Transcript Highlights:

• And in the Workforce Ready Pathway, it gives a student an either-or.
• So if I can, so we're striking it from the workforce ready, which would meet an ACT of 19.
• Martin talk about some new opportunities that CDE is developing in terms of a whole military kind of,
• Still, to me, requires them to develop a plan for all these different events.
• these plans or continuing to further develop what they already have in place.

Bills: HB1404

Keywords: HB 1404, North Dakota scholarship, scholarship eligibility, student aid, high school graduation, college readiness, career readiness, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, advanced placement, AP exam, International Baccalaureate, IB exam, ACT, SAT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with six members present and first took up House Bill 1404, which would update North Dakota scholarship eligibility language by allowing the NDA Plus assessment to be used in place of ACT scores in certain pathways. The Department of Public Instruction explained that the bill does not eliminate the ACT entirely, but removes outdated references tied to ACT accountability testing that will no longer apply after this year’s seniors graduate. Members discussed how the change affects public and nonpublic schools, then voted 6-0 to give HB 1404 a do pass recommendation. The committee then returned to House Bill 1363, a bill dealing with school emergency response planning and automatic external defibrillators. Members adopted an amendment clarifying that the requirements apply to school-owned facilities and grounds, replacing language about school events and venues, and revising the planning language for school-based events not held on school-owned property. The committee also debated whether the bill should be mandatory or permissive; a motion to change “shall” to “may” failed, with members noting the bill’s liability protections. The committee then voted 5-1 to pass HB 1363 as amended, with Senator Gerhardt carrying the bill. Before recessing, the chair noted that House Bill 1533 would be taken up later in the day after additional information from DPI was received.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have more interest from the legislature, I think, than we've ever had in workforce development and
• We have more interest from the legislature, I think, than we've ever had in workforce development and
• We have more interest from the legislature, I think, than we've ever had in workforce development and
• We have more interest from the legislature, I think, than we've ever had in workforce development and
• We have more interest from the legislature, I think, than we've ever had in workforce development and

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The meeting covered several Senate resolutions related to the University of Hawaiʻi system, the East-West Center, and related education and workforce issues. On SCR 178 and SR 48, testifiers strongly supported the East-West Center, describing it as an important Hawaii asset that promotes cultural exchange, global citizenship, diplomacy, and ties to the University of Hawaiʻi. Speakers said the Center has helped train leaders and bring international connections and investment to Hawaii, and they urged continued funding despite federal cuts. The chairs then recommended passage with technical amendments, and both resolutions were adopted by the committees. The committee also heard testimony on resolutions calling for audits of University of Hawaiʻi operations. On SR 32 and SCR 50, the University of Hawaiʻi said it supported the resolution and had already begun work on establishing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the UH Maui campus, with additional staff available on Zoom to answer questions. On SR 160 and SCR 142, which sought a financial and performance audit of UH Mānoa facilities, UH Athletics said it already undergoes annual financial audits required by NCAA bylaws but not performance audits, and discussed its internal evaluations, contingency planning, and efforts to address concerns raised by student athletes and staff. The committee then took up SCR 138 and SR 55, requesting a management and performance audit of the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Vice President Deborah Halbert and P20 Director Steve Shotz said they did not oppose the audit and believed it could provide clarity, while explaining that the office is relatively new and works collaboratively across campuses on articulation, transfer, grants, and workforce alignment. They described grant programs including Perkins, GEAR UP, preschool development, and data-sharing efforts, and said they are focusing more resources on teaching, health care, and skilled trades. The discussion also touched on SR 54, a proposed performance audit of the UH Foundation, where foundation representatives said they already undergo annual financial audits, acknowledged some donor communication issues, but emphasized improved stewardship and growth in fundraising over recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of our workforce is, at this point in time, Most of our workforce is, at this point in time, hybrid
• So our state of the workforce, the employment types that we have generally in our workforce is predominantly
• So let's talk a little bit about our workforce diversity.
• Our workforce also remains older and slightly more female now.
• Essential work that our workforce is doing.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment. Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1. The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we are serious about workforce development, we must also be serious about entrepreneurship development
• Fortis was development finance.
• This request directly advances workforce This request directly advances workforce development,<00
• development.
• in our workforce and our economic<00:17:26.160> development.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 2581 was presented as a request for a $1 million state investment in Fortis Capital, a Minnesota nonprofit economic development lender. The bill was described as supporting entrepreneurship and wealth-building by expanding access to capital for businesses that are underserved by traditional lending, especially in rural areas, communities of color, immigrant communities, and low-wealth areas. Testifiers argued that conventional underwriting standards leave viable businesses without financing and that Fortis provides flexible gap financing to help deals close, complementing rather than replacing banks and CDFIs. Brian Smith, co-founder and CEO of Fortis Capital, said the organization was established in 2019 and has deployed 37 loans totaling over $4 million since 2021, leveraging an additional $29.5 million through partnerships. He said Fortis seeks to increase lending capacity, reduce risk in innovative capital structures, expand statewide partnerships, and accelerate small business growth and job creation. In response to questions, he said Fortis typically charges about 6.12% on average, has had two defaults, and operates as a revolving loan fund. He also explained that Fortis already participates in some Department of Employment and Economic Development programs, but is not eligible for certain grant programs because those grants go directly to borrowers. Committee members asked how the proposal fits with existing state economic development efforts and whether competitive grant programs exist for this kind of work. A DED representative said he would need more detail to compare the proposal to agency programs, though he mentioned the emerging entrepreneur loan program as a possible fit. Members also discussed broader concerns about direct appropriations versus competitive grants. No public testimony was offered. Chair Frasier closed by saying the bill addresses a real need and laid House File 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that’s something we have to focus on: our future workforce.
• That investment in a stronger, more educated workforce.
• That really is meeting the needs of their regional workforce, the state's workforce, as well as student
• So, that is another pathway we're looking at and also mapping the workforce.
• We asked each university to develop an initial plan that was submitted to the CFA.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And before that, I was at the Water Development Board for 23 years.
• Workforce is not the focus this session.
• And a big, big, big challenge we face. workforce.
• They were not easy to develop.
• I spent half my life dedicated to developing new water resources.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another very special thing development.
• And of course, we have to develop<00:18:29.679> appropriate<00:18:30.160> governance develop
• There is a huge workforce things.
• <01:05:01.440> every here we are seeing developments every here we are seeing developments
• things out, but as we develop things out, but as we develop relationships,<01:24:21.840> it's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• public support pursuant to the Local Economic Development Act. development incentives, requiring the
• By the workforce, for example, the Department of Workforce Solutions.
• One of the criteria for the prioritization of projects includes plans that support workforce development
• development.
• So, I think it's items that solar energy systems that support workforce development, including: 1. hiring

Transcript Highlights:

• We just have several concerns regarding compacts and its impact on the current workforce.
• workforce shortages in many regions.
• Thirdly the impact on local workforce development, the compact may inadvertently displace our current
• workforce.
• and develop their careers.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have developed the discovery, we've developed the technology, and we are now implementing that.
• Development is really what's at hand here.
• When we think workforce development, of course we think of our curriculum, but it's the research experiences
• We also have workforce development programs at our smaller community colleges.
• The developer market is doing what it can, and they're adapting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:52:47.079> Readiness FY 27 for Workforce Readiness FY 27 for Workforce Readiness programs
• This budget also includes $1.45 million annually for healthcare workforce development, which is something
• This budget also includes $1.45 million annually for healthcare workforce development, which is something
• This budget also includes $1.45 million annually for healthcare workforce development, which is something
• something This budget also includes $1.45 million annually for healthcare workforce development,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Geological Survey to facilitate research, share technology, and develop a highly skilled water workforce
• development needs in the community that will be necessary to create the jobs. ...about the workforce
• , ecosystem, workforce development.
• Thank you. ...all ag technology research and development, ecosystem, workforce development, and projects
• development across the state. ...chambers across the state to think about collective efforts in workforce

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Grall: THIS BILL DEALS WITH CHILD WELFARE WORKFORCE ISSUES, INCREASED ACUITY OF CHILDREN
• WITH REGARD TO CHILD WELFARE WORKFORCE ISSUES THE RULE OF THE CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR IS A HIGH
• OFFICERS INTENDING TO DECREASE THIS VACANCY RATE AND REDUCE THE STRAIN ON THE WORKFORCE.
• DIVERSIFY OUR VIEW OF WHAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOOKS LIKE IN RULE FLORIDA EIGHT.
• DEVELOPMENT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Development.
• And I do want to take a moment to acknowledge the staff on the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
• Chair McMurtry, Chair Oliveira, and members of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
• Development.
• That concludes the hearing of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, October 8th, 2025.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, in general, we are investing workforce development funds on ensuring that people with barriers to
• this healthcare workforce grant program. this healthcare workforce grant program.
• funds have flowed as they've developed funds have flowed as they've developed expertise<00:05:02.800
• This workforce shortage in healthcare.
• <00:13:36.720> and will help strength our workforce and will help strength our workforce and

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3732, with the author moving both the bill and two separate amendments. The DE1 amendment would create a healthcare workforce grant program to let the Department of Employment and Economic Development identify and fund healthcare workforce shortage areas, while the A1 amendment would establish an Office of Community Investment to provide strategic grant management and help align grants with legislative priorities. Both amendments were adopted, and the bill was laid over for later consideration. The bill author explained that the healthcare workforce proposal is meant to address shortages that market forces alone have not solved, citing examples such as CNA training and rural oncologist recruitment. The Office of Community Investment was described as a way to improve grant oversight, set clearer goals, and strengthen collaboration between agencies and the legislature, drawing on the model of the Office of Justice Programs. Testimony from the Mong American Partnership strongly supported the healthcare workforce grant program, describing successful CNA and phlebotomy pathways, but also noting long waitlists and the need for flexible funding. Members discussed the importance of locating training opportunities in greater Minnesota and in communities with workforce gaps, so distance and travel barriers do not limit access. Several legislators said the proposal would help create good-paying jobs, strengthen healthcare access, and support overworked healthcare workers. The bill’s sponsors also emphasized that codifying grant programs can speed up future funding decisions and improve accountability, and they said the measures would return for further consideration in a few days.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS ON THE BACK END OF THE WORKFORCE SIDE.
• THE WORKFORCE USES IT AND WE ARE MODERNIZING THOSE AND PUTTING THEM INTO THE WORKER PORTAL.
• HOW CLOSELY HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH THEM IN DEVELOPING THE METHODOLOGY TO DEVELOP THAT UNIQUE IDENTIFIER
• WE ARE IN THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE OF SEVERAL MODULES.
• IN THE JUNE OR JULY TIMEFRAME AS WE PLAN TO WRAP UP ALL THE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Geological Survey to facilitate research, share technology, and develop a highly skilled water workforce
• development needs in the community that will be necessary to create the jobs... ...about the workforce
• , ecosystem, workforce development, and projects, the deep tech that's coming into the world.
• Thank you. ...all ag technology research and development, ecosystem, workforce development, and projects
• Chambers across the state to think about collective efforts and workforce development across the state

Summary: The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online. Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we have thousands more in dual credit and in custom workforce training. Right. Above 15,000 or?
• And SB 757 fails to account for economic downturns and the cycles of workforce demand.
• And SB 57 fails to account for economic downturns and the cycles of workforce demand.
• In developing the three initial programs, Sam Houston State University performed workforce research and
• In developing the three initial programs, Sam Houston State University performed workforce research and

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marvin Pineda on behalf of WE Conduit a new start housing development corporation in support.
• Alejandro Solis on behalf of the Rural Prosperity Center and Rural Development Centers as well as Los
• ROCPs are at the core of California's workforce development, and we are striving to be there.
• Workforce training experiences such as participation in apprenticeships.
• the language skills that are increasingly valuable in today's world workforce.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll be hearing about the Platoon Workforce Development Initiative, Los Alamos National Lab, the New
• Workforce development and training are also key components, along with various collaborative efforts.
• This is the Plutonium Workforce Development Initiative, which focuses on workforce development in New
• It's a workforce development issue and something we're getting more into.
• work on workforce development.