Video & Transcript Research : 'Occupations Code'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/06/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fire sprinklers quickly suppress a fire, providing occupants with valuable time to safely evacuate.
  • In buildings without fire protection, both occupants and first responders face a severe disadvantage
  • The current code uses square footage rather than height as the determining factor for whether a building
  • built<01:38:08.480> into<01:38:08.800> our<01:38:09.000> tax<01:38:09.520> code
  • um through deals built into our tax code um through deals that<01:38:12.199> have<01:38:12.320
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Public Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • Importantly, these disruptions in care continuity also directly conflict with our own ethical code, which
  • obligates us... ...directly conflict with our own ethical code, which obligates us legally to avoid
  • So I oversee a team of 30 physical and occupational therapists that have specialties in cardiopulmonary
  • 2490, H. 2563, H. 2531, and H. 2528, as well as their Senate companion bills, as they relate to occupational
  • When I go to a code blue situation, which I often respond to as an anesthesiologist, I need to arrive
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Dec 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We implemented a national conversion of the CIP codes, which I know we regularly talk about, like CTE
  • But this is a good example of it being complicated because nobody else uses CIP codes as just a term
  • CIP codes as just a term that we throw out there it's the classification index for the program so it's
  • When the national SIP code changes, and it doesn't happen too often, but when...
  • When the national SIP code changes, and it doesn't happen too often, but when they change, there is a
Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • building codes.
  • make amendments to the building code make amendments to the building code have<00:10:45.839>
  • send it into the State Building Code send it into the State Building Code Review<00:11:04.519>
  • Code.
  • the building code.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held an orientation for new and returning members of the House committee on agencies and administration, with introductions from members and staff. Chair Carol Maguire outlined her expectations for hearings: keep questions focused on the bill, be respectful to witnesses, and use the committee’s orientation opportunities to learn about the jail staff, retirement system, and Office of Professional Licensure. Members also discussed related assignments on other bodies, including the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Joint Committee on Employee Classification, and noted that some members already serve on those panels. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Building Code and the committee’s upcoming workload. Members explained how the state code is intended to provide a common baseline while allowing limited local options, and why municipalities must formally adopt and publish any local amendments. They reviewed several anticipated bills: a consolidation bill to gather building-code enforcement materials in one place, a bill to update the state energy code, a bill to restrict municipal adoption of building-code changes, and a bill to update the electrical code. Members also discussed how building codes apply to older homes and commercial buildings, and why code updates are important for safety and clarity. The chair said the committee had 36 bills currently scheduled, including many early bills that must move by March 6 because they will be heard by two committees. She said the committee would use subcommittees for harder bills, with three subcommittees this year: pensions, licensing, and likely state building code. She also outlined the hearing schedule, including lighter bills on February 12 and the expectation of executive sessions later in the month. No votes were taken during the orientation, but members were told that public hearings do not require a quorum and that hard copies of bills would be distributed by committee staff.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 5th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now we have we have the ability to do that in the government code also and at the time that he if he
  • Currently, candidates and PACs are prohibited, some PACs are prohibited. under the ethics code from interacting
  • lot of proliferation that but what we are seeing is and I don't think there's a prohibition in the code
  • And let me just say that right now, when we talk about occupancy, we've already got those 98 percent.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Jun 28th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Assembly Bill 3381, first reprint, and Senate Bill 1493 update the requirements for licensure and occupational
  • I have a slip from Samantha Bender, New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association, in favor.
  • Rumpf, I don't think we should be rewriting the tax code.
  • I don't think we should be rewriting the tax code that govern businesses in the state of New Jersey.
  • the first reprint of the Assembly Committee substitute for Assembly Bill 4015 is the New Jersey Kids Code
Keywords: 1146, all
Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.
NV

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jun 2nd, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Nevada Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Assembly Bill 414, introduced by Assembly Members, revises provisions relating to occupational safety
  • This bill provides provisions relating to occupational safety. Any further remarks?
  • The Nevada Administrative Code is overwhelming the state of Nevada, and we are working very hard at the
  • The Nevada Administrative Code carries every bit as much weight as the Nevada Revised Statutes do when
  • Nevada, the equal opportunity for both sides to block bad regulations in the Nevada Administrative Code
Keywords: 909, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • 15:12.959> Revenue for the I guess the Internal Revenue for the I guess the Internal Revenue code
  • :14.920> it<00:15:15.079> removes<00:15:15.600> a<00:15:16.120> period code
  • yes it removes it removes a period code yes it removes it removes a period of<00:15:16.600> separation
  • so we're asking for parity<00:25:51.480> for<00:25:51.720> our<00:25:51.960> occupational
  • <00:25:52.679> therapists parity for our occupational therapists parity for our occupational
Keywords: 910, house, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • guessing that you can't give me an answer about how many Billmore residents of members of the country code
  • In addition to facing significant occupational hazards, most farm workers live and work in conditions
  • Despite laws addressing workplace ills associated with a myriad of occupations in our state, there is
  • I'm a senior trainer and technical consultant with MassCOSH, the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty One - Thursday, April 30

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Even after slavery, those who filled her power like spies hid behind sheets brand-named oppression, code
  • Along the way, it did incorporate licensing for occupations and professionals in other states.
  • So it's various things for different occupations and professions. We don't...
  • So it's various things for different occupations and professions.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The House opened with prayer, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 120-0 roll call, and a successful motion to suspend House Rule 98 so members could wear hats on the floor. The chamber then spent time on introductions of special guests, including the Eugene High School Class 2 basketball champions, family members of members, and other visitors. One member also used a personal privilege speech to respond to the U.S. Supreme Court’s voting-rights ruling, arguing it weakens protections for Black voters and other communities of color and calling for expanded access to the ballot. The House received committee reports recommending passage of House Substitute for House Bill 2426 and Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bills 863 and 866. It then agreed to a motion to go to conference on the property-tax omnibus, Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. On third reading, House Bill 3329 passed 142-0 to repeal expired tax credits, and House Bill 3405 passed 138-0 to clean up SALT deduction language and improve tax-credit accounting. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2426, a parental-rights bill, failed on a 70-60 vote after opponents argued it would burden schools and could endanger vulnerable students, while supporters said it affirmed parents’ fundamental rights. The House also took up House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1233, a professional licensure bill dealing with CPA licensing and other occupational-licensure provisions. Members adopted an amendment removing compact language, an amendment allowing APRNs and physician assistants to perform nursing-home physicals was offered but then withdrawn after the sponsor objected, and the bill ultimately passed 129-6. Finally, the chamber debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1408, a transportation package centered on allowing MoDOT to raise rural interstate speed limits up to 75 mph, with multiple amendments added or removed. The bill drew sharp debate over speed limits, vehicle inspections, DOR language, and road safety, and members also began considering an amendment to add specialty license plates for women’s professional sports teams such as the Kansas City Current and a future WNBA franchise.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we also pay for the occupancy costs for those programs.
  • So we were offsetting our occupancy by our rental subsidy program.
  • The group living environments are still fully funded for the occupancy costs of those locations.
  • The group living environments are still fully funded for the occupancy costs of those locations.
  • The group living environments are still fully funded for the occupancy cost of those locations.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a Health and Human Services budget hearing in Clinton, with opening remarks from Chairs Meg Kilcoyne and Robin Kennedy, local officials, and many House and Senate members introducing themselves. The hearing focused on Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS and MassHealth budgets, with repeated themes of rising health care costs, federal funding uncertainty, workforce shortages, and access to care in underserved regions. Members also raised concerns about primary care shortages, rural and regional disparities, behavioral health access, maternal health, food insecurity, and the impact of federal policy changes on Massachusetts programs. EOHHS Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said the FY27 EOHHS budget totals $33.7 billion, reflecting mostly non-discretionary growth from health care costs, labor costs, caseload increases, and provider rate pressures. He highlighted targeted investments in foster care, family resource centers, maternal health, youth services, nutrition programs, immigrant legal services, and human service workforce rates, while warning that federal actions could strip roughly $3.5 billion annually from the state’s health care funding. In response to questions, he defended the administration’s cooperation with federal audits and program integrity efforts, discussed the primary care crisis, and said the state is trying to preserve core services while preparing for a more difficult FY28 budget cycle. MassHealth Undersecretary Mike Levine then described two major FY27 challenges: double-digit cost growth and the expected effects of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He said MassHealth’s proposed $22.7 billion gross budget includes a 7.5% increase and relies on a moratorium on new expansions plus targeted reductions, including a $1,000 annual adult dental cap, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management to peer-state levels, and work groups to slow growth in PCA, adult foster care, and adult day health spending. Members questioned the impact on Boston Health Care for the Homeless, preventive care, and regional access; Levine said the changes are meant to preserve sustainability, that children and certain disabled populations remain protected, and that the administration will continue working with providers, advocates, and the Legislature on implementation and longer-term reforms.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 25th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • Panola College, another example, has expanded their Occupational Skills Award program offerings in high-demand
  • A person's life expectancy should not be dictated by their zip code.
  • at our health-related institutions and the Comprehensive Research Fund for our regional general occupations
  • We have nationally ranked programs in nursing, physical therapy. occupational therapy and many more.
  • We are also proud to have the number one occupational therapy program in Texas.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Number one, it clarifies that regional occupational centers and programs are eligible to participate
  • The Texas Education Code outlines that kindergarten and first grade students must be screened at the
  • I do want to note that Professor Young-Zook Kim wrote to the committee as originally written Ed Code
  • it's very much needed, and we think it helps get away from students' support being based on their zip code
  • it's very much needed, and we think it helps get away from students' support being based on their zip code
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals across seven education-related items and received testimony from the Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Education, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the Office of Public School Construction. On dual enrollment, the administration proposed $100 million one-time Proposition 98 funding plus policy changes to expand access, including eligibility for regional occupational centers, added support for justice-involved youth, priority for higher-need LEAs, teacher professional development, and a reduction in required daily instructional minutes for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding as not clearly tied to implementation barriers, while CDE supported the proposal but suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Several public commenters and members supported the investment and urged inclusion of technical assistance and adult dual enrollment. For the reading difficulty screener proposal, the Governor proposed $40 million one-time funding and statutory changes requiring kindergarten screeners after 91 school days and grades 1-2 screeners after 46 school days, with the stated goal of reducing over-identification and allowing time for foundational instruction. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding, saying costs were likely overstated and that LEAs could use discretionary block grant funds instead. CDE supported the funding but the timing restrictions drew significant concern from the chair and public witnesses, who argued the deadlines were too prescriptive and could delay early intervention; advocates and literacy organizations urged preserving local flexibility and screening earlier. CDE and Finance defended the timing as based on data and consistent with other states, while also emphasizing that early instruction and support could still begin on day one. On special education, Finance described a proposal to increase the base rate to $99 per ADA through a $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 augmentation, along with COLA and enrollment adjustments. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be achieved with less funding; CDE strongly supported the increase, citing rising enrollment, cost pressures, and inequities across SELPAs. Public testimony from districts and SELPAs echoed the need for more funding and asked for even higher per-ADA support. The committee also heard a school facilities update showing Proposition 2 bond balances and demand levels, with OPSC noting funds are being used for new construction, modernization, small district set-asides, lead remediation, and natural disaster assistance. For the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, members heard that the student teacher stipend program’s grants management system is complete and that the Commission is seeking to track participation and outcomes; the Governor also proposed additional state operations funding to address misconduct workload, implement SB 848-related data systems, and administer the stipend program. Finally, the Governor proposed $250 million one-time funding to continue teacher and school counselor residency grants through 2029-30, which the LAO said could help fill shortages but may be harder for rural LEAs; CTC supported the program and said regional technical assistance hubs are helping expand access. No formal votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

TASK FORCE ON AUTISM Apr 1st, 2026

TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm sure I'm believing occupational therapy, speech pathology.
  • Now, that doesn't help us in Arkansas because you can't bill under that code anyway.
  • I think I had an opportunity to... ...code anyway.
  • And so we're looking at that and some of the other billing codes that may allow more of a value-based
  • And so we're looking at that and some of the other billing codes that may allow more of a value-based
Summary: The committee heard presentations on three Arkansas programs serving students and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. University of Arkansas representatives described the Empower Program, a non-degree, four-year inclusive postsecondary program for young adults with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program, which provides intensive academic, peer, and career coaching for degree-seeking students with autism. They explained the programs’ person-centered planning, residential and employment supports, fee structure of $5,000 per semester for each program, and scholarship/fundraising efforts to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, mentoring, individualized plans, and how students move in and out of support services, and the presenters emphasized independence, integrated campus life, and transition planning. Pulaski Technical College staff then presented the 3D program, a three-year transition program in culinary, baking, and hospitality for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They outlined integrated classes, internships, job placement outcomes, and data showing strong completion and employment retention rates. Questions focused on how success is measured, tuition and financial aid, and the challenge of securing community partners for practicum and employment sites. The presenters said the program uses rubrics that include technical and professional skills, charges $5,700 per semester, and is pursuing accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. The final presentation was from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, and community initiatives. Leaders described their vision for a future mixed-use “live-work-play” development at Cato Springs, current residential and vocational services, and community events such as a 5K and a neurodiversity health care conference. Family members testified about the need for adult services, trained direct support professionals, and better reimbursement and behavioral health supports after age 21. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes, and members also announced upcoming autism-related events and requested future discussion on task force appointments and ABA-related issues.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 18th, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • This includes the occupational illnesses that others have spoken about concerning miners and oil and
  • Senator, the references on line 5 refer to the most current International Energy Conservation Code.
  • Chairman, I can't, but you know, those are the energy codes; they’re the most up-to-date standard that's
  • different things, do I have to go look at the most up-to-date current International Energy Conservation Code
  • get us the links to where I can find something that's called an International Energy Conservation Code
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

FIN Info Briefing - Wed Jan 8, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Put Occupational Safety and Health Division.
  • Put Occupational Safety and Health Division.
  • Put Occupational Safety and Health Division.
  • , to our 2020/2018 code and then onto the 21 model codes.
  • 2020 current codes to our 2020 2018<06:08:16.558> code<06:08:17.160> and<06:08:17.360><
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • c> Tax Boone County Occupational Tax Boone County Occupational Tax Administrator,<00:37:55.520>
  • Because of the work of the occupational license tax administrators and KC and KO.
  • That was for occupational uh taxes.
  • <00:48:03.760> license can't thank our occupational license can't thank our occupational license
  • 41.760> uh<00:48:41.920> tax know our occupational license uh tax know our occupational
Summary: The committee received reports on special purpose governmental entities from the Department for Local Government and the Fire Commission. DLG staff described SPGEs as limited-jurisdiction political subdivisions and reviewed the department’s registry, reporting portal, compliance monitoring, and planned system upgrades such as a two-way message center, automated noncompliance notices, and tracking for new entities and board expirations. They reported that, as of October 10, 2025, 69% of SPGEs were active and discussed compliance data by cycle, fiscal year, and district type. The Fire Commission reported that fire department mergers have reduced the number of departments by 16 since last year, largely because of volunteer staffing shortages, while financial disclosure compliance had risen to 94%. The commission also noted 509 compliance reviews, 19 in-house inquiries, seven referrals to outside agencies, and one recent federal prison sentence in a theft case. Members asked whether DLG advises SPGEs on tax rates; staff said it only performs calculations and the entities set their own rates. Questions to the Fire Commission focused on whether department reductions meant station closures; officials explained that most changes were mergers that keep physical buildings in place while combining personnel and finances to meet minimum staffing requirements. They said the trend is spread across the state but is especially pronounced in rural areas. The Kentucky League of Cities then presented its 2026 legislative agenda. Its priorities included modernizing city revenue options, increasing equity in road funding, fixing tax increment financing issues, addressing transient room tax collection from web-based platforms, strengthening emergency response coordination, clarifying massage parlor regulation preemption, correcting unintended consequences of House Bill 606, improving newspaper publication rules, and modernizing procurement statutes. KLC also said it supports allowing all cities to collect restaurant tax revenue, wants cities to receive a larger share of road funds and EV-related revenues, and seeks state collection and remittance of any future local sales tax to comply with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. Members asked about best-value bidding, road-fund equity, Airbnb tax litigation, EV prevalence, and disaster funding applications; KLC said cities currently must accept the lowest bid, the road split should better reflect city street costs, the Airbnb tax case remains pending, EV data by locality has not been studied, and allowing cities to apply directly for disaster funds would reduce reliance on county officials. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the September meeting minutes.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a starting point, the federal occupation of Minneapolis must end immediately.
  • As a starting point, the federal occupation of Minneapolis must end immediately.
  • As a starting point, the federal occupation of Minneapolis must end immediately.
  • We the people want to end this violent occupation of our cities. We the people deserve answers.
  • We the people occupation of our cities. We the people deserve<03:02:39.439> answers.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/26/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • This would result in a rate cut of between 4 and 44%, depending on the clinic and payer and code, as
  • It modernizes language to the Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
  • <02:09:08.400> therapy year of the occupational therapy year of the occupational therapy Interstate
  • I am the executive director for the Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, and as Senator
  • It is related to the transition of the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice from the Department of
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Municipal and County Government (02/10/2026)

Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • One code for child care.
  • clear predictable code for child care. clear predictable code for child care.
  • And that One code for child care.
  • It does require occupancy in the unit.
  • Um, it does require occupancy in bill. Um, it does require occupancy in the<04:34:26.240> unit.
Keywords: 1189, house, all