Transcript Highlights:

• I looked down like Carey Junior High down there. The rooms are all way too big.
• Chairman, up in Senator Driskill's area, they're at 30-something percent in that junior high school.
• <00:18:34.600> The like Carey Junior High down there.
• The like Carey Junior High down there.
• in that in that junior high high school. school. school.

Bills: HB0034, HB0035, HB0036, HB0106

Keywords: HB0034, Wyoming retirement system, Wyoming Retirement Act, firefighter retirement, public employee retirement, retirement benefits, state pension, wildland firefighting, wildland firefighter, crash and rescue, Wyoming National Guard, Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming Retirement Board, correctional forestry crew, correctional crew supervisor, correctional forestry crew manager, general fund appropriation, state agency employees, service credit, benefit eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• school students the last few years, making sure that those individuals that want to come through their junior
• We failed those students because we're not reaching them in junior high there was a time when every kid
• that came through junior high knew what a Phillips screwdriver was.
• I'm voting on this increase, which is really pretty small, but I may not get any benefit from my junior
• And for good reason, because There is no barrier as far as cost at all for a junior or senior.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:09.080> college our IHL and community and junior college our IHL and community and
• junior college professors. professors. professors.
• <00:38:45.400> college, professors I show in junior college, professors I show in junior college
• the Southeast on our high school, junior the Southeast on our high school, junior high, high, high
• junior high, and elementary. junior high, and elementary. >> Yep. >> Yep.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage. Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the rest of their wonderful teammates. with me on the floor, I'm joined by one senior and five juniors
• And then with us, I also have junior Peyton Lambeth. and junior Kylin Oaks, and then my page, who's returning

Bills: HR1041, SB137, SB1255, SB1226, SB1238, SB1258, SB1325, SB1460, SB1543, SB1730, SB1921, SB1733, SB1216, SB1256, SB1061, SB1534, SB1873, SB1653, SB540, SB1948

Keywords: electronic monitoring, Department of Corrections, criminal justice, rehabilitation, public safety, medical parole, compassionate release, incarcerated, medical conditions, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation

Transcript Highlights:

• James Oh, who's a junior at Iolani. And Brandon Ku, a senior at Iolani.
• James<00:15:40.000> Oh, James Oh, James Oh, who's<00:15:41.240> a<00:15:41.320> junior
• <00:15:42.720> And<00:15:43.000> Brandon who's a junior at Iolani.
• And Brandon who's a junior at Iolani.

Bills: HR206, SB3083, SB2377, SB2816, SB3248, SB2436, SB2259, SB2928, SB2577, SB2697, SB2399, SB2665, SB2851, SB3102, SB2521, SB3157, SB3255, SB3016, SB2765, SB1432, SB17, SB2401, SB2972, SB3014, SB3032, SB3137, SB847, SB2261, SB2271, SB2272, SB2804, SB3007, SB3019, SB3250, SB2603, SB3022, SB2256, SB2147, SB2014, SB2114, SB2115, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3095, SB3144, SB3264, SB2325, SB2211, SB3245, SB2090, SB2803, SB2866, SB2250, SB2497, SB2032, SB2487, SB3136, SB2756, SB2615, SB3262, SB2024, SB2177, SB2552, SB2319, SB2407, SB2153, SB2321, SB2805, SB3010, SB2892, SB2781, SB2489, SB2174, SB2169, SB3123

Keywords: Robert Bob Toyofuku, Hawaii legal community, House Resolution, commendation, honorary resolution, legal education, continuing legal education, CLE, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii law school, Pacific Law Institute, attorney training, legal ethics, professional responsibility, legal mentorship, legal profession, court-annexed arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, appellate decisions, Hawaii Supreme Court

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to MJC, Manatee Junior College, and then on to the University of Florida. Go Gators. Yes.
• I went to MJC, Manatee Junior College, and then on to the University of Florida. Go Gators. Yes.
• And historically, it was a little bit confusing because we were this junior college... ...junior college
• I, too, attended Chipola Junior College for a couple of years after graduating from Marianna High School

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities. Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines. The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's what we've been trying to do since we actually first started trying to punch through what were junior
• that's what we've been trying to do since we actually first started trying to punch through what were junior
• Agency to serve as a recognized institutional accreditor for Texas' public colleges, universities, junior
• That includes general academic, junior colleges, and medical and dental schools.
• That includes general academic, junior colleges, and medical and dental schools. Okay.

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should we get rid of junior varsity and varsity teams? Of course not.
• Should we get rid of junior varsity and varsity teams? Of course not.
• Should we get rid of junior varsity and varsity teams? Of course not.
• Should we get rid of junior varsity and varsity teams? Of course not.
• Should we get rid of junior varsity and varsity teams? Of course not.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so you're probably pushing somewhere around 800 juniors and seniors, 800 to 900 juniors and seniors
• So if you're with me, if you come to me as a junior. I only get 8 units, SAUs.
• Um, we also look at our SAT scores, um, because most of my students come to me as juniors and seniors
• Serana, as a math teacher, I'm, I'm a high school physics teacher, and so they take my class as a junior
• When you said start at grade level, when we take, so I taught freshmen and juniors, um, algebra 1 and

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, my name is Zach Hadwick, I'm a junior at Monarch High School and I am in support of this bill.
• My name is Jordan Brace, I'm a junior in high school.
• I'm a junior at Big Valley Junior Senior High School.
• I serve as vice president of my junior class and volunteer with the National Women's Charity League.
• I am a junior at Big Valley Junior Senior High School.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The JET Grant program has been a valuable tool in helping public junior colleges, technical institutes
• The JET Grant program has been a valuable tool in helping public junior colleges, technical institutes
• preparing students to meet today's workforce expectations, but I valuable tool in helping public junior
• district to have that opportunity, they need things like this because the cost is so high, and the junior

Bills: HB322, HB331, HB673, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB2488

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a resolution to honor the Junior League of Texarkana on their 100th anniversary, and as a little
• fun fact, we were the second Junior League in the state of Arkansas right after Little Rock.
• And as a little fun fact, we were the second Junior League in the state of Arkansas right after Little

Summary: House Management considered a batch of House resolutions recognizing individuals, teams, and organizations, and approved them without objection or with voice votes. The measures included honors for Justin Tate and the Elkins football team; memorial resolutions for Senator Gary Stubblefield, Representative Stan Berry, and Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson; observances such as May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Arkansas Line Workers Appreciation Day; and recognitions for several championship teams, including the Roland Razorbacks wheelchair basketball team, the Mansfield Lady Tigers volleyball team, the Mansfield Tigers football team, the Pogy Patriots basketball team, and Rogers students. The committee also heard a resolution supporting poultry producers affected by litigation tied to the Illinois River watershed, and a resolution honoring the Junior League of Texarkana’s 100th anniversary. Members discussed the consent-calendar process and were reminded that noncontroversial resolutions are typically placed on the blue consent calendar, while memorials and potentially controversial items go to the red calendar. The parliamentarian explained that presentations are livestreamed and archived, and that members may bring up to three guests for floor presentations. Several resolutions were noted for upcoming calendar placement, including memorials on the red calendar and some recognitions on the consent calendar. All resolutions taken up in the meeting were approved. The chair also noted possible schedule changes, including a potential Thursday meeting and an additional meeting the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I worked with the high school page program as a junior and I wanted to come back.
• I worked with the high school page program as a junior and I wanted to come back.
• I worked with the high school page program as a junior and I wanted to come back.
• <00:23:49.760> Um<00:23:50.200> I junior and I wanted to come back.
• Um I junior and I wanted to come back.

Transcript Highlights:

• Approach where the high schools identify a junior or a senior. And, hey, this is Susie.
• Did we maybe not retain as many at the sophomore-junior level?
• Did a few, did we maybe not retain as many at the sophomore junior level?
• Governor's School is open to sophomores and juniors.
• Governor's School is open to sophomores and juniors in high school, and those are programs.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And let me say that when we started this idea of having a junior chamber trip, Dr.
• And let me say that when we started this idea of having a junior chamber trip, Dr.
• And let me say that when we started this idea of having a junior chamber trip, Dr.
• And let me say that when we started this idea of having a junior chamber trip, Dr.
• And let me say that when we started this idea of having a junior chamber trip, Dr.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a resolution to honor the Junior League of Texarkana on their 100th anniversary, and as a little
• fun fact, we were the second Junior League in the state of Arkansas right after Little Rock.
• And as a little fun fact, we were the second Junior League in the state of Arkansas right after Little

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a resolution to honor the Junior League of Texarkana on their 100th anniversary, and as a little
• fun fact, we were the second Junior League in the state of Arkansas, right after Little Rock.
• And as a little fun fact, we were the second Junior League in the state of Arkansas, right after Little

Summary: House Management considered a series of House resolutions and memorial resolutions honoring individuals, teams, and organizations. Measures included recognition of Justin Tate and the Elkins football team, memorial resolutions for Senator Gary Stubblefield and Representative Stanberry, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the Razorbacks’ national wheelchair basketball championship, the High Hall boys basketball state championship, Mansfield High School’s volleyball and football championships, Rogers student achievements, the Piggott Patriots basketball championship, support for poultry producers affected by an Illinois River watershed lawsuit, the Junior League of Texarkana’s 100th anniversary, and Arkansas Line Workers Appreciation Day. The committee also heard an explanation that noncontroversial items generally go to the consent calendar, while memorials and potentially controversial items go to the red calendar. Most resolutions were briefly presented by their sponsors, with no questions from the committee, and were approved by voice vote. The committee also received guidance from the parliamentarian on the consent calendar process and how presentations are livestreamed and archived for public viewing. Representative Steele’s memorial resolution for Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson was described as a bipartisan, multi-district tribute reflecting his statewide ministry and community impact; it was also approved and placed on the red calendar. At the end of the meeting, members were reminded that the schedule could change, with possible meetings on Thursday and Monday the following week. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour having arrived for consideration of the executive nomination, the Chair recognizes a junior
• Junior Senator from the 17th has moved that all nominations referred to in the foregoing report from
• Junior Senator from the 17th. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Junior Senator from the 17th moves that nominee number 54 of Senate Executive Message No. 4 be confirmed

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate took up a series of House amendments to enrolled bills and, in each case, accepted the amendments and passed the bills, often with effective dates set by separate motions. Measures approved included pay increases for the judiciary (SB 29), regulation of homemade food sales (SB 44), protections against financial exploitation of eligible adults (SB 617), involuntary hospitalization changes (SB 742), transfer of the court security fund (SB 952), asbestos and silica statute-of-limitations changes (SB 1008), cooperation with bordering states by law enforcement agencies (SB 723), birth certificate access for homeless minors (SB 947), personal income tax reduction (SB 392), criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults (SB 54), child abuse investigation technology and a caseworker aid pilot program (SB 228), value-based payment requirements (SB 231), workforce readiness and micro-credential provisions (SB 402), contractor license transfer rules for immediate family members (SB 553), refusal review hearings (SB 575), coal code modernization and minors protection (SB 686), lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations (SB 906), penalties for disturbing religious worship (SB 1026), the Sustaining Opportunities for Academics and Rural Schools Act (SB 63), women’s collegiate sports protections (SB 502), and modernization funding for Workforce West Virginia (SB 153). Most of these bills passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 392 passed 31-2 on the first vote and was later reconsidered and passed again 32-2. Several bills were made effective from passage or on July 1, 2026. The Senate also considered Senate Executive Message No. 4 from the Committee on Confirmations. The chamber confirmed all nominees except number 54 in one vote, then separately confirmed nominee 54 by a 30-3 vote. After the confirmation business, the Senate briefly recessed and later returned to additional floor business. During the session, the majority leader also delivered remarks on affordability, citing prior tax reductions, a personal property tax rebate, elimination of state income tax on Social Security for seniors, and efforts to increase homestead exemptions. He urged the governor to explore ways to address rising gasoline prices. The remarks were entered into the journal by unanimous consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE DO WORK LOCALLY WITH OUTREACH TO OUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT AND THE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
• FURTHER SUPPORT OF WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT PROVIDING TRAINING FOR A THOUSAND PARTICIPANTS UPGRADING FROM JUNIOR
• THE FATHER RETIRED FROM THE MILITARY HALFWAY THROUGH THE JUNIOR YEAR AND THE FAMILY OPTED TO STAY TO
• GO TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AS A RESULT OF DOING THIS WOULD START IN THE SECOND SEMESTER AS A JUNIOR

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes the junior senator from the 17th. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Chair recognizes the junior senator from the fifth. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The chair recognizes the junior senator from the fifth. Thank you.
• The Chair recognizes the junior senator from the Fifth. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The chair recognizes the junior senator from the 17th. No. No problem.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting, then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that the bill keeps the existing list of additives, adds exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, pre-existing inventory, and small-volume sellers, and is intended to address a federal court injunction by clarifying the law. Testimony was split: the National Confectioners Association opposed the bill and urged deference to FDA action and federal uniformity, while the Environmental Working Group supported it as a clarification that preserves the state’s 2024 law and public-health goals. Members debated whether West Virginia should wait for FDA action, whether the state was overreaching, and which industries would be affected, including soda, confectionery, and popsicle manufacturers. Several amendments were offered—one to make the ban contingent on FDA findings, one to sunset the law when federal rules are adopted, and others to exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, popsicles, and snack foods—but those industry-specific or FDA-trigger amendments failed except for the soda, popsicle, and related carve-outs that were adopted. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a person’s right to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing or coercing a victim of a sexual offense resulting in pregnancy to have an illegal abortion, with a conspiracy provision and five-to-15-year penalties. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to implicate the victim herself; the bill sponsor said that was not the intent and explained the bill was aimed at traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass, and adopted a title amendment. Finally, the committee began House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality rules for criminal complaints involving sexual offenses, human trafficking, and related crimes by requiring redaction of victims’ names and addresses, allowing waiver in writing, and permitting disclosure to other governmental entities under confidentiality rules. It also allows victims to request redaction of their addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026, and directs the Supreme Court to promulgate implementing rules. Early discussion focused on whether the bill simplifies access to records and whether it represents a rollback of victim protections, but no final action on HB 4468 was reached in the portion provided.