Video & Transcript Research : 'conversion'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the, I guess you can chicken or egg this part of the conversation.
- I did have a conversation with Blanca Sawmill that's in southern Colorado.
- I'll look more into that, more conversation. Thank you, Representative or Leader Armstrong.
- I think each of those merits its own conversation.
- And I think it's really well worth the conversation. Thank you, Madam Chair.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We had these conversations in committee, as you remember.
- We had these conversations in committee, as you remember.
- Senator McLean, it is my understanding from conversations with the Water Management District that an
- To have any input on the charter school conversion? Thank you, Mr. President. Parents.
- To have any input on the charter school conversion? Thank you, Mr. President. Parents. Okay.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into special order and returning messages. Early floor action included passage of HB 6503 (relief for Mandy Penny Lamon by Sarasota County), HB 1123 (sewer collection systems), HB 211 (farm products), and a joint resolution on ad valorem tax exemption for agricultural tangible personal property, all approved without opposition. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the chamber recessed and later returned to messages from the House.
The Senate then took up a series of House amendments and conference-style motions on major bills. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response was amended and concurred in after debate over hurricane recovery, local government moratoriums, evacuation timing in the Keys, and property tax and redevelopment provisions; it passed 34-1. CS/HB 1609 on waste incineration and auxiliary containers was heavily debated over plastic and polystyrene preemption, local beach and park regulations, and landfill/incinerator provisions, then passed 26-10. CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiatives was amended to allow volunteers to carry up to 25 petitions without registration/training and passed 28-9. The Senate also refused to concur in a House amendment to SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, and in SB 116 on veterans, seeking to restore funding for veteran suicide prevention.
Later, the chamber approved or advanced several education and health-related bills. CS/HB 1255 on education was amended and passed, with changes to school readiness and other education provisions. CS/HB 875 on educator preparation passed after discussion of cognitive science, classroom management, teacher excellence programs, and the phaseout of the general knowledge test. CS/HB 1105, a large education package, passed after debate over charter school conversions, cell phone restrictions, and other school governance changes. In health care, CS/HB 1427 was introduced as a comprehensive package combining multiple health-related provisions, though the excerpt ends before final action on that bill. Throughout the day, the Senate also concurred or refused to concur in various House amendments on mental health, financial institutions, land development, brownfields, and out-of-network provider legislation, with votes generally recorded and several measures passing on divided but mostly favorable roll calls.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill would require landlords to notify tenants of nearby water hazards, HF1566 3/18/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair Howard, and members for this robust and rich conversation.
- Thank you, Chair Howard, and members for this robust and rich conversation.
- Thank you, Chair Howard, and members for this robust and rich conversation.
- Thank you, Chair Howard, and members for this robust and rich conversation.
- Thank you, Chair Howard, and members for this robust and rich conversation.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing on Appropriations and Revenue (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- if we're going to have the conversation if we're going to have<00:11:54.959>
a <00:11:55.120>< - From my conversations with the Revenue Cabinet so far, they said that they could do this now and that
- From my conversations with the Revenue Cabinet so far, they said that they could do this now and that
- From my conversations with the Revenue Cabinet so far, they said that they could do this now and that
- From my conversations with the Revenue Cabinet so far, they said that they could do this now and that
Keywords:
Due to a technical issue in the room, the quality of the stream will be diminished. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Meeting start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:02:00
SB 61 Discussion Only 00:03:25
SB 13 Discussion Only 00:07:19
SJR 25 Discussion 00:25:33
SJR 25 Vote 00:28:40
SB 61 Discussion Only 00:29:44, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools, but initially had no representative from the governor’s office or cabinet available to explain the fiscal estimate. Senators questioned why the executive branch’s estimate was $4.25 million to $8.5 million while the committee’s internal fiscal note showed little or no impact. When Department for Public Health staff later joined, they explained their estimate was based on a roughly $85,000 cost for a large outbreak investigation, using a 2014 outbreak as a benchmark, and said the bill could increase workload and outside laboratory costs if private swimming pools became more common as rental properties. They reported 822 waterborne cases in 2024, with 8 tied to private swimming pools, and later corrected an earlier figure to 14 private-pool-related investigations over five years. Senators pressed on the discrepancy between those numbers and the projected 50 to 100 incidents, and staff said the higher figure was a ballpark estimate. The discussion also clarified that private pools are generally excluded by definition, while pools held out for rent may be treated as public pools under current definitions. No vote on SB 61 was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 13, concerning the reprocurement of managed care organizations for Medicaid. Department for Medicaid Services officials said the bill would require work on a new RFP, system changes, and oversight improvements, and estimated the cost at $2.8 million based on prior procurement spending of about $2.5 million in 2018-2019, with a 10% growth adjustment. They explained that the work is administrative and therefore matched at 50/50 federal-state funding, not the 80/20 rate used for benefits, and said the expense would be incurred whether the bill passed or not if the state proceeded with an RFP. Senators discussed possible savings from reducing the number of MCOs from five to three, but agency staff said those savings were hard to quantify and that provider and member disruption could create offsetting costs. The committee later moved on to Senate Joint Resolution 25, which would ask the Revenue Department to report on the cost of issuing farmers a wallet-sized tax-exempt card instead of a paper certificate. The resolution was adopted by roll call, with all members present voting aye, and it was reported favorably to the floor.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 7, February 17, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Wyoming gets heard in that conversation Wyoming gets heard in that conversation and<00:16:03.040
- <01:59:14.800>
with reached out and had a conversation with reached out and had a conversation - >
these Having a conversation with these Having a conversation with these directors,<02:01:43.760 - That's really the conversation one? That's really the conversation here. here. here.
- Yeah, great conversation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, these three provisions are ideas that originated in our conversations with this committee last
- I think, you know, we did have some conversations about the recreation and some of the other options
- that came up during... sessions and conversations about this bill over you know now a couple of years
- But I can tell you we did have, in the case of the recreation and the gas, some specific conversations
- Conversations with folks about that, so it was really, at the end of the day, we thought it would be
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on several property and local tax bills. The main focus was H.56, the Municipal Empowerment Act, which the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, MAPC, and Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo supported as a package of local options and administrative reforms. Supporters said municipalities need more tools to relieve pressure on property taxes and fund services, citing proposed increases to local meals and lodging taxes, a new local vehicle excise surcharge, senior property tax relief, one-year override flexibility for emergencies, and central valuation of telecom and utility property by DOR. The administration said the bill was based on municipal listening sessions and was intended to give cities and towns optional, not mandatory, revenue tools. Opponents, including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, argued the tax increases would hurt restaurants, hotels, tourism, and small businesses and add to affordability concerns.
The committee also heard testimony on H.3211, dealing with deeds excise receipts, from Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staidi. He said Norfolk County is financially stable but needs additional revenue for major capital needs at its agricultural school, especially a new cafeteria and other aging facilities, and also to support county programs such as veteran transportation services. On S.2020, a bill to allow settlements of tax liability, Greater Boston Legal Services, the Asian American Civic Association, and several individual taxpayers urged creation of a more workable offer-in-compromise process at DOR. They said the current system is too subjective, requires an unaffordable $5,000 threshold, lacks clear standards and appeal rights, and leaves low-income taxpayers stuck with unmanageable debt, license suspensions, or business closures. Supporters said the bill would give both taxpayers and DOR a practical way to resolve liabilities and bring people back into compliance.
The committee also took testimony on S.1966, which would require nonprofits selling property to disclose any back-tax obligations to buyers. Senator Peter Durant said the bill was prompted by a personal experience in which a tax bill arrived after a nonprofit property purchase was already completed, and he argued the disclosure would prevent buyers from being surprised by retroactive tax liability. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed the session after hearing from all scheduled witnesses.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But I'm curious as to the conversation that I walked into.
- There was a conversation about what would happen with water meters.
- The conversation has been about public utilities, our public water systems, public sewer systems.
- The conversations have been about bidding that work out to a utility contractor.
- I mean, those have been the conversations.
Summary:
The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection.
The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-04-21
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This conversation isn't about hypothetical outcomes; it's about real lives.
- We also appreciate the robust conversation.
- Any other member conversation? Representative Liebling?
- Do we have any update on how we will be adding AI to that conversation?
- Again, thank you to the members for the conversation today.
Bills:
HF2312
Keywords:
higher education, college finance, student aid, financial aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, tuition relief, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, work-study, child care grants, Indian scholarships, tribal colleges, Hunger-Free Campus, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AND I GET THE PARENTAL RIGHTS CONVERSATION BUT THERE IS NO REFERENCE TO PARENTAL RIGHTS IN THE BILL.
- I'M OFF TODAY BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THIS VERY IMPORTANT CONVERSATION. >> Chair: ANY FURTHER
- ANY CHILD THAT IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA HAVING CONVERSATIONS, NONE OF THAT IS AFFECTED.
- THINK IF YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER AND THERE IS AN INAPPROPRIATE CONVERSATION OR RELATIONSHIP WITH A MAN OR
- I SAID I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND WHAT THESE CONVERSATIONS ARE LIKE. AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY DISGUSTING.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- there are preemption standards that would apply both when HIPAA would preempt state law or also conversely
- I appreciate the feedback today, the conversations with the members earlier, especially Senator Harrell
- care records in order to make the best decisions for them. ...feedback today, the conversations with
- the members earlier, especially Senator Harrell, and look forward to continuing the conversation in
- Their offices will have a conversation at that point in time.
Summary:
The committee took up a large health policy agenda. SB 1568 on electronic prescribing was explained as a federal conformity measure, but members raised concerns about preserving patients’ ability to obtain paper prescriptions and about exemptions for emergency, hospice, and other situations. Emergency physicians testified in support of e-prescribing but asked for flexibility, and the bill was reported favorably despite Senator Harrell’s opposition. SB 1606 on patient access to records sought to standardize record-production timelines and require electronic delivery when available; after an amendment correcting a drafting error, the bill drew concerns about HIPAA, behavioral health confidentiality, and the distinction between personal and legal representatives, and it was reported unfavorably as a committee substitute.
The committee then approved SB 1346 on fentanyl testing, with a technical amendment, to require hospitals and campus emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine testing for suspected overdose or poisoning. SB 1224 on administration of controlled substances by paramedics was amended to clarify language and reported favorably. SB 656 on health care billing and collection activities was substantially revised by strike-all amendment to allow sale of medical debt to third parties under new limits, including no interest or fees and return of debt if charity care applies; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 68 expanded health facilities authority financing to include not-for-profit LLCs and parent companies, and SB 524 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the newborn screening panel; both were reported favorably.
Later, the committee approved SB 1842 on out-of-network referrals after multiple amendments, requiring providers to verify network participation at the point of service and notify patients in writing, though several members and physicians warned it could burden providers and increase workload. The committee also advanced proposed committee bill SB 7028, which revises the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, adds oversight and reporting requirements, creates a pediatric cancer research incubator, and establishes the Bascom-Palmer VisionGen initiative; cancer center representatives testified in strong support, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. SB 172 on specialty titles and designations was amended to clarify enforcement and was reported favorably after supporters said it would prevent misleading use of specialist titles, while opponents argued it could confuse practitioners’ titles. Finally, SB 1690 on surrendered infants was reported favorably after supporters said it would codify and expand safe-haven baby box procedures and opponents raised safety concerns about the devices. The committee also noted SB 1606 remained pending for reconsideration next week before adjourning.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine research security risks posed by foreign nationals from countries of risk working at the Department of Energy¿s National Laboratories and necessary mitigation steps. Feb 20th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- However, we as a nation have to have these conversations.
- We have to have these conversations and we have to have these conversations if we are going to protect
- I believe, I was told in my conversations with DOE recently, is that a lot of that's been delegated down
- So this is an issue that is important for us in Nevada and I appreciate the conversation today.
- Now, I've heard all of you, and we've had this conversation before about STEM. making sure our kids are
Keywords:
national security, Department of Energy, foreign espionage, security protocols, Chinese Communist Party, national laboratories, research security
Summary:
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee convened to address pressing issues related to research security risks at the Department of Energy, focusing specifically on foreign nationals' access to sensitive information. The meeting highlighted the increasing threats posed by espionage from the Chinese Communist Party, which has sought to infiltrate U.S. national laboratories and exploit American research for military purposes. Discussions included the importance of tightening security protocols to safeguard national interests and maintain technological advantages. Witnesses provided insight into historical contexts and current vulnerabilities, emphasizing that without proper measures, the gaps could jeopardize national security.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And we as legislators have a responsibility to lean in hard to have the difficult conversations, not
- To address the conversion of at-risk units to market rate, the state began to adopt affordable housing
- Hopefully we'll have quorum here soon, and we can continue the conversation.
- In closing, I want to acknowledge that since this bill was introduced, I've been in conversation with
- I've had some good conversations with them.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House OKs housing finance, policy bill agreement 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, that we will have a<00:15:55.440>
conversation <00:15:56.320>throughout <00:15: - But the best thing about what we were able to do in housing is we can have that conversation.
- and it's hard to have that conversation. and it's hard to have that conversation.
- We can have it in a that conversation.
- <00:36:19.160>
we're So, I hope that the conversation we're So, I hope that the conversation
Summary:
The House considered the conference committee report on House File 1141, a housing bill, and moved to adopt the report and repass the bill as amended. Rep. Howard said the compromise would help build thousands of new homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, EHPAP, supportive housing, and a new provision for greater public access at MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate proposals, including a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases, were not included.
Several members spoke in support of the compromise. Rep. Kozlowski emphasized the bill’s role in addressing housing instability, homelessness, and workforce shortages, citing investments in first-generation homebuyer assistance, supportive housing, and preservation of beds and units. Rep. Skraba and Rep. West also supported the bill, with Skraba praising the bipartisan process and West arguing the bill focused on supply-side solutions such as manufactured housing and easing development constraints. Rep. Schultz opposed the bill, arguing the money should instead go to school safety, fraud prevention, asset preservation, and lowering costs for taxpayers. After brief discussion, the House adopted the conference report and advanced the bill to third reading.
TX
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I may have missed that in conversation with the chief.
- So I really appreciate today's conversation.
- So I really appreciate today's conversation.
- And we need to have a really honest conversation about why this is. It is on us.
- I welcome continued conversation and with that I would respectfully ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber.
Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12.
The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Labor and Employment and Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Excited to be here today to have this important conversation about the L.A. wildfires, and particularly
- And so I wanted to ensure that we had this conversation today to learn about what is happening on the
- We felt it was very important for us to have this conversation, a deeper conversation, to see what the
- The conversations are ongoing.
- We will release the in each region that will help inform those conversations.
Summary:
The joint Senate and Assembly labor committees held a hearing on the Los Angeles wildfires and their impact on workers, employers, and recovery efforts. Chairs and members emphasized that rebuilding should prioritize worker safety, equity, local hiring, and strong labor standards rather than simply moving quickly or relying on the lowest bidder. They also stressed the need to learn from past disasters and to create a more coordinated state response for future emergencies.
Worker advocates described how domestic workers, day laborers, firefighters, and other frontline workers were affected by the fires. Testimony focused on workers being trapped in evacuation zones, lacking timely information in Spanish, losing jobs and income, and facing exposure to toxic debris without adequate PPE. Speakers called for expanded outreach and education, stronger Cal/OSHA enforcement, broader occupational safety coverage for domestic workers and day laborers, recall and transfer rights, childcare and transportation support, and a centralized disaster relief system that can quickly deliver cash aid and equipment regardless of immigration status.
Firefighter Derek Irwin said California firefighters face serious carcinogenic exposure and urged continued funding for the firefighter cancer prevention and research program, along with a long-term state health monitoring and research effort similar to the World Trade Center Health Program. Building trades and labor representatives argued that cleanup and rebuilding should be done through community workforce agreements, prevailing wage, apprenticeship requirements, and local hire provisions, and said the state already has trained workers available. They also said federal debris-removal work through the Army Corps has limited the state’s ability to impose some standards, but that state and local funding or subsidies should trigger labor requirements.
Employer and business representatives described major losses to property, inventory, revenue, and jobs, especially in Altadena and nearby areas. The Altadena Chamber said it is coordinating recovery resources, while a construction business owner said small local firms are being shut out of disaster contracts and proposed a more accessible procurement process for local and minority businesses. LAEDC presented preliminary estimates of billions in property damage and business disruption, tens of thousands of potential job losses, and a recovery timeline of five to ten years, warning that low-income communities will be disproportionately affected and that workforce retraining and upskilling will be needed alongside the broader economic recovery.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Delegate Converse Fowler and Chair Price. Here. A quorum is present.
- Delegate Converse Fowler is not here. Chair Price. Delegate Convirs-Fowler is not here.
- Delegate Converse Fowler? Chair Price? Aye. 14 yeas, six nays. And so that motion does pass.
- Delegate Converse Fowler? Chair Price? Aye. Okay. 14-6. Delegate Creesick. Aye.
- Delegate Converse Fowler? Chair Price? Aye. 14-6. Madam Chair.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight REVISED: HB1937 - Added Mar 4th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Education Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- this bill was brought to me to try to find a way to make this work, and I have I have had many conversations
- We've had several conversations and understand your heart and your position on this.
- some of the other members of the committee don't have to do with your bill, but maybe previous conversations
- I have two kids in public schools, but I have been involved in conversation, so I look at it from a clear
- We've had lots of conversations, and we've been involved in lots of meetings.
Keywords:
HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- know, Senator, and you're in the middle of it better than anybody, we've got a lot of additional conversation
- you for all the feedback you've taken from each of the members as we've been having dialogue and conversation
- do bring the bill to the floor towards the end of the week, I know we'll continue to have many conversations
- I know we'll continue to have many conversations between now and then and on the floor, as Senator Menendez
- And I, too, will be voting present, as we've had extensive conversations.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met to consider House Bill 2, the major public education and school finance bill. The committee first reconsidered and withdrew the prior committee substitute, then took up a new substitute. Senator Creighton explained several changes, including a correction to the golden penny yield weight, an increase in the special education evaluation incentive cap from $45 million to $67 million, timing changes to avoid a funding gap for Bluebonnet curriculum training grants, narrowed language affecting educator preparation providers, added facility-usage reporting language, incorporation of bilingual allotment language from Senate Bill 2185, removal of the $20 million annual cap on JROTC funding, and a prevailing-clause provision to make HB 2 controlling over conflicting measures.
Members generally praised the bill’s historic funding level but raised concerns about details and future floor debate. Senator Menendez said he appreciated the special education, safety, and teacher pay funding but was not ready to fully support the bill because of inflationary pressures, facilities funding, and district-specific impacts, and indicated he might vote present. Senator Parker strongly supported the bill, emphasizing historic funding, teacher pay, and the need to continue refining the package. Senator Witt also said he would vote present while seeking more refinement, especially on certification issues for public and charter schools. Senator Bettencourt highlighted the bill’s scale, including about $8 billion in new funding and $1.3 billion for special education, while Senator Hinojosa asked for more flexibility in the basic allotment and thanked the author for bilingual education and coastal-area provisions.
The committee then adopted the new committee substitute and voted to report HB 2 favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed 9 ayes and 2 present not voting, with the bill reported as committee substitute do pass and be printed.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Mobile County Legislation Committee Feb 19th, 2025
Mobile County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- What I'm here to do is to say that this is a critical piece of the conversation.
- If we can open the door to have other conversations to help manage that.
- There's active negotiations and... there's active negotiations and conversations going on.
- I'm not sure on that, but I do think there's room for conversation.
- which is why the rear wheels are so... which is why the rear wheels are so important for this conversation
Bills:
SB46