Transcript Highlights:

• kind of stays flat is there is it because we've built more nursing schools, we've allowed more alternative
• applicants not only get their therapeutic license but also receive their optometric glaucoma specialist certification
• because everyone who's graduated from optometry school after May of 2008 is qualified for the certification
• No alternative licensing exam is currently available. The second issue deals with indirect.
• that, to obviously you would love to have somebody in that field that is bilingual, but in the alternative

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if there are alternatives, by the formula automatically in order to issue the letters.
• And since this bill allows for districts and labor unions to negotiate alternative forms of agreements
• the nonprofit law school to jointly award JD degrees, as well as undergraduate legal education certificates
• , it is incumbent upon us to provide California college-bound students with a stable, safe, and alternative
• Thankfully, the California Dream Act application has provided an alternative way for students from mixed

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:31:48.840> And<01:31:48.920> I alternative to institutional care.
• And I alternative to institutional care.
• would be an institution and alternative would be an institution and I<01:31:57.840> think<01:
• In section 19, another proposal is related to creating a pilot for alternative licensing inspections
• This pilot would add CARF and ASAM to the alternative licensing section part of 245G.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the developmental disability space, there is no alternative choice.
• > costly Otherwise, the alternative is costly Otherwise, the alternative is costly both<03:02:
• the patience to fund an alternative safety<03:11:24.800> measure.
• The next policy I want to talk to you about is the Medicaid direct certification pilot project.
• <03:37:45.279> pilot Medicaid direct certification pilot Medicaid direct certification pilot

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are audited to third-party certification standards. We have highly trained loggers like Mr.
• We are audited to third-party certification standards. We have highly trained loggers like Mr.
• And so we're seeing, which is a good thing in many communities, people have multiple alternatives to
• .<01:26:40.560> Thank<01:26:40.719> you,<01:26:40.880> Senator alternative.
• Thank you, Senator alternative.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• been reversed and remanded, or rendered by an appellate court, or if the person has been granted a certificate
• <00:24:09.919> been<00:24:10.159> granted<00:24:10.640> a<00:24:10.960> certificate
• has been granted a certificate has been granted a certificate on<00:24:13.120> 17.
• Alternative. GP. I know. Trish, please step up. Theft, moral turpitude.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the House actually put in an alternate process.
• It won't require prior authorization, but what it will require is a certification program.
• cannot deny the coverage of those medications unless the provider refuses to complete that medical certification
• . ...unless the provider refuses to complete that medical certification.
• reenact Section 50-24.6-04 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to prior authorization and certification

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um So to the next slide, and that's what I've already referred to in the certification ending balance
• There is also an alternative calculation referred to as the EZ computation for entities that have less
• So after the preliminary certification, there's a protest, and at that point, at a certain deadline,
• How does that usually break down in terms of what the final result is of the protest and the certification
• hikes, large bond elections, and an overutilization of non-voter approved debt instruments like certificates

Transcript Highlights:

• Or if you could kind of go to, like, you know, the projection of the different alternative energy proposals
• On-the-job training programs are also a big component of how these funds can be used, credentialing certificate
• One thing to know when looking at the certifications and certificates through these either the career
• or technical schools or college certificates is that while they are broadband directed, a lot of these

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• honored veterans with a free or reduced cost to enter their medical marijuana program and seek alternative
• It also requires qualified physicians to renew their certifications every two years, regardless of the

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. HB 887, reducing medical marijuana registry card fees to $15 for honorably discharged veterans, drew support from veterans’ advocates and cannabis groups as a way to lower a financial barrier to care; it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. HB 733, a Department of Health bill covering medical marijuana treatment center setbacks, physician certification renewals, low-THC/cannabis definitions, emergency license suspension for certain murder-related arrests, dental loan repayment area definitions, Early Steps policy cleanup, and autism microcredential eligibility, received mixed testimony from cannabis advocates who objected to some marijuana-related changes and zoning impacts; it also passed 18-0. HB 259, removing the $1,500 cap on pre-treatment funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, was described as a free-market change supported by chiropractic groups and passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 1443, creating a statewide Parkinson’s Disease Registry within the existing Parkinson’s Disease Research Institute and adding appointments to the consortium board, with USF support and no opposition; it passed 18-0. HB 1445, the related public records exemption for the registry, adopted an amendment adding the required public necessity statement and sunset date of October 2, 2031, then passed 18-0. HB 1309, which would standardize and speed patient access to medical records and align nursing home timelines with federal requirements, drew opposition from an information systems group concerned about data mining and portal access, while supporters argued it would improve patient access and care coordination; it passed 17-1 and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For people who are watching, Representative Bennett is an alternate, and so that's why she is here but
• by the local election officials is the results of the ballots that are counted, and that is a certification

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're able to give them a short certificate and then go right to work.
• Do you have other alternate?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the final alternative, the final decision, was a balanced alternative, encapsulating BLM's multiple-use
• So the final alternative, the final decision, was a balanced alternative, encapsulating BLM's multiple-use
• The final alternative, the final decision, was a balanced alternative, encapsulating BLM's multiple-use
• > alternative conservation focused alternative conservation focused alternative incorporating<
• horse people another alternative to it. horse people another alternative to it.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Realize that's required on their certification.
• Right now, this formula does treat all certificates equally.
• Certificate, $375. And master's would be $2,250 again.
• So you get, you know, the $500 per certificate.
• So you get, you know, the $500 per certificate.

Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Official records on file in a student's cumulative file, such as transcripts, attendance, birth certificate
• We have 43 elementary schools, 18 traditional middle and high schools, and six alternative schools.
• Here in California, our K-12 cafeteria certification program reaches 300,000 students in over 500 schools
• And then I also realized I didn't respond to your question about the alternative proteins.
• This causes students to remain in limbo, unable to meet the terms, stuck in alternative programs, and

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some degrees and certification programs lack workforce relevance and have low enrollment.
• What alternative solutions would you support for true immigration reform? Well, border safety.
• SB 227 by West relating to the application review process for certain delayed birth certificates.
• So obtaining a birth certificate can be a complex process when the applications can be denied for a minor
• So members, let's help Texas seniors easily access their birth certificates and renew their driver's

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• He says he broke his back when he was 16 and has used cannabis as an alternative to opiates.
• I also serve as the alternate chair.
• We are a nonprofit therapeutic cannabis alternative treatment center.
• I am the alternate chair on the New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board.
• I am the alternate chair on the New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Medical Oversight Board.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that alternative remedial type tracks. that alternative remedial type tracks. the<00:29:58.799><
• track for in 11th and 12th alternate track for in 11th and 12th grades,<00:30:45.520> students
• Well, that certification that she was hunting for was a K through 6, K through 8 certification, and you
• The certification process, you can't just have a teacher just go and teach five more math classes.
• > can't The certification process, you can't The certification process, you can't just<00:44:53.280

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• jurisdiction in the construction of all state buildings and must do an annual inspection for the certificate
• Very often, when cost or other concerns arise, designers and engineers often choose alternative designs
• These alternatives would not be allowed under normal circumstances since they do not comply with the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable. The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures. Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires us to update industry-based certifications and CTE portions of the accountability system
• I will definitely echo that, but I will also say the component about implementation for the alternative
• One and two, what that means when we have alternative assessments that are incorporated as well.

Bills: SB8, SB 8

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 1185, senate, all