Transcript Highlights:

• So we're hoping to find ways to increase the pipeline in the workforce for emergency medical staffing
• So we're hoping to find ways to increase the pipeline in the workforce for emergency medical staffing
• Um, you know, many people don't ready.
• So would this ask every hospital to be SANE-ready, or just certain hospitals?
• That would be our goal for every hospital to be SANE-ready. Good. Thank you. Great bill. Okay.

Keywords: 00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program 00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134 00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134 00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met. Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort. Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Entrusted with economic analysis, workforce development, and the impartial execution of Arizona law.
• and Response, the State Health Lab, and the workforce and shortage designation programs.
• Whoever’s ready? If you’re ready, step on up. Yeah, it’s not like we have anything else going on.”
• Whoever’s ready? If you’re ready, step on up. Yeah, it’s not like we have anything else going on.”
• Whoever’s ready? If you’re ready, step on up. Yeah, it’s not like we have anything else going on.”

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may proceed when you're ready. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• You may proceed when you're ready. Thank you, Madam Chair and Member.
• Whenever you're ready, you may proceed. Thank you.
• We are ready to resume. We have our absent member who has joined us.
• We are ready to resume. We have our absent member who has joined us.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think it's ready. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you, Senator Pinto. Any other comments?
• I don't think it's ready. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you, Senator Pinto. Any other comments?
• So, just right now, on this compact, I don't think it's ready.
• Do we know if other states that entered the compact actually lost workforce?
• This bill represents a targeted workforce investment designed to compete Nationally for physicians and

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for the question? All those in favor say aye. Those opposed say nay.
• for the question counsel are you ready for the question all<00:13:08.760> those<00:13:08.920>
• Are you ready for the question? All those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no.
• Are you ready for the question? All those in favor say aye. Those oppose, nay.
• Are you ready for the question? All those in favor say aye. Those oppose, nay.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The overall operations of the board to ensure a healthy and efficient nursing workforce in California
• Senator, when you are ready. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Madam Chair, when you're ready, they're both here. Dylan Welsh.
• Madam Chair, when you're ready, they're both here. Good morning.
• It's about workforce stability. At the same time, this bill maintains accountability.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development met as a subcommittee due to the lack of a quorum, then later established quorum and took up a series of bills, mostly sunset extensions for licensing boards. SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all dealt with extending board operations to January 1, 2031 and making related technical or policy changes. SB 1303 for the Board of Naturopathic Medicine added a fictitious name permit program and other administrative changes, while SB 1304 for the Respiratory Care Board drew significant testimony over whether licensed vocational nurses should be allowed to perform basic respiratory tasks in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. SB 1363 updated barbering and cosmetology apprenticeship and licensing rules, and SB 1368 added a retired license category and strengthened continuing education oversight for speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing aid dispensers. The committee also heard SB 865, which would create a California Music Festival Preservation Grant Program to support large independent multi-day music festivals. Supporters, including Visit Sacramento and festival promoters, said the bill would protect jobs, tourism, hotel nights, and local tax revenue; opponents raised concerns about using state funds during a deficit year and questioned whether profitable events should receive subsidies. The committee also heard SB 1297, which would create regional public-private partnerships and financing tools for wildfire mitigation projects; the author and supporters said it would help address the state’s large wildfire prevention funding gap by leveraging local and private investment, while members asked how the bonds would be repaid and whether the state would bear costs. SB 993, presented on behalf of Senator Ochoa-Bogue, would restore privacy protections for mental health professionals working in correctional and state hospital settings by limiting routine disclosure of identifying information while preserving a complaint process. Supporters described safety threats, stalking, and staffing concerns, and the bill passed unanimously. SB 1304 also passed after committee discussion, with members and the author noting ongoing negotiations over LVN scope and training in higher-acuity settings. SB 865 passed on a 9-1 vote, SB 1297 passed 10-0, and the sunset bills SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1363, and SB 1368 all advanced unanimously to the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB 1333 was not heard, and SB 1445 was on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are an owner-developer, and we have a portfolio of about 700 units of affordable workforce housing
• properties with a low- income Workforce properties with a low- income uh<00:47:42.440> income
• For these workforce properties, they don't have a lot of extra income, and knowing what your budget's
• Madam Chair, are you ready? Yes. Right.
• <01:04:16.960> yes right madam sherff are you ready yes right madam sherff are you ready yes

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and we can't get final cost from a supplier until it's actually ready to ship.
• So, we have to actually ready to ship.
• of 2022, the education and workforce of 2022, the education and workforce development<00:36:18.079
• <00:36:57.520> development department for workforce development department for workforce development
• repairs for the cabinet's workforce repairs for the cabinet's workforce development<00:37:06.480

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05 Approval of Minutes 00:01:48 Welcome New Members 00:02:03 Information Items 00:02:35 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33 A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00 B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03 C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33 D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38 E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30 F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28 G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04 H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all

Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• most vulnerable segments of our population in a way that can help them become a greater part of our workforce
• their education and employability skills and enter the... ...employability skills and enter the workforce
• Instead of going into the workforce and wanting to stop at the two-year college, they want to go on because
• Well, get ready to come back up, Mr. Walters. Long time no see!
• We ask your questions about our first bill; make sure you're ready, and I'll let you know as things go

Bills: SB140, HB102, SB133, SB34

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, violence prevention, conflict resolution, mediation, public education, high school graduation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House is ready to transact business.
• We are always ready, always there.
• >> The Department of Workforce.
• The Department of Workforce. >> The workforce department of workforce.
• talking about workforce development. talking about workforce development.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what we found is that kind of veteran culture, that workforce that a veteran has, really blends well
• Then that would make me feel more comfortable that they're ready to get on the road.
• I'm not ready to give them a driver's license. I can believe you have two 15-year-old grandkids.
• I'm not ready to give them a driver's license. I'm not...
• Bradley, whenever you're ready, sir. All right, let me just get my notes. Mr.

Bills: HB2003, HB2057, HB2109, HB2111, HB2112, HB2114, HB2256, HB2259, HB2317, HB2323, HB2398, HB2443, HB2446, HB2574

Keywords: driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, distracted driving, portable wireless communication devices, motorcycles, traffic safety, civil penalties, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• ready.
• So we have what we like to consider a pretty highly trained workforce.
• It’s the neurodiversity in the Northwest Arkansas workforce study, modeled off of a U.K. study.
• Basically, it gets the finger on the pulse of neurodiversity in the workforce in NWA.
• I think trying to get a larger variety of people in the workforce interested in offering volunteer and

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

Transcript Highlights:

• That flows into item number 3, which is workforce So people are not aware of the industry.
• So that's item number 3, aerospace education and workforce development for this industry.
• And then last but not least, 1 and 3 are kind of Inextricably intertwined, workforce development and
• We are creating the farm team, but we still have a long way to go to completely support the workforce
• You're going to continue to do and even to get ready to present to us and to the public.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Trade Workforce and Economic Development will come will now come to all the clerk will
• Um, we have a lack of trained workforce to support, um, that rising tide, uh, once it is coming.
• We're developing a workforce.
• This issue demands bold leadership, and we stand ready to support any of those efforts.
• The Committee of Trade Workforce and Economic Development is now adjourned.

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• to lead, ready to be great citizens, ready to be positive contributors to our society.
• I think that... ...great citizens, ready to be positive contributors to our society.
• Get ready, because it's not just going to be Turning Point USA.
• And those skills are essential to the workforce and, of course, to a healthy democracy.
• It's a necessary workforce skill.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 549 establishes the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, Bayou Works.
• HB. 549 establishes the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Bayu Works.
• You should all have a flyer, which is a competitive. growth opportunity workforce program by U-Works.
• And also last year, as you all passed one door, workforce is...
• And also last year, as you all pass one door, workforce is... by you.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And ready for amendments, Mr. Speaker, when you are. No comment, Mr. Speaker.
• The bill also invests in Minnesota housing infrastructure and workforce.
• And the net effect of that is that you won't be able to build workforce housing either in the cities
• Representative Jones, I had a different speech ready to go, and I started thinking about what you said
• With this bill, we've got a record $30 million dedicated to greater Minnesota. and workforce housing

Transcript Highlights:

• program that proves that workforce program that proves that workforce development<00:59:25.000><
• Together, these programs are practical, forward-looking investments in Hawaii's workforce and in the
• I think she's the hardest working person in workforce development. Aloha and welcome.
• and teach them the necessary skills to become contributing adults to the workforce.
• . workforce. workforce.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• returns to us ready to lead and serve. returns to us ready to lead and serve.
• Are you ready The motion is to concur.
• Are you ready The motion is to concur.
• disciplinary primary care workforce. disciplinary primary care workforce.
• Are you ready for the Are you ready for the question?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We understand that the behavioral health workforce is a very important workforce in the state, and we
• So We prepared to implement this waiver through stakeholder engagement and readiness.
• Training and workforce support.
• the provider workforce has to be robust enough to serve everybody.
• At the same time, workforce pressures have intensified.

Keywords: 1184, house, all