Transcript Highlights:

• In vetting their professional development, I took into consideration the pace of the training, the training
• Instead of attempting to train all schools at once, we train how to implement, implement, or to train
• Our district up until 2029 for them to pull through this whole cohort of training.
• Uh, we problem solve together to, um, uh, provide training to community members.
• The course is only required of up to 14% of New Mexico's workforce.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I appreciate the college's emphasis on providing job skills, job training, workforce opportunities
• I'm a huge advocate of having prepared women in the workforce and women in the workforce.
• So I can't speak... ...in the workforce and women in the workforce.
• They say, what do you need in your workforce? How can we provide training...
• They say, what do you need in your workforce?

Summary: The committee first heard CS/SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The bill sponsor said it would add consistency and transparency by requiring local education agencies and training providers to define their roles and funding shares in contracts, cap an LEA’s share at 10% when it serves only an administrative role, and require public meetings and published work papers for the district workforce education funding steering committee. Several industry and business groups appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without debate. The committee then took up CS/CS/SB 1726 on higher education, which was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment. The amended bill addressed presidential searches, trustee eligibility, interim presidents, polling by universities, mission reviews, and other governance issues. Members asked about the requirement that final presidential candidate groups include at least three applicants, the qualifications for interim presidents, trustee residency/alumni requirements, and limits on candidate polling. Senators Leek and Smith offered contrasting views, with Leek warning about candidate withdrawals and Smith supporting the bill as a way to depoliticize higher education governance. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to confirmation hearings for university and college boards of trustees. Several appointees and reappointees from FAMU, UNF, Pensacola State College, UF, and UWF described their ties to their institutions and goals such as student success, workforce alignment, military support, research, and regional access. The UWF nominees drew the most scrutiny over their votes for former board chair Scott Yenor, whose public comments about women and other groups were criticized by senators and public commenters. Some nominees said they were unaware of the full scope of those remarks and would not have voted for him with that knowledge; others defended their votes as based on his education-reform views. Public testimony also raised concerns about UWF board members’ lack of higher-education experience and local ties. The committee confirmed the non-UWF nominees in a block vote and then began individual votes on the UWF nominees, with debate centered on Yenor-related concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• The training, education, and clinicals in health, and then Brian is going to wrap us up at the Agency
• And then Brian is going to wrap us up at the agency. the training, education, and clinicals in health
• Signed bill 7016 in 2024 established the Training, Education, and Clinicals in Health funding program
• their position known against workforce in general.
• So I do think that as we address workforce on all areas, we'll be able to have more students come in.

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed members back for the first committee weeks, and heard brief personal updates from several senators before moving into agency implementation updates on recently enacted health care laws. The Agency for Health Care Administration reported on Senate Bill 64 creating rural emergency hospitals, explaining that AHCA adopted the required rules effective June 1, 2025, but that no hospitals have yet been designated. Members asked about possible hospital conversions, accreditation and survey responsibilities, and whether Florida would apply for federal rural health transformation funding; AHCA said it intends to apply and has already been working on the issue with federal officials. AHCA also reviewed the non-emergent care access plan requirement under Senate Bill 7016. The agency said hospitals with emergency departments must submit plans that help redirect non-emergent patients to appropriate care settings while complying with EMTALA, and that 83 plans had been received and 63 approved as of September 30. Members asked about data collection, managed care coordination, and the state’s health information exchange; AHCA said it has moved to a new HIE vendor and will continue monitoring implementation and possible care gaps. AHCA then updated the committee on the TEACH program, saying $6.8 million was spent in 2024-25 across 59 parent organizations and 229 facilities, with more than 1,800 students and nearly 380,000 clinical hours reimbursed. The agency said rulemaking is nearly complete, a new nursing student category and expanded facility eligibility were added, and a federal 1115 workforce waiver remains stalled after CMS signaled it will not approve new workforce demonstrations. AHCA also reviewed House Bill 121 on KidCare eligibility, explaining that implementation of the 300% poverty-level expansion remains blocked by federal litigation and waiver issues tied to premium nonpayment rules; members and public speakers urged action to close the coverage gap. Public testimony on AHCA’s presentation came from representatives of health centers and advocacy groups, who said the non-emergent care access plan has improved hospital-health center coordination and reduced repeat emergency use, and who urged implementation of KidCare expansion for children in the coverage gap. The Department of Health then presented updates on FRAM, the Sanadi screening grant program, the Health Care Innovation Revolving Loan Program, telehealth maternity care, swimming lesson vouchers, and House Bill 159 on pharmacist dispensing of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. DOH reported strong participation in FRAM and the telehealth maternity program, 24 Sanadi grant awards in 42 counties, 4,945 swimming lesson vouchers issued last year and 2,371 so far this year, and three approved certification courses with five pharmacist certifications issued under HB 159. Committee members asked about recruitment of dentists and other providers, telehealth maternity outcomes, and why participation in the maternity program remains below expected levels; DOH said outreach and regional referral networks are expanding and more detailed outcome data will be included in the upcoming legislative report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, the bill restricts workforce participation.
• Third, the bill restricts workforce participation.
• But in reality, these agreements restrict how contractors can use their own workforce.
• And it raises a fundamental question: should a contractor be required to set aside their own trained,
• Can it be, like, the training? I'm all for that. Yeah.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, emergency response, wildfire prevention, and environmental protection. AB 2152 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would streamline CEQA litigation for new fire station projects and add best-practice requirements; supporters, including firefighters, said it would help communities and firefighter safety, while opponents argued the project labor agreement requirements would raise costs and limit participation for small and nonunion contractors. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand reporting related to 911 dispatcher pre-arrival medical instructions; after amendments and stakeholder agreement, opposition groups said they would remove their opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2101 by Assembly Member Gipson would require human trafficking notices and training at disaster sites and for disaster response workers; supporters said it would protect vulnerable workers, while broadband, city, and county representatives raised implementation concerns, especially in rural disaster areas. It passed to Appropriations despite a no vote from Vice Chair Hadwick. The committee also considered AB 1805, which would require an audit and stronger oversight of the state’s Next Generation 911 project after concerns about major spending and delays. CalNENA supported the bill’s transparency and accountability provisions, and the measure passed to Appropriations. AB 1536 by Assembly Member Addis would tighten safety and public review requirements for offshore oil pipeline restarts and require decommissioning of certain spill-prone pipelines; environmental and coastal government groups supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association warned it would threaten fuel supply and pipeline operations. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1964 would direct the State Fire Marshal to survey home hardening in fire-prone areas and estimate costs; it passed to Appropriations with broad support. AB 1960, also by Assembly Member Bennett, would use a portion of wildfire prevention grants to encourage community-level home hardening certification. The author said the bill would create incentives and broader public awareness, while the vice chair argued it would favor communities that can already afford hardening and divert resources from higher-need areas; the bill still passed to Appropriations. AB 1863 by Assembly Member DeMaio would clarify that people cannot be charged simply for calling 911 or when no services are rendered, while preserving fees for actual services and allowing billing for legitimate emergency response costs; it passed to the Assembly floor. The committee also took up consent item AB 2517, which passed to Appropriations. After add-on votes for absent members, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those mentors get significant training.
• So residential mentors get training from our housing office and peer mentors get training, obviously
• So we have what we like to consider a pretty highly trained workforce.
• And so the challenge for my son is having appropriately trained staff.
• But that's the starting point of the trained staff that are constantly trained and retrained on how her

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, further monitoring trained by the legislature is required.
• Forward and then just cannot have the skills to be in the workforce.
• But I would like to drill a little bit deeper specifically on the workforce component.
• But yes, we think that the credentialing, training, and expertise of the workforce is a really important
• To the workforce is supported.

Transcript Highlights:

• curriculum to the Direct Care Workforce curriculum to the Direct Care Workforce and<00:01:03.399
• to inadequate training standards.
• to inadequate training standards.
• Without reliable workforce data, policymakers cannot make informed decisions about wages, training, and
• counterparts for strengthening workforce counterparts for strengthening workforce planning<00:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the critical workforce needs of Florida.
• Again, that emphasis on workforce development.
• incentives for district workforce education programs.
• We're the workforce in... ...really for agriculture technology.
• The workforce in agriculture will be changing. We need technology in there.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of workforce development, that was one piece: strengthening dementia training care standards
• Workforce training would kind of fall under that.
• I think we can train APNs.
• Bunch has a new nursing school where they're doing some workforce training.
• training.

Summary: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met with legislative members and agency, advocacy, and provider representatives present. The council adopted its rules and procedures, approved the prior meeting minutes, and authorized the co-chairs to approve special expenses. Members then heard an extensive update on the state Alzheimer’s plan and current developments in diagnosis, treatment, research, caregiving, and workforce issues. David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association described major changes since the first state plan, including the growth of blood-based biomarkers, broader access to amyloid PET scans, and the availability of disease-slowing treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla. He emphasized that Arkansas still faces major barriers in rural areas, including limited provider awareness, insurance coverage concerns, shortages of specialists, and long wait times for memory care and infusion services. He also highlighted caregiver burden, the need for better education and care navigation, and new efforts such as a dementia resource center pilot with UAMS, respite grants, and workforce training. Members discussed the importance of public education on brain health, diet, exercise, and risk reduction, as well as the need to collaborate with chronic disease partners and improve outreach to primary care providers. The council approved four proposed focus areas for the next state plan: advancing risk reduction, brain health, early detection and diagnosis; strengthening family caregiver support; improving access to diagnostics and treatment; and supporting access and quality of care, including workforce training and crisis response. Members also discussed possible legislative or statutory changes to keep the council active and engaged, and they agreed to pursue a future meeting in August, tentatively August 12 in Hot Springs, with additional meetings under consideration for later in the month. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've actually improved our workforce out there in behavioral health.
• I just wanted everybody to see within their local Communities what kind of workforce they have.
• And they kind of drive the workforce or drive out the workforce.
• The workforce is not out there.
• I think Adrian and the staff have been trained on how to look at your capital project.

Transcript Highlights:

• I finished my training.” “Okay. Okay.
• That way, if a student completes both the on-the-job training and the technical training components,
• That way, if a student completes both the on-the-job training and the technical training components,
• When you mentioned training, what type of training did you say?
• So the training is mandatory.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first disposed of several measures without debate, including deferrals of House Bill 460, House Bill 561, Senate Bill 322, and another deferred Senate measure, before taking up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz. HB 819 would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with ODG by MCG, a private evidence-based guideline system used in other states. Cruz and Troy Prevo argued ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and could reduce claim duration, medical costs, and premium rates; Dr. Jason Picard said Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference for gaps in the state schedule and that the bill would not change appeals or variance procedures. Opponents, including injured-worker advocates Joseph Jola St. and Robin Crumholt, argued Louisiana’s current guidelines are working, that ODG is more cost-cutting and insurer-driven, and that the bill could increase denials and delay care. Members discussed amendments to add a two-year sunset, allow tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and raise the carrier’s burden to challenge care; the committee adopted the amendments and then reported HB 819 favorably by a 7-6 vote. The committee then began Senate Bill 409 by Senator Myers, the Louisiana Living Donor Leave Protection Act. The bill would provide paid leave protections for living organ donors, set eligibility and verification procedures, and prohibit forfeiture of leave in certain circumstances for private employers. Myers said the measure is intended to remove job and paycheck barriers for people willing to donate organs and to support better transplant outcomes. Technical amendments were adopted at the start of the presentation, and the bill was introduced for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The LSC Emergency Response Training Center trains approximately 3,500 participants from Minnesota and
• Besides workforce training for our college students, the ERTC is a cost-effective site for requiring
• > Besides<00:10:47.680> workforce<00:10:48.160> training<00:10:48.399> for
• Besides workforce training for facility.
• Besides workforce training for our<00:10:48.800> college<00:10:49.120> students,<00:10:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're entering the home caregiver workforce and then you leave the home caregiver workforce, that
• And then you leave the home caregiver workforce, that doesn't go into the net workforce growth rate,
• We trained all of our boards on this tool in January.
• We trained all of our boards on this tool in January.
• Also, targeted training.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you onboard to Uber and Lyft as a driver, there is no training right now.
• But there's no specific training or mandatory training as best practice that Uber and Lyft require.
• or mandatory training as best practice. is and isn't allowed but there's no specific training or mandatory
• My name is Megan Smith, and I'm here with my service dog in training, Wanda.
• My name is Megan Smith, and I'm here with my service dog in training, Wanda.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with the co-chairs introducing House and Senate members and explaining the hybrid format, three-minute testimony guidance, and the deadline for written testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on S. 2665, which would require employers to post notice to employees when an I-9 audit or similar federal immigration inspection is underway. Supporters, including immigration attorneys, a pediatrician, a labor leader, and an affected family member, argued the bill would protect privacy, give workers time to gather documents and consult counsel, and reduce fear and wrongful arrests. One witness from Illinois described a similar law there and said it had not caused the problems employers feared, while others said recent ICE enforcement has made notice especially important. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1360, a bill affecting collective bargaining rights for State Police, with the State Police Association arguing that a statutory gap lets departmental rules override their contract and that the bill would restore intended bargaining protections. A separate labor bill, S. 1305, was also briefly supported by the AFL-CIO as part of broader worker-classification protections for app-based delivery drivers. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 2066, which would impose fines on transportation network drivers who refuse rides to people with disabilities using service animals. Testimony from blind and disabled riders, service dog users, advocates, and the Disability Law Center described repeated ride cancellations, drivers pulling away after seeing a service animal, and the difficulty of enforcing existing anti-discrimination laws through MCAD or other agencies. Witnesses said the current system leaves riders without practical recourse because drivers are hard to identify and complaints can take years, and they argued that fines on individual drivers would create a real deterrent. Several witnesses also described the impact on employment, medical appointments, and daily independence. Committee members asked about service-animal verification, whether refusals are ever appropriate, and whether penalties should target drivers or companies; witnesses said legitimate refusals are limited to misbehaving or unsafe animals and that companies already have policies and some training, but enforcement remains weak. The committee also heard from a witness supporting a related bill on rideshare accessibility and from advocates describing broader transportation discrimination issues. One witness discussed a separate proposal to study service-animal denial, and others noted that Uber’s self-identification feature and company policies have not solved the problem. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended after the final witnesses on the service-animal bill and a brief organizational discussion about related legislation and committee business.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then you leave the home caregiver workforce that doesn't go into the workforce growth rate, which
• We already provide fraud, waste, and abuse training.
• And we're working with HHC on some additional trainings and doing some targeted training related to different
• Also, targeted training.
• Guidance can vary across the workforce.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• I served 12 years on the California Workforce Development Board, so workforce development and economic
• training, whether To succeed, whether it's straight with workforce training, whether it's certificate
• Career passports is one way to do that, and some of these workforce training programs are another.
• You know, in workforce development, I want to see...
• You know, workforce development, I want to see greater coordination with our workforce development boards

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• development, offering training in a variety of fields including high-demand ones like nursing, engineering
• development, offering training in a variety of fields including high-demand ones like nursing, engineering
• training.
• TRAINING.
• high school and have them skip the higher education process altogether so they can give them the training

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:46.800> nonredit providing numerous workforce nonredit providing numerous workforce
• workforce for all 87 Minnesota counties. workforce for all 87 Minnesota counties.
• Minnesota loses 160 workforce gap.
• He is here to share how this project addresses our workforce crisis, our statewide training footprint
• He is here to share how this project addresses our workforce crisis, our statewide training footprint

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Pell Grant program to make Pell Grant funds available to eligible students in short-term workforce training
• and Education Program, the California Fire and Arson Training Program, the Training Act, and the generation
• training programs or employment opportunities...
• Workforce training programs or employment opportunity that would help our working families who may fall
• I can't speak to workforce programs, but I do want to mention that the bill does include 100... ...workforce

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3763 by Purdell Riling to certain audits of employers conducted by the Texas Workforce Commission
• for the Committee of Trade Workforce and Economic Development.
• HB 3799 by OR relating to the establishment of the Apprenticeship Training Program Sponsorship Fund,
• referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce.
• developmental funds for the Subcommittee on Workforce.