Video & Transcript Research : 'test year'
Page 112 of 500
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- to year so that when budgets from year to year so that when budgets from year to year so that when people
- years this one will go to 28 okay three years this one will go to 28 okay three years this one will
- increased testing capabilities testing increased testing capabilities testing increased testing capabilities
- that we are this year position next year that we are this year position next year that we are this year
- ago two years ago we saw saw two years ago two years ago we saw saw two years ago two years ago we saw
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
STATE AGENCIES & GOVT'L AFFAIRS-SENATE AND HOUSE May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our CNAs start out at $39,000 a year. Okay.
- I'm sorry, there's been two in 10 years.
- And you hope it’s not going to be a year. It’d be sooner than a year, right?
- Pretty sure it won’t be a year. Yes, sir. Okay. So, which... It won’t be a year. Yes, sir. Okay.
- So where's the drug test? Where's the background test? Where's the training?
Summary:
The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve prior minutes and then focused on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center, later clarified in discussion as the Warren facility. DHS officials described Moore’s background, said he died after a prolonged prone restraint followed by a delayed chemical restraint, and reported that 13 staff were terminated, the superintendent was replaced, a consultant was brought in, and the agency entered a settlement with the family for $725,000. Members pressed DHS on the cause of death, restraint policies, staff training, supervision, family notification, and why the family had not been kept informed; DHS said a family-notification procedure exists but that communications during litigation had been handled through counsel. The committee also heard that six staff had been criminally charged with manslaughter and neglect of a vulnerable person, and that the death certificate listed the manner of death as homicide with cause of death tied to physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint.
DHS officials gave broader context on the five human development centers, their licensing and accreditation, resident population, mortality review process, and training programs. They said the centers serve highly medically and behaviorally complex residents, that annual restraint training and CPI-based instruction are required, and that the mortality review committee and Office of Long-Term Care review deaths and make recommendations. Members repeatedly criticized the agency for not having complete information at the meeting and for what they saw as gaps in oversight, staffing, and chain-of-command clarity during emergencies. DHS responded that the Warren facility had not been meeting the same standards as the others, that the consultant’s root-cause analysis identified multiple failures, and that new crisis-team and chain-of-command procedures were being drafted.
A second major topic was staffing and recruitment. Members discussed low pay, turnover, use of float and on-call staff, rural staffing shortages, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based services. DHS said CNAs at the centers start at about $39,000 a year, that a broader retention and recruitment plan is being drafted for all five centers, and that a separate rate study for PASS services will be implemented in January 2027 but does not cover CNA pay. The meeting ended with testimony from Moore’s mother, Angela Stevens, who said money could not replace her son and urged stronger training, background checks, and supervision so other residents would be protected. The committee asked DHS to keep members and Stevens updated on consultant reports, recruitment efforts, and follow-up on the family communication issue, and then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 16th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The fee is spread out over a registration cycle of two years.
- Two years, four years ago, and I know your heart and your layout was tremendous, and I know where you
- It happened two years ago when...?
- Even in aircraft crash test programs, testing airbags, seatbelts, and restraints, there was actually
- I've never heard of that in 25 years of being on the board.
Keywords:
body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- a skills test in a Class A vehicle.
- Four years to help support that particular program.
- I have spent 23 years in this community.
- Wheeler, 20 years ago, our family entered a new reality.
- That's roughly 3 million people a year.
Summary:
The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed.
The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier.
One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 6th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- My test check 12mic test check 12. Cher sees a quorum.
- Budgeting this year? Yes, we certainly do.
- As I understand it, this is something we did maybe last year or the year before to be able to subsidize
- And if this was to be a one-year program, and somewhere it said that it said fiscal year ending 2025.
- And sometimes we are lost as the years go by.
Bills:
SB1177
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it stretch it out five years? Is it?
- And two years, two or three years of drag from not having that supply chain in place. ...or three years
- These rocks are 20 to 40 million years old.
- , this one that I'm showing happened 56 million years ago over about a 200,000-year period, which in
- So all these years later, we started a couple of years ago, talked to the homeowner.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 2, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple years ago, Representative Caruso: few years ago when I was chair of JLAC, we ordered an audit
- It is at least a year behind.
- They have been thoroughly tested by the courts.
- the testing for you.
- is a sounder testing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Nurse Licensure Compact discussion 2/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I've talked about this bill a number of times throughout the years.
- And um really throughout the years.
- >> I do not know that answer. >> That's to test. >> Um, I'm sorry.
- <00:19:32.240>
throughout travel nurse for four years throughout travel nurse for four years - license doesn't have that three year license doesn't have that three year requirement,<00:33:31.039
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1925, which would have Minnesota join the nurse licensure compact. Rep. Schumacher described the bill as a way to improve workforce flexibility, telehealth, care coordination, and border-community access, while maintaining safeguards such as the same licensure exam and federal background checks. He also said the compact could help retain Minnesota-trained nurses who currently leave for neighboring compact states. Several members questioned whether the compact would weaken Minnesota’s standards or actually solve staffing problems, and some raised concerns about outside states’ differing practice rules and continuing education requirements. Supporters, including a nurse leader, a travel nurse, a business group representative, and a hospital nursing leader, testified that the compact would ease staffing shortages, speed hiring, support telehealth, and reduce administrative burdens. Opponents, including nurses and union representatives, argued it could lower standards, not address root causes like unsafe staffing and turnover, and could create risks for patients seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care.
The committee also considered two related amendments tied to rural health transformation recommendations. The A1 amendment would have required two hours of continuing education on nutrition for physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses; members criticized it as government overreach, unrelated to many specialties, and an attempt to chase uncertain federal funding. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The A2 amendment would have reinstated the presidential fitness test in schools and allowed parents to opt out; it also failed. A3, which updated the compact bill’s effective date language from 2025 to 2026, was adopted. Members noted the bill also contained an appropriation and might need referral to other committees if it advanced. The committee then began hearing public testimony on HF 1925, with witnesses split between support and opposition.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it stretch it out five years? Is it?
- And two years, two or three years of drag from not having that supply chain in place.
- , this one that I'm showing happened 56 million years ago over about a 200,000-year period, which in
- So all these years later, we started a couple of years ago, talked to the homeowner.
- We are a 55-year-old nonprofit organization.
Summary:
The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota.
Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action.
The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, the entire 12 years.
- Year after year, the L.A.
- About five years ago, I was told by Mr.
- About five years ago, I was told by Mr.
- He served on that board for 27 years, and 23 of those years he was chair of the board.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and handled a number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for adjournments in memory and guest introductions, rescinding prior action on SB 493, and re-referring several Senate bills to different committees. Members also recognized guests on the floor, including family members, interns, firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team, which was honored for its historic championship season.
The main floor action was on AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage and set clearer insurance claim practices. Supporters said the bill would help wildfire survivors return home safely and urged science-based standards and a rebuttable presumption that contamination after a wildfire was caused by the fire; opponents warned the bill could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed on a 54-6 vote, including the urgency clause.
Members also adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with remarks praising her role in advancing gender equality and equal rights. The resolution was adopted after 65 co-authors were added and then approved by voice vote. The consent calendar, including SJR 11, was adopted 71-0.
A large portion of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory, including tributes to Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel. The Assembly also honored departing Member James Gallagher, who gave extended farewell remarks before leaving for Congress. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 843 is a bill that I filed last year.
- They said there is no more such thing as a Lemon test.
- Against a tight budget year.
- First year, much like the first year that this body passed the six weeks of paid maternity leave, I think
- So, those years that year that was skipped over was fulfilled. Then is that correct?
Bills:
SB843, SB1733, SB1476, SB1237, SB1410, SB1894, SB1272, SB1204, SB1721, SB1725, SB1735, SB1337, SB1339, SB1461, SB1975
Keywords:
school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, child abuse, reporting requirements, sexual misconduct, law enforcement, school personnel, confidentiality, student safety, land office, land exchange, investment, education funding, real estate management, Teachers' Bill of Rights, education, teachers' rights
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year, the Senate Bill 1273, we're building on that this year.
- test requirement.
- Texas for years.
- 40 years in Texas.
- . years, meaning I'm not domiciled in the US during the seven years.
Bills:
HB17, HB34, HB41, HB 118, HB 119, HB 127, HB 128, HB 129, HB 130, HB132, HB133, HB17, HB41, HB118, HB119, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB132, HB133
Keywords:
foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple of years ago, after more than two years of working in a hospital during the COVID pandemic,
- A couple years ago, after I've seen.
- A couple years ago, after more<00:07:39.520>
than <00:07:39.680>two <00:07:39.840>years - suicide each year. suicide each year.
- , through Beauty Well and MDH tested more... uh, this issue for several years.
Keywords:
health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC, JDC Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:06.639>
we States introducing bills this year we States introducing bills this year - I have done this many years.
- <00:13:44.560>
I everyone I have done this many years I everyone I have done this many years - Some of them have spent 20 years in prison.
- Some of them have spent 20 years in prison.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard SB 1231, which would repeal the Parentage Uniform Act of 1973 and update Hawaii’s parentage laws, including parts of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Supporters said the current statutes are outdated and do not adequately address assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and modern family formation. The Attorney General’s office supported the bill with technical amendments, including conforming changes to the Probate Code and child support provisions, and several testifiers urged passage as a needed modernization of the law.
A major point of disagreement was Part 10, which concerns donor anonymity. Some supporters, including members of the task force, the Uniform Law Commission, fertility and family law practitioners, and LGBTQ+ advocates, backed the bill as written or said it should move forward even if Part 10 is removed. Others, including donor-conceived adults, parents, and advocacy groups, opposed Part 10 and urged the committee to adopt the 2024 version of Article 9 or delete Part 10 entirely, arguing that anonymous donation harms donor-conceived people’s access to genetic, medical, and identity information and that anonymity is not realistic in the DNA-testing era. One task force member and attorney said she supported the bill but preferred removing Part 10 if necessary to pass the rest.
The hearing included extensive public testimony both in support and opposition, with many individuals describing personal experiences with adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/09/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- 10 years. 10 years.
- I've heard from many providers that their wait times for this testing are over a year long.
- over a year long. over a year long.
- And so we are back this year. passed. And so we are back this year.
- We did 1,370 runs last year, which was a 9.3% increase year over year.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- because we introduced the bill last year because we introduced the bill last year and<00:04:05.120
- :58.000>
resources <00:13:58.560>that year with limited surplus resources that year with - group. the all of the factors that test group. the all of the factors that test the<00:36:28.000
- I I know I trust year. And then some of the other things year.
- property taxes a hundred or $200 a year. property taxes a hundred or $200 a year.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit Committee Feb 19th, 2025
Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year, we passed a bill... Sure.
- We had to lay out what they were testing for.
- We're going to be asking for another $2.5 million for that, probably this year or next year.
- working another year.
- We're working another year.
Keywords:
DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 106 Apr 30th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :04:10.319>
joint <01:04:10.559>budget year sitting on the joint budget year sitting on - And that did not happen this year.
- And that did not happen this year.
- the beginning of this upcoming year the beginning of this upcoming year 2027. 2027. 2027.
- Three years.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received committee and House messages before moving into third reading and final passage on several bills. Early action included passage of House Bill 1318, which concerns traffic safety near schools; Senator Cutter offered and the chamber adopted a third-reading amendment naming it the Liam Stewart School Zone Act in honor of a child killed in a traffic accident near a school. The bill then passed 33-1. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 134 on payment card network fees, and laid over Senate Bill 17 until April 30.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 45 on workforce development opportunities in Colorado’s nuclear sector, Senate Bill 91 on excluding certain printed news deliverers from employee definitions under labor law, Senate Bill 114 on spirituous liquor manufacturer sales rooms, Senate Bill 162 on releasing healthcare test results to patients, Senate Bill 23 on school finance, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 155 on homeowners insurance availability, Senate Bill 146 on restricting single-use food service ware, and Senate Bill 156 on State Workforce Development Council practices. Most of these bills passed, with recorded opposition on several measures: SB 91 passed 26-8, SB 114 passed 31-3, SB 162 passed 29-5, SB 93 passed 19-15, SB 155 passed 22-12, SB 146 passed 20-14, and SB 156 passed 32-2. SB 23, the school finance act, drew broad support and passed 34-0 after multiple senators emphasized education funding priorities and constitutional obligations.
During debate, senators highlighted policy rationales and personal stories. On SB 162, Senator Weissman explained his no vote as a patient-autonomy concern despite acknowledging the bill’s earnest intent. On SB 23, supporters said the bill preserved and strengthened K-12 funding, while one senator argued schools should do better on safety and teacher pay. On SB 155, supporters said the homeowners insurance bill could help change market direction and improve affordability. On SB 156, Senator Marchman described the bill’s focus on out-of-school youth and the need to connect young people who are not in education, employment, or training with workforce supports. The Senate also began special-order second reading of consent-calendar bills, adopted the committee reports, and advanced House Bill 1313 on affordable housing fund requirements with amendments related to Prop 123 implementation and stakeholder processes.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Joint Appropriations Jan 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- That is just for the one school year.
- And then $522,000 a year payment.
- That's where it's about $250,000 a year. So we have that for at least a couple of years.
- 200 to 250 years? How old is our United States of America? 250 years coming up?
- 200 to 250 years? How old is our United States of America? 250 years coming up?
Bills:
HB1623
Keywords:
HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1624, the “Universal Lunch Bill,” from Rep. Mike Nathie. He argued the proposal should be placed in Century Code rather than the Constitution so future legislatures can adjust it if state finances tighten, and said the bill would start the program a year earlier with a $65 million appropriation for one school year. DPI testified that the estimate did not include nonpublic schools that do not participate, and members questioned the impact on Title I, free-and-reduced applications, private-school accountability, breakfast mandates for schools that do not currently serve breakfast, and whether the funding could come from the DPI budget or other sources. Supporters, including North Dakota United, the North Dakota Catholic Conference, a pediatrician, and the American Heart Association, said universal meals improve student health and learning, reduce family costs, and are better handled in statute than by constitutional amendment. No opposition testimony was offered, and the chair closed the hearing for later work-session action.
The committee then took up House Bill 1627, introduced by Rep. Tye Dressler, which would raise the income threshold for the state-funded school lunch program from 225% to 300% of poverty, with an estimated cost of about $7 million for 2026-27. Dressler said the bill is intended as a targeted, budget-friendly alternative to the ballot measure and emphasized that the state should maximize federal meal dollars while improving participation in the current program. Members questioned whether raising the threshold would actually increase utilization, whether a dollar amount would be clearer than a percentage, and how the change would affect federal reimbursements and application rates. DPI said it could quickly calculate additional percentage levels, and the chair closed the hearing, directing DPI to prepare more numbers for the work session.
Finally, the committee opened Senate Bill 2403, presented by Sen. Schiable, to create a short-term bridge-loan program for financially distressed hospitals, centered on Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin. The bill would authorize up to $5 million per loan, with a $10 million appropriation available on a first-come, first-served basis, and would run only through June 30, 2027. Schiable said the hospital’s debt and operating problems threaten local health care, ambulance service, and the community’s economy, and that the proposal was designed narrowly with Bank of North Dakota review to avoid creating a broad precedent. Committee members asked whether the appropriation could be reduced and whether the bank would still apply commercial feasibility and repayment standards; Schiable said yes, the bank would still evaluate the loan and could reject it if it was not sound.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- However, my classmates and I encountered many difficult. with the class materials and testing despite
- So our decision for pursuing this model was informed by conversations that we had over the past year
- You're taking a test that needs to be translated.
- My doctors never prepared me for what to expect and I suffered for years with physical, psychological
- In some cases, people have to wait years after serving their time just to be considered.