the benefits of early detection. Speakers also supported a bill to improve pediatric cancer research through a dedicated trust fund, and a bill to extend pediatric palliative care services to age 22, with parents and providers emphasizing continuity of care for seriously ill young people. Several witnesses gave personal accounts in support of the newborn screening measures. Families described children who endured years of misdiagnosis before receiving diagnoses such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and CMV, often after irreversible damage had already occurred. Medical and advocacy witnesses said Massachusetts already collects some of the relevant screening data and argued that results should be reported to families, while others urged the committee to add conditions to the state panel because effective treatments already exist. The committee also heard support for a bill to establish a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program and training for providers. On tobacco and youth health, testimony supported bills to ban internet tobacco sales, strengthen youth protections, and reduce lung cancer deaths through point-of-sale information and quit-line access. A student testified about easily purchasing flavored nicotine products online without meaningful age verification, and public health advocates backed measures to keep tobacco out of children’s environments. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to ensure parents have access to their children’s medical records through age 16, with exceptions for sensitive services already protected by law. The committee additionally took testimony on an optometry licensure bill, where ophthalmologists opposed language they said could broaden scope of practice and allow optometrists to use the title “optometric physician,” while optometry educators and students supported the bill as a modernization measure with no scope expansion. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly reminded speakers of time limits and noted that written testimony could be submitted for additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a chance to visit this morning with Senator Worth.
• He and I have had a chance to visit, and he appreciates the chance to speak to... ...and I've had a chance
• the chance of getting convicted is even more remote, and the chance of going to trial and actually seeing
• The second question was on IPRAs.
• So if that was increased to, you know, a first-degree felony, if it's a second-time offense or a second-degree

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we call it the court of second chances.
• So it is the court of second chances. I want to thank you, and I'm open to questions.
• My life is worth a second chance. And that's what treatment courts do for all of our state.
• We encourage people to love themselves and to know that they are worth a second chance.
• As long as your committee believes in this effort, believes in second chances, and believes in funding

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. Thank you.
• Second.
• Oh, is there a second? Can I just make a comment? Yes. I'll second it.
• So give me one second here.
• We have a second.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, have you had a chance to do roll call?
• Well, I haven't had a chance to let me give you that chance.
• >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Senator Rothfuss.
• >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Senator Rothfuss.
• Is there a second? >> Seconded by Senator Guru.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met on February 13 to continue work on proposed Senate Rule 15-9, a rule prohibiting campaign contributions. Members discussed two parts of the rule: one barring any solicitation, offer, delivery, or acceptance of campaign contributions in areas under the control of the President of the Senate at any time, and another barring senators from knowingly soliciting or accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. Senator Rothfuss suggested clarifying the session-related language by adding the word “legislative” before “campaign” in paragraph B, while leaving paragraph A broad. The chair explained the distinction between the two provisions and opened the meeting for public comment, but none was offered. Senator Rothfuss moved to adopt the rule and offered the amendment; Senator Guru seconded it. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted to adopt the rule as amended, with Senators Guru and Rothfuss voting aye and the chair announcing the vote passed before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Proud to say, we'll show a slide in a second, but in the last five years, and all these data are really
• The second thing I will throw is that this is really problematic for men.
• What's the chances of getting a job that's right in that area? So that's real critical.
• What's the chances of getting a job that's right in that area? So that's real critical.
• I give you about 30 seconds to finish up.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: Aaron Thompson, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and Travis Pal briefed the committee on Kentucky higher education performance, affordability, workforce alignment, and budget needs. Thompson said the state has made progress toward its 60x30 attainment goal, reporting 56.2% of adults with a credential of value and a 6.4% one-year increase in credentials. He highlighted gains in completion, enrollment recovery after COVID, lower student borrowing and debt, and faster degree completion, saying Kentucky is now back to an average of 4.1 years for four-year degrees. He also emphasized that postsecondary education has a strong return on investment for both students and the state. A major theme was student success and access. Thompson described efforts to reduce barriers through test-optional admissions, the elimination of zero-credit developmental education, expanded wraparound supports, and Bridge programming for students not fully prepared for college. He also promoted Futurity, a student-facing information website, and said CPE wants modest ongoing funding to maintain it. He argued that higher education must work in a P-20 system with K-12, and that the state should better communicate the value of certificates, trade programs, and other credentials, especially for adult learners and men, who he said are underrepresented in college-going. The presentation also focused on performance funding, capital needs, and workforce initiatives. Thompson and Pal said performance funding has pushed institutions toward more need-based aid and lower costs for low-income students, but they want more base funding, more performance funding dollars, and relief from about $38 million in mandated tuition waivers. They also said asset preservation and deferred maintenance remain major needs, estimating roughly $7 billion in campus need overall. On workforce, they cited healthcare pipeline work supported by state funding and private partners, and said HB 200 continues that effort into aviation, aerospace, and defense. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the presentation, which ended with members indicating interest in further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We shouldn't have lost Chance.
• We urge you to pass HB 1135 and give every student athlete the second chance they deserve.
• We urge you to pass HB 1135 and give every student athlete the second chance they deserve.
• I also, Chairman Schoeff mentioned Chance Gainer.
• But the second-best time to solve a problem is today.

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and took up seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. First, HB 1367 on school attendance was presented as a response to rising chronic absenteeism; it would standardize attendance definitions and reporting statewide, and it passed 18-0 after supportive testimony from education and business groups. HB 949 would prohibit student use of wireless devices during the school day, while allowing district policies for designated use areas and existing medical/disability exceptions; members discussed classroom disruption, bullying, public safety, and accommodations, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved PCS for CS for HB 1135, requiring ECGs for student athletes in grades 9-12, with exemptions for religious objections and provisions on cost, liability, and medical clearance; the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates who described children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and was reported favorably after unanimous support. Members then approved CS for CS for HB 597 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow schools to keep glucagon pens and authorize trained personnel to administer them in emergencies; an amendment clarified charter schools are included as public schools. HB 1309 on reading interventions and instruction would expand reading support and training for grades 4-12 and require district reading plans to include evidence-based interventions; it also passed without opposition. CS for HB 981 on athlete representation and compensation would cap certain NIL agent fees, allow some high school athletes to earn NIL compensation, and create a framework for registered advisors; members raised concerns about predatory practices and coach involvement, but the bill passed favorably after amendment. Finally, HB 1111 would eliminate the certificate of completion option for students who do not meet graduation requirements, with the sponsor arguing it would better motivate students to earn a standard diploma and improve postsecondary and workforce opportunities. Members discussed the need for stronger supports to help students meet graduation standards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing all agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to give you a chance.
• Please remember don't take one day, one second, one minute, one hour for granted.
• , one second, one second, one<00:09:55.240> minute,<00:09:55.720> one<00:09:55.880>
• <00:10:24.160> to<00:10:24.280> grow<00:10:24.560> into a chance to grow into
• a chance to grow into legislator, legislator, legislator, leader, leader, leader, and<00:10:30.240><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Frazier delivered an emotional floor speech reflecting on his personal journey from Chicago to Minnesota and how his experiences shaped his public service. He spoke about growing up inspired by Harold Washington’s “rainbow coalition,” his time at the University of Minnesota Morris, and the lessons he learned from small-town communities about the need for jobs, education, dignity, respect, and opportunity. He also expressed grief over losing Melissa, saying it reminded him not to take time or people for granted. Frazier thanked colleagues on both sides of the aisle, legislative staff, and leaders who gave him opportunities, saying Minnesota had given him a chance to grow into a legislator, leader, and public servant. He emphasized that the Legislature had worked together during difficult times, including the current budget session and the “Corona class” period, and said that cooperation across party lines had benefited the state. He closed by urging members and staff to appreciate each moment, continue the work, and remember the importance of service. The speech ended with applause; no formal vote or legislative action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE CITRUS FAMILY CARE NETWORK THAT HAS A CHANCE MODEL.
• IT'S AN INTENSIVE PROGRAM THAT CHANCE PROVIDES. FROM DOWN IN MIAMI.
• Sharief: I HAVE THE ANNUAL REPORT -- HOLD ON ONE SECOND. MINE SAYS 36.
• THAT'S WHAT I HAVE ON THAT REPORT. >> HOLD ON ONE SECOND. 33.
• THE SECOND COMPONENT IS A WORKFORCE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all