Video & Transcript Research : 'class levels'

Page 110 of 500
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's one level of shaking.
  • Has it skyrocketed or has it leveled off? It’s gone down significantly.
  • We're talking about the different levels of government because it's tied.
  • and an advanced level.
  • We know the emergencies at the local level. Yes, and I’m going there.
Summary: The committee met on May 26, 2026, and first approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. The main topic was the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster, with testimony from Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy staff, LSU and Tulane geoscientists, and later LSU law professor Keith Hall. Witnesses said the cause of the swarm has not been definitively identified, but induced seismicity from wastewater injection or hydraulic fracturing remains a concern. They described 50 earthquakes reported by the USGS in Red River, Bienville, DeSoto, and Natchitoches Parishes, including a magnitude 4.9 event on March 5, 2026, and explained that Louisiana’s sparse seismic network limits detection and depth/location estimates. C&E said it inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the events, found no violations, now requires more frequent injection reporting, and is working with researchers and LSU on a possible state monitoring network and future policy changes. Committee members asked about injection depths, fault locations, whether the activity could be natural, and whether Louisiana should adopt stronger monitoring or a traffic-light regulatory system like other states. The witnesses said more data is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn, but that denser monitoring can detect smaller quakes and help identify patterns. Professor Hall summarized responses in other states, including more frequent reporting, increased monitoring, injection reductions, moratoria, and traffic-light systems in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Ohio, and Illinois. Members also discussed whether operators should share more seismic and geologic data, and several said the state should avoid jumping to conclusions while still improving oversight. The committee then heard from William Berger, a Texas geoscientist, who described using AI and operator data to model wastewater injection and seismic risk, and said broader data sharing would improve forecasting and siting decisions. He and another witness emphasized that many earthquakes arise from clusters of wells rather than a single well, and that proprietary concerns limit voluntary disclosure. The committee also received a brief update from GOSEP and the Louisiana National Guard on the Barksdale Air Force Base drone incursions. GOSEP said it logged the incident in WebEOC and shared releasable information, while State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose. Officers said a task force has been formed, some personnel have received federal drone-mitigation training, and House Bill 940 is intended to mirror the task force MOU. Finally, Major General Thomas Friloux and Brigadier General Jason Maffus updated the committee on the merger of GOSEP into the Louisiana Military Department. They said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, brought back employees to in-person work, modernized the state’s common operating picture, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance through staffing and contract changes. They also noted the planned transfer of the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, ongoing hurricane preparedness, and continued coordination with parish emergency managers. No votes were taken on the substantive topics, and the meeting ended with the committee moving through its agenda items and receiving informational testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Like any large load that's connected at the transmission level.
  • So it's only the TWIA holders at the second level? At the second level, 500 million.
  • This transmission that ERCOT believes is necessary at the 345 kV level.
  • So, at a high level, I think that's the policy issue I'm wrestling with.
  • Something that is of that level that...
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • , WHEN THEY ARE CHOOSING ADVANCED CLASSES, WHEN THEY ARE CHOOSING COURSEWORK AND THEN THEY ARE HELPING
  • THIS LEVEL OF SUPPORT IS PROVIDED TO NEARLY 500 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
  • WE ALSO HAVE NEW WORLDS PROGRAM FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE READING BELOW GRADE LEVEL.
  • HE ALSO REVIEWS HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES THAT WE HAVE FROM A COUNTY LEVEL.
  • THERE IS A DIRECT CONNECTION WITH ALL LEVELS OF INFORMANTS ABOUT THE DISTRICTS.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-02-13 (12:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She was the class valedictorian, clearly sharp. She was the class valedictorian.
  • They even go to the same community classes, and all of them play on the same playground.
  • They are competing at a merit-based level... They're earning this education.
  • To access higher education at the in-state tuition level. That is the amendment, Mr. Speaker.
  • They're competing at a merit-based level, which I know this body loves talking about meritocracy.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of the special order report for the day. The chamber then moved into a special-order agenda focused almost entirely on immigration-related measures, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The memorial was adopted 85-27 after brief debate, with supporters arguing Florida should help maximize federal immigration enforcement and opponents saying Congress, not the state, should fix immigration policy. The House next took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses for illegal entry and reentry by adult unauthorized aliens and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members debated constitutional concerns, due process, racial profiling, fiscal impacts, and whether the bill intruded on federal immigration authority. Several amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to extend protections to Venezuelans with TPS, to remove the mandatory death penalty, to protect certain long-term immigrant workers and teachers, to expand exemptions for Haitians and humanitarian parole recipients, and to create a task force on best practices for immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive locations. A final amendment to strip the bill as unconstitutional was also rejected. The bill then passed 85-29. The final measure discussed was Senate Bill 2C, which creates a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establishes grants and incentive bonuses for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, repeals the fee waiver for undocumented students beginning July 1, 2025, and appropriates more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as a broad enforcement package, while questions from members focused on the impact on current students who receive in-state tuition and whether the bill would remove incentives for those already enrolled. The transcript ends during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Tribal Relations, January 28, 2026

Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:40.320> because getting uh at the federal level because getting uh at the federal level
  • At the local level.
  • And 45 students per grade level.
  • and your science classes and your math classes at those standards, but within those programs.
  • Is looking at how do you integrate your English classes and your science classes and your math classes
Keywords: 916, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Session (03/27/2025)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, gee, uh, half the class isn't vaccinated.
  • <02:36:46.720> of distinct class of distinct class of children<02:36:48.680> a<02:36
  • know that denying one one distinct class know that denying one one distinct class of of of minors
  • <03:33:26.359> of treatment and one distinct class of treatment and one distinct class of
  • <05:02:46.958> one individuals at the community level one individuals at the community level
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 1st, 2025

Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, some level setting.
  • and field, training for countless hours, pushing my limits and dreaming of competing at the highest level
  • A suggested solution would be to have an open class for competition. Thank you for your time.
  • a protected class for More than a decade.
  • Sexual assault and violence directed at women and girls is at epidemic levels.
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

January 14, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • and the program systems level as a whole.
  • We also promote accountability at the institutional level.
  • Annual licensure is your second level of licensure.
  • The last level of licensure is licensure by means of accreditation.
  • And in there, we have programs at both the secondary level and the post-secondary level, which creates
Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/25/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • are lower primarily consumption levels are lower primarily due<00:15:16.639> to<00:15:16.800>
  • This requires the commission to find a very large customer class.
  • will be paid by that customer class and not charged to any other customers.
  • will be paid serving that customer class will be paid by<00:27:03.120> that<00:27:03.440>
  • > charged by that customer class and not charged by that customer class and not charged by<00:
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was malnourished, my iron levels were always low, and something as simple as a cold felt like the end
  • Out of nowhere, my iron levels dropped even further.
  • So it can be as simple as a blood test, but then sometimes if your levels aren't super high, they'll
  • So it can be as simple as a blood test, but then sometimes if your levels aren't super high, they'll
  • It introduces a level of restriction that is inconsistent with our training, licensure, and established
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening at ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the transcript focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. For the celiac proposal, Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely described long diagnostic delays, the lack of a cure, and the potential for a simple blood test to identify children earlier and reduce long-term harm. Multiple patients, clinicians, and researchers supported the pilot, saying celiac is frequently missed because symptoms vary widely or are absent, and that early detection could prevent malnutrition, growth problems, osteoporosis, and other complications. Testifiers also emphasized that the bill would study feasibility, accuracy, cost, and acceptability, and would include family education and support resources if diagnoses are made through the program. Several experts and advocates backed the celiac screening pilot, including a pediatric gastroenterologist from Italy who described successful national screening efforts there, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, pediatric gastroenterologists from Massachusetts and Colorado, a pediatric dietitian, and a parent whose child was diagnosed after severe malnutrition. They argued that routine screening alongside existing pediatric bloodwork could identify many undiagnosed children and improve health equity, since celiac disease is often overlooked in people of color and lower-income patients. Committee members asked about how the screening would work, and witnesses explained it could begin with a blood test, followed by confirmatory endoscopy if needed. No vote was taken in the hearing. On H. 5087, witnesses from the medical aesthetics industry largely opposed the bill as written, saying it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. Testifiers, including a retired lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a PA, a plastic surgeon, and a clinic owner, said the bill could reduce access, raise costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while not addressing the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Committee members pressed for more specific feedback on what provisions were unnecessary or duplicative, and witnesses said they had submitted position papers and written testimony identifying conflicts with current law. The hearing ended with the chair noting that all oral and written testimony would be reviewed before any decisions are made.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session E May 12th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is discussion of it happening on the national level, and on the national level that is 18 cents
  • There is discussion of it happening on the national level, and on the national level that is 18 cents
  • and on the national level that is eight There is discussion of it happening on the national level, and
  • on the national level, that is 18 cents.
  • It also allows retirees in the special risk class to receive an alternative cost-of-living adjustment
Summary: The Florida Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to budget and related conforming legislation, including appropriations, implementing bills, collective bargaining/state employees, retirement, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Senators also heard Chair Hooper outline the process for moving identical Senate bills and House companion bills into conference posture. The Senate then took up and passed several Senate bills and House companion bills, generally by 32-0 votes, after adopting delete-all/insert-nothing amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicles. Bills addressed fuel taxes and Inland Protection Trust Fund distributions, the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, judicial certification, K-12 education conforming changes, retirement, higher education, health care, collective bargaining/state employees, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, and taxation. In debate on the tax bill, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide relief at the pump, but the House-passed tax bill did not pass as received, and the Senate requested conference instead. The chamber also processed the main budget measures: Senate Bill 2500E and House Bill 5001E for the General Appropriations Act, and Senate Bill 2502E and House Bill 5003E for the implementing bill. After substituting the House bills and adopting conforming amendments, the Senate passed them and requested conference. For the remaining House bills, the Senate either passed them as amended and then acceded to or requested conference on the House request. The session concluded with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, an announcement that the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet on May 12 or 13, and adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Sep 22nd, 2025

Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Understanding what's going on at a more organized crime level or criminal predicate.
  • Line level for field operations. And AI makes mistakes, right?
  • At some level, I don't know what level that is, but I understand that this has been an issue for many
  • And that is at stake both at the national level and at the state level.
  • I know that it's, you know, without a... that a three-hour class on it, it can get dicey.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Ways & Means

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • you're paying at that level in Paradise Valley maybe $15,000 in property tax.
  • Some of the landmark economic growth drivers that were adopted at the federal level.
  • Some of the landmark economic growth drivers that were adopted at the federal level include immediate
  • I support the governor's middle-class tax cut package that will be good for people of Arizona.
  • Also, Arizona's flat tax locked in permanent revenue losses, ...were made at the federal level.
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2785, a tax conformity measure that would update Arizona statutes to conform to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, including retroactive provisions for tax year 2025. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would align state law with tax forms already issued by the Department of Revenue, provide certainty to filers, and deliver about $440 million in tax relief through provisions such as no tax on tips and overtime, a larger standard deduction, and a $6,000 senior deduction. Opponents argued the bill would significantly reduce state revenue, disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers, and should be considered alongside a broader budget plan. After debate and an amendment addressing retroactivity and foreign dividends, the committee approved HB 2785 on a 5-4 vote. The committee then took up several Arizona State Retirement System and education savings bills. HB 2089 clarified the health insurance premium benefit subsidy for retirees and passed unanimously. HB 2090 changed the disability determination period for long-term disability benefits from 24 months within a five-year period to a straight 24-month period and passed 8-1. HB 2092 allowed employees over age 65 to waive ARS participation within 30 days of becoming eligible and also passed 8-1. HB 2477 conformed Arizona’s 529 education savings plan to federal law, including expanded uses and a permanent rollover to ABLE accounts and Roth IRAs; testimony supported the cleanup and simplification, but some members raised concerns about the Roth rollover and possible use of transferred ESA funds. HB 2477 passed 5-3 with one present vote, and the committee then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Mar 3rd, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And at the secondary level, the Minnesota State High School League oversees?
  • I've had the privilege of coaching a trans athlete at the high school level in previous years.
  • We have different weight classes.
  • In high school football in Minnesota, we have classes ranging from nine-person all the way to 6A.
  • You are protecting their safety and opportunities for scholarships to play. at a higher level.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • And because of those last high level.
  • <00:45:27.760> of meeting about bigotry to this level of meeting about bigotry to this level
  • Um, protected class for Jewish people.
  • being a protected class? being a protected class?
  • Um, but in regard to the federal level.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 77, which would allow comprehensive universities to pursue doctoral programs under a new approval process and, in the original bill, would also change who may serve on the EPSB board for small colleges and universities. The sponsor and Council on Postsecondary Education representative explained that the committee substitute removed the current statutory prohibition on comprehensive universities offering certain doctoral degrees, but added eligibility guardrails: a 77% first-to-second-year retention rate, a 56% six-year graduation rate, and three months of unrestricted cash reserves. They said the thresholds were based on national data placing institutions in roughly the top quartile, and that CPE would still review proposals for mission fit, workforce need, fiscal impact, and, where applicable, programmatic accreditation and legislative appropriations. EKU President David McFaden supported creating a pathway for comprehensive universities, said Kentucky is unusual in having an explicit statutory prohibition, and urged the committee to keep the standards attainable and durable. The committee approved the bill and adopted a title amendment, with the motion passing unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, which addresses antisemitism on postsecondary campuses. Senator Tichenor said the resolution responds to a rise in antisemitic incidents after October 7, 2023, and would require campuses to notify students each semester of Title VI rights, complaint procedures, existing harassment policies, and available Jewish student resources. It would also direct campuses to disband student organizations found to provide material support to known terrorist organizations, report such matters to law enforcement, and collect and report antisemitism data to CPE for posting on its website. A guest speaker from the Kentucky Jewish Council described a sharp increase in reported incidents, including harassment, threats, vandalism, and hostile campus activity, and argued that schools have often done too little to respond. He said the resolution was amended to protect free speech while ensuring Jewish students receive the same protections as other protected groups. The transcript ends while testimony on the resolution was still underway, before any committee vote on SJR 55.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • them to notify the Attorney General if the Housing and Urban Development Department at the federal level
  • of a corrective action plan when deficiencies are identified, creating a state-level accountability
  • This amendment, in my mind, would be a 2.0 to what we're doing today, a next level to what we're trying
  • Yet many of them are going to be denied and discriminated against as a class because they're formerly
  • this amendment would do is assure that, like other forms of discrimination, this would be a protected class
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate opened with recognitions of several young climate advocates visiting the State House and then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll, with remarks honoring her long public service and family legacy. The chamber then took up Senate No. 2947, An Act Regarding Fair Housing Practices in the Commonwealth, after a Ways and Means redraft. Senators supporting the bill described housing discrimination against voucher holders and Black applicants, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and fair housing education, and noted the bill’s goal of increasing penalties and public reporting for discriminatory brokers. Several amendments were debated. Senator Tarr offered an amendment to require annual HUD-related compliance certifications from municipalities and public agencies, notification to the Attorney General of federal findings, corrective action plans, and possible enforcement consequences; it was defeated on a roll call, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral language amendment changing “salesmen” to “salespersons” was adopted. Senator Payano’s amendment to require publication of license suspensions as well as revocations for discriminatory conduct was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment that would have expanded housing protections for returning citizens. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries while preserving publication of revoked licensees’ names was adopted. After the Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll-call vote of 37-0, later clarified as 38-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 17th, 2026 at 05:06 pm

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • That creates a non-fair level playing field in that industry. So that is the purpose of this bill.
  • So this fixes that and it creates a level playing field for all contractors.
  • It creates that level playing field that the representative just spoke of. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • So right now, there are four wage classifications to the Department of Workforce: there's Class A, Class
  • B, Class C, and H.
Keywords: 996, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/05/2026 - Senate Finance

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • They don't do anything for the middle class.
  • They don't do anything for the middle class.
  • When they disappear federally, they would disappear at the state level because they are tied directly
  • When they disappear federally, they would disappear at the state level because they are tied directly
  • , the Common Sense Institute's recent report shows a significant increase in spending at the state level
Bills: SB1638
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee took up SB 1638, a tax conformity bill that would update Arizona’s tax code to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and incorporate federal changes from 2025. The bill also included individual income tax subtractions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, along with changes to the standard deduction and charitable contribution deduction. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether Arizona should conform broadly to federal changes or limit the bill to more targeted, temporary provisions. Two amendments were considered. The chair’s amendment was described as clarifying only, addressing retroactivity and foreign dividend language, and it was adopted. Senator Epstein’s amendment would have removed the broader conformity provisions and the modified charitable deduction, limited the standard deduction change to tax year 2025, and kept the individual subtractions; she argued the business-related conformity items mainly benefited corporations and should be negotiated in the budget. Opponents said the amendment would create unnecessary recalculations and uncertainty for taxpayers and businesses, while supporters of the underlying bill said conformity was needed quickly to match Department of Revenue forms and avoid filing-season confusion. Epstein’s amendment failed. Public testimony split along similar lines. Business and tax group representatives supported prompt conformity, saying taxpayers and small businesses needed certainty and that the department’s forms should be codified. Opponents argued the bill would reduce state revenue substantially and mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers and corporations, while diverting money from education, child care, and health care. After debate, the committee voted to move SB 1638 as amended with a do-pass recommendation, passing it by about 4-3, and then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 10th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • to her teachers and asked if they saw any signs, and they said that they noticed she was tired in class
  • to her teachers and asked if they saw any signs, and they said that they noticed she was tired in class
  • Thank you. ...capacity levels that put their lives and safety in jeopardy. That is the bill.
  • of children who had no affiliation with the military, but it had enough people come through their classes
  • It modifies the priority levels for the program to include two tiers of income eligibility based on that
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and considered a wide range of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved CS/SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funding, CS/SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School updates, and CS/SB 430 requiring public schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans, train students and staff in CPR/AED use, and maintain accessible AEDs. Testimony on the cardiac bill came from the American Heart Association and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology in support, and the chair noted a survey suggesting many districts already have AEDs in schools. The committee also approved CS/SB 1528 on educational opportunities for military children, which expands coordination and training under the interstate compact, and CS/SB 364, which would move the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Legal Affairs to Florida Memorial University for research and administrative support. The committee then adopted amendments and favorably reported CS/SB 1590 on educator preparation, which modernizes teacher standards and certification pathways, including updates to FEAPs, a revised teacher exam, and an alternative certification program. The SPLC testified in opposition to part of the bill, arguing that language on historical instruction and systemic racism was contradictory and could limit accurate teaching of history. The committee also approved CS/SB 1702 on education, incorporating a wireless-device-in-schools pilot and other education provisions, with support from the Florida Charter School Alliance and others. CS/SB 444 on human trafficking awareness was amended to require no-cost training for school employees and charter schools; FSU law students testified in support, emphasizing the need for school personnel to recognize trafficking indicators. The committee also approved CS/SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions, expanding transportation eligibility for students walking near limited-access facilities, though members noted the bill carried an indeterminate fiscal impact and no dedicated funding. Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1102 on school readiness, which expands how disabilities can be identified for early learning services and ties additional funding to training on early identification of delays. It also approved SB 1382 on access to school readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households, revising eligibility and priority tiers to use state median income rather than federal poverty level and refining the waitlist and forecasting process. Several members recorded votes on bills they had missed during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after reporting all of the above measures favorably.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll start out with what's the difference in the class quote...
  • What's the difference in the class workload of the student who is going through high school straight
  • It's curriculum that's designed for college-level students, but we've brought it down to a secondary
  • level.
  • Our college is then able to give credits for that, so we can give up to three credits for a class like
Bills: HB266, SB85, SB166, HB266, SB85, SB166