Transcript Highlights:

• WE LOOK FORWARD TO PROVIDING ASSISTANCE AND FEEDBACK AS 1802 GOES THROUGH THE REVIEW AND REVISION PROCESS
• INSURER TREATS THE DISCOUNTS OR TOTALITY OF THE HOME AND HOW THEY HAVE THESE PRODUCTS IS A GOOD MECHANISM
• THE STATE AT VARIOUS POINTS USED VARIOUS FUNDING MECHANISMS TO HELP CONSUMERS OUT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's very good feedback. Thank you. Yep. That's very good feedback. Thank you.
• You also have through this mechanism the reduction from the 10% down to the 2%.
• So there's already that review mechanism that exists at the state level, where if, you know, that reserve
• balance is then triggered by this mechanism, there would be some accountability on our end.
• Cognizant about our reserves and making sure that we, I mean, the whole purpose of that mechanism was

Summary: The House convened with Girl State participants presiding for part of the session, including introductions of the student leadership and a unanimous voice vote passing House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the young women participating in Delaware Girl State. The chamber also welcomed congressional interns and other guests, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and observed a moment of silence for Nathan Cynix and Kara Feeley before prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes for Representative Ron Gray, who was recognized for his 14 years of service and his work on issues such as bond bills, dredging, bike paths, small business, constituent service, and agriculture-related funding. Multiple members from both parties praised his humor, honesty, mentorship, and dedication to the House and his district. Gray responded with extended remarks reflecting on his family legacy, legislative service, and appreciation for colleagues and staff, and the chamber later sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at his request. The House then received communications, including Senate messages returning several bills and informing the chamber of Senate passage of additional measures. Members were also told that the FY27 bond bill, House Bill 500, had been placed on desks as a gift for review. The House read in Consent Agenda S, which included House Bill 476, House Joint Resolution 13, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 168, Senate Bill 297, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, and Senate Joint Resolution 21, and began a roll call vote on the consent agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• directly with our local LAFCO on this language and actually made some amendments based upon their feedback
• I want to thank the stakeholders who have offered thoughtful feedback.
• It's just wondering the mechanics. And I recognize that need time to figure that out.
• It simply extends an already approved funding mechanism so it can function as originally intended to
• deliver a once-in-a-generation... ...funding mechanism, so it can function as originally intended, to

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We happen to work on one of the SMR designs, providing input and feedback because they were going through
• We happen to work on one of the SMR designs providing input and feedback because they were going through
• they've really gone back to the drawing board and are starting to create these new contracting mechanisms
• They've really gone back to the drawing board and are starting to create these new contracting mechanisms
• He's willing to have, does the finance mechanism cover that, or do we assume that's not a risk 100 years

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Doug O'Connell: Well, I think the solution and the critical point is to have a mechanism that gets it
• Capriglione: And while current law allows for depositions in some of these cases, there's no clear mechanism
• I just need to make sure that my client - and there needs to be a mechanism where the judge where they
• it may or may not be relevant and it may or may not be reliable, and so... so there's got to be a mechanism
• Chairman: Did you want feedback or— Representative Verdell: If you have feedback, I would love to hear

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
• They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
• They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
• They have an appointed mechanism; they have a mechanism to appoint members in those cases.
• </c><01:45:28.960><c> to</c> mechanism they have a mechanism to mechanism they have a mechanism to appoint

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we also have some feedback here that I think is helpful.
• also have some feedback here that I<00:27:21.760><c> think</c><00:27:22.080><c> is</c><00:27:22.720>
• </c><00:27:32.000><c> that</c> just um again some of the feedback that just um again some of the feedback
• So, is there a mechanism for reporting alleged emotional or mental harm?
• Uh, there's also a mechanism by which parents can challenge some of that information and allege, you

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A Habitat for Humanity project was blocked by this mechanism.
• So just to give feedback on that. Mr.
• You don't have up-to-date mechanical codes. So the cities are left to have to do that on their own.
• While the third-party plan review company reviews electrical, plumbing, energy code, and mechanical,
• Chair Gates: What license do you require for, say, mechanical?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and try to address their feedback.
• and try to address their feedback.
• ><c> feedback</c> receive feedback we receive feedback receive feedback we receive feedback from<04:56
• These amendments we are about feedback.
• </c><04:57:52.480><c> and</c> discussion and a lot of feedback and discussion and a lot of feedback and

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone want feedback? Uh, Senator Doc Dedder in the back. a little farther down.
• Anyone want feedback?
• A little more feedback.
• What's the official mechanism in place to do that? Thank you.
• No, it mechanism to file bankruptcy.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so I did mechanic, and at that time mechanics was in a downtrend, so that's what I did end up going
• to mechanic school.
• Yeah, so I did mechanic, and at that time mechanics was in a downtrend, so that's what I did end up going
• to mechanic school.
• </c> did mechanic and at that time mechanics did mechanic and at that time mechanics was<00:29:02.919

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education met on March 11 and began with House Bill 442, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi system for nursing programs. University of Hawaiʻi representatives testified in strong support, and several additional supporters submitted testimony. Members asked about a similar Senate measure, and the witness confirmed the university supported that bill as well. No opposition or vote was recorded on HB 442 during the excerpt. The committee then heard House Bill 1169, a housekeeping measure concerning the University of Hawaiʻi Conference Center revolving fund. Testimony explained that the bill would consolidate existing Conference Center statutes into one centralized fund statute and allow campuses to use the fund more broadly. Members raised no questions, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. House Bill 185, which would establish a plant-based building materials working group, drew the most discussion. The Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted baseline research before a larger working group was formed. Supporters argued the measure could help develop a homegrown industry using bamboo, hemp, and other plant materials, create green jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several members questioned whether a formal working group was necessary and whether the work could be done without new legislation. The University of Hawaiʻi later estimated the bill’s requested work would cost about $150,000 over two years to analyze crop options and report findings. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 1320, which requires the University of Hawaiʻi to collect, analyze, and publicly report graduate outcome data and develop a Graduate Outcomes Dashboard. University officials said they already use some data sources but lack a dedicated data-visualization specialist and need additional capacity to consolidate and present the information. Members questioned the need for new positions and funding, arguing the university should use existing resources and that students already have many ways to explore careers. Supporters responded that the dashboard would help students and the state better understand postgraduate outcomes, workforce needs, and program value. No final action or vote was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, quarterly allotment is a mechanism to manage the timing of expenditures and distribute the funds
• to use in And they know the mechanisms to use in doing<01:01:26.920><c> that.
• So, it provides a great feedback loop between states and locals.
• So, it provides a great feedback<01:46:56.760><c> loop</c><01:46:56.920><c> between</c><01:46:57.280>
• </c> feedback loop between states and locals. feedback loop between states and locals.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Budget Process 00:02:28 Allotment Process 00:10:30 School Facilities Construction Commission 00:29:10 Role of KDE in School Facilities Funding 00:47:00 Kentucky School Boards Association 01:13:25 Elementary and Secondary School Construction 01:20:40 Perkins V Funding 01:35:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I wish we could replicate it throughout the state, and I appreciate your feedback very much.
• I replicate it throughout the state and I appreciate<00:56:07.119><c> your</c><00:56:07.280><c> feedback
• </c> appreciate your feedback very much. appreciate your feedback very much.
• probably have with local inclusion is that we really focus on how we can be strong advocates and put mechanisms
• In mechanisms and laws in place to really support local business inclusion as you're going into a local

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the open communication and feedback, and our administration remains committed to partner
• I'm wondering, from a regulation standpoint, if you can give us some feedback about existing regulation
• So 24/7, you can instantly get feedback about what programs are relevant to you.
• So we brought folks into our office to get some feedback to figure out what is the right way to look
• It is something that we've gotten feedback on, and we did take some active steps this year to improve

Summary: The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty. Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires. Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee, and that gets distributed to all members, so that's a great way to also share your feedback
• called to testify once, so when we do call you, if there is more than one bill that you wish to share feedback
• act relative to equipping public elementary and secondary schools with panic alarms or emergency mechanisms
• Third, reforming funding mechanisms while providing flexibility in funding and increased transparency
• Additionally, the bill lacks strong oversight mechanisms.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 82 creates a constitutional crisis and puts into place dangerous mechanisms for child exploitation
• California law already provides mechanisms for addressing illegal trespass.
• we're trying to solve the problem of process, why aren't you focused more on utilizing the existing mechanisms
• AB 1071 responds to this feedback from the court... ...conviction RJA challenge.
• AB 1071 responds to this feedback from the courts and practitioners to ensure RJA claims are processed

Summary: The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call. The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar. Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know Chair Jay Livingstone would welcome your feedback as well.
• The current mechanism is a first come, first serve, right, during the application, right?
• those folks, whether it be the Guard or whether it be, you know, the DOD, right, there’s a different mechanism
• We don't have a mechanism to increase that funding.
• We receive constant positive feedback from our consumers about the life-changing support that our staff

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does is create a mechanism by which we encourage businesses to come in line with national and
• part is that once an order is in place, whether it's temporary or permanent, there's an enforcement mechanism
• And the people that are listening that have feedback, any of you that have feedback, I look forward to
• I'd ask for your favorable support, and, like I said, for feedback from all of those that work in this
• They purposely choose to buy this gun without those safety mechanisms that we're talking about.

Bills: S0212, S0218, S0442, S0460, S0532, S0554, S0644, S0686, S0692, S1054, S1106, S1128, S1134, S1138, S1338, S1434, S1506, S1620, S1748

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups. Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition. The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted that, because there are fewer than ten, the time frames associated with the mechanics of the
• there's knowing that there's less than ten there are different time frames associated with the the mechanics
• We'll get that feedback through our witnesses today. Okay.
• So that's what the hearing is all about: to get that kind of feedback on how this would work.
• So that's what the hearing is all about: to get that kind of feedback on how this would work in scale

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• which prevents the committee from being able to do its due diligence by asking questions, getting feedback
• asking to do its due diligence by asking questions,<01:30:46.320><c> getting</c><01:30:46.560><c> feedback
• ,</c><01:30:47.199><c> learning</c> questions, getting feedback, learning questions, getting feedback
• </c> hearing and the feedback hearing and the feedback that<04:19:16.800><c> um</c><04:19:17.279><c>
• received during the um and um feedback received during the um hearing.<05:58:18.878><c> And</c><05:58

Keywords: 1189, house, all