Transcript Highlights:

• capital Improvement project program capital Improvement project program request<00:24:35.480>
• who are in this grant program with who are in this grant program with shamad<01:02:37.359> now
• These are existing programs.
• As you may or may not know, the CEO did not participate in the benefit program, specifically the retirement
• <05:50:29.320> uh participate in the benefit program uh participate in the benefit program

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Weber is participating remotely.
• I think this is a beautiful program. I think this is a beautiful program.
• <00:59:04.080> And Development Program. And Development Program.
• You know, you can participate in this program.
• , you can participate in this program.<01:20:10.400> The<01:20:10.520> minimum<01:20:11.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Participation in the Medicaid program by providing providers is voluntary, and the expectation is that
• That's a reminder that when a person volunteers to participate in this program, they have the obligation
• We can also bring an action to exclude a provider from participation in... in the program if the circumstances
• Somebody who volunteers to participate in the program. has to go through a background check and a screening
• They may be excluded from participation in the program.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for participating state. Why are we putting it in?
• I just, in general, anyone who participates in the compact...
• But, I mean, anyone who participates in a compact should do their homework. Thank you.
• They would be the other member states participating in the compact.
• I think, Madam Chair, that would be... ...participating in the compact.

Bills: HB10, HB12, HB34, SB130, SM21

Keywords: physician assistants, interstate compact, medical services, licensure, cross-state practice, military families, regulatory authority, physical therapy, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare, military spouses, criminal background check, HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• in the program to only those who really need it.
• Eligible voters are invited to and encouraged to participate in every election.
• And that program also been put in the constitution.
• But we do need the ability to manage these programs.
• The rest of the nation is able to manage the programs. I don't know.

Bills: HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HJR1089

Keywords: Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem

Transcript Highlights:

• the participants as they go around the state and are in your region.
• This program will build that alignment in a practical and informed way.
• This program wasn't developed in a vacuum.
• This program wasn't developed in a vacuum.
• So I think it's a great program.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 6, 2026, with five members present. After adopting the April 28 minutes, the committee heard a brief presentation on the new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, which is intended to bring together health care, business, policy, and education leaders to study Louisiana health challenges and build a network for action. Members expressed support for the program and its potential value to health policy work. The committee then advanced several bills, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 57, a nutrition-labeling bill, was amended to push its effective date to December 31, 2028 and reported as amended. HB 62 increased the membership of the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission to 27 members and was reported as amended. HB 193 updated membership rules for the sickle cell commission foundations so long-serving executive directors would not have to reapply repeatedly, and it was reported as amended. HB 815 would allow financial institutions to receive death certificates to help families manage accounts after a death; it was reported favorably after a question about state-licensed banks. SB 405 was substantially revised to codify LDH’s new Ascend nursing-facility quality initiative, including statewide quality oversight goals, stakeholder involvement, reporting requirements, and tools such as dashboards and surveys; after reconsidering prior action and adopting the new amendment, the bill was reported as amended. The committee also approved HB 222, which provides Medicaid dental coverage when needed for another covered medical procedure, and HB 420, which requires background checks for all DCFS employees with access to sensitive information. HB 475 requires verbal consent when AI is used to record or transcribe a medical visit and was reported favorably after a technical question. HB 246 updated membership of the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and the council on grandparents raising grandchildren, including replacing an inactive coalition seat with the state police superintendent or designee. HB 486 would enter Louisiana into the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact to expand access to mental health care, and HB 574 updated outdated board names on the Mental Health Advisory Services Board; both were reported favorably. Later, the committee reported HB 949, which creates a licensure framework for radiologist assistants to help address imaging workforce shortages, especially in rural areas, and HB 584, which requires foster children to be provided luggage instead of trash bags for their belongings and restores “rights” language in the Foster Youth Bill of Rights. The committee also reported HB 1214, restructuring certain LDH facilities into a single system under the secretary’s office; HB 1092, a technical renaming/terminology cleanup bill; and HB 203, which adds members to the uterine fibroids commission. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses emphasized access to care, workforce shortages, child welfare, and quality improvement, and the committee repeatedly adopted amendments and reported the bills favorably or as amended before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• By creating two interest rate alternatives for saving institutions participating in programs to fund
• for the banks' voluntary participation.
• The bank program has grown by a net of 10 percent, with a total of 127 banks participating.
• , even though those banks are not required to participate in... ...required to participate in the program
• now than the state of Texas program.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My goal is to help expand our programs. My goal is to help expand our programs that we need.
• I know our cybersecurity program and our AI program is fairly new, and I think with this partnership,
• And then hopefully one day we'll have a doctorate program in the nursing program at West Florida.
• Their participation in the dual enrollment program shortened their academic track in college by an average
• in any programming, which...

Summary: The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative. The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions. Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the SWIFT... ...program, again, that's our flagship program for water supply development, has been
• So effectively, that would help our program capacity limitations in that fiscal year or program year
• Depending on the program structure, federal participation, local match, bond financing, and revolving
• It's a very complex program.
• up to even participate.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:35.280> and<00:22:35.600> participant member, and participate and participant
• member, and participate and participant sole<00:22:36.960> solely<00:22:37.360> for<00
• pay<00:28:57.200> the participating employers to pay the participating employers to pay
• <00:31:04.640> At as the new program is implemented.
• At as the new program is implemented.

Keywords: Consideration of HB 220 00:02:49 Consideration of HB 467 00:09:50 Consideration of HB 516 00:19:50 Consideration of HB 589 00:27:16, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 220, sponsored by Rep. John Blandon, addressed pension spiking for Kentucky Public Pension Authority systems by extending the effective date back to July 1, 2022. Blandon explained it was intended to correct a gap left by last year’s legislation affecting retirees who received across-the-board raises during the court period. A retired Kentucky State Police captain testified in favor but asked that the retroactive date be moved back to 2021. Members asked about fiscal impact, and Blandon said the bill would have only a very small percentage impact on CERS. The committee approved HB 220 unanimously, 17-0, with favorable expression. House Bill 467, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson, dealt with the disposal of surplus or underutilized state-owned real property. A committee substitute was adopted first. Johnson said the bill would let local governments and private citizens identify abandoned or dormant state property earlier in the process, while preserving existing fair-market-value disposal procedures. Committee members clarified that the bill concerns real property, not personal property, and asked about pricing and the current disposition process. Johnson and others explained that the bill would not change fair-market-value requirements but would move local involvement to the front end. The committee approved HB 467 as amended by the substitute, 17-0. House Bill 516, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would allow probationary police officers and firefighters in certain retirement systems to purchase service credit for up to 12 months of probationary employment and would extend line-of-duty death and disability coverage to probationary employees. Lewis said the bill was developed with the FOP, Professional Firefighters, and input from the Kentucky League of Cities, and that any retirement cost would be offset because both employee and employer contributions would be paid. Committee members confirmed the bill had been heard in PPOB and discussed the cost structure and the six-month window for purchasing service credit. The committee passed HB 516 favorably, 18-0. House Bill 589, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Deetsz, created a framework for cities and chapter 75 fire districts to rehire retired firefighters under strict conditions, similar to existing rules for retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted that required minimum employer retirement contributions, required a CPAT retest after a one-year separation, and expanded eligibility to chapter 75 fire districts. Deetsz said the bill was aimed at staffing shortages and preserving experienced personnel while protecting the retirement system. A city official and a Kentucky League of Cities representative testified in support, describing labor shortages and the value of bringing back experienced firefighters to mentor younger staff. The committee approved HB 589 as amended by the substitute, 18-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arkansas Excel is an active participant in the National Excel Network, Arkansas Excel is an active participant
• Sometimes our research shows that a program is not effective, and that can lead to program improvement
• Our study looked at the impact of the program on students who completed the program, so they graduated
• So how does this compare to other workforce programs?
• by students in instructional programs.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's very nice that the program has grown.
• for job training. incentive program.
• And so we've got two internship programs.
• About whether or not they would be interested in participating in this internship program by the Bioscience
• Authority, to ensure that these students are not losing anything by participating in the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:01.839> and there how many people participated and there how many people participated
• We have over 100,000 participants, $10 billion.
• We have over 100,000 participants, $10 billion.
• and outline for the incentive program and outline for the incentive program and<01:17:55.480>
• We're very positive about the SVF incentive program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:01:45.920> is and brightest, this this program is and brightest, this this program is
• <01:17:25.280> that Program is a national program that Program is a national program that
• She participated in the UK College of Medicine Bowling Green campuses early assurance program, went there
• This is the enrollment for our academy this current year. program. This is one of the program.
• We know these programs work.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a nurse and a nurse practitioner, and actually a participant and recipient of this benefit.
• We limit the amount of people that can participate.
• I love peer support programs, but I really I believe my warning in this, I love peer support programs
• That program is no longer in the Second Judicial District.
• So if we only give one program, one curriculum, it might not be as effective as looking at all the programs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is a great program.
• of the participants were females.
• We need to apprenticeship programs.
• But this is a great program. But this is a great program.
• 7% of the participants were females. 7% of the participants were females.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and over 14,000 in graduate programs and over 14,000 in graduate level<00:01:39.240> programs
• <00:08:20.759> of students we offer over 70 programs of students we offer over 70 programs
• ><00:08:47.240> Arts<00:08:47.800> uh programs included education Lial Arts uh programs
• We have a thriving fine arts program and lots of opportunities for students to participate in interdisciplinary
• that program fund a a range of programs that program fund a a range of programs both<00:51:33.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• asset and program that we could offer to our kids.
• These training programs must be approved by the Auditor General.
• Another example would be the Yavapai Community College Teacher Program.
• We would like to close that loophole for the Building Renewal Grant Program.
• to adopt minimum requirements for the program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2318 would impose term limits on school district governing board members in districts with at least 250 students, with a four-year break before a former member could run again; the sponsor said it was meant to bring in new ideas after problems in a district, while opponents argued voters should decide and raised concerns about the timing of the change. It passed on a 6-5 vote. HB 2312 would allow certain federally recognized patriotic youth groups to address students during school hours and require equal access for such groups; supporters framed it as a way to expand youth opportunities, while opponents objected to use of instructional time. It also received a due pass recommendation on a 6-5 vote. HB 2320 would require school districts to hire an independent municipal advisor before calling a bond election and, if successful, for each bond issue. The sponsor argued this would lower underwriting fees and save taxpayers money, citing data showing lower average fees when advisors were used; testimony from the Arizona Tax Research Association and a school accountability group supported the bill, while members raised questions about costs if a bond fails and about how public information is presented. The bill passed 7-3 with two present votes. HB 2376 would prohibit districts from buying or leasing school property when an operating charter or private school is on the site, aimed at preventing a district from using a purchase to manipulate enrollment counts and trigger state construction funding; members debated whether the underlying allegation was hearsay, but the bill passed 7-5. HB 2378 would tighten conflict-of-interest rules for the School Facilities Oversight Board by barring the architect and engineer members from having school-construction business. The sponsor said it was prompted by a reported conflict involving Tolleson Union and a board chair’s firm; some members supported the ethics rationale while others said the bill did not address broader issues, and it passed 8-4. HB 2379 would require school district governing board members to complete biennial training on duties and responsibilities, with county superintendents required to offer the training and ADE as a backstop; the committee adopted an amendment making county training mandatory and allowing intergovernmental agreements, and the bill passed 7-5 after debate over unfunded mandates, whether ASBA should be included, and whether charter boards should also be covered. Finally, HB 2380 would require board and subcommittee meetings to be held in-district, keep meeting materials online for five years, and require prior approval for out-of-state travel or later ratification with possible reimbursement; rural school representatives warned it could hinder regional collaboration and create administrative burdens, and discussion continued on how to preserve executive-session confidentiality and public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are over 1,500 retailers in New Hampshire that participate in the SNAP program, who accept SNAP
• this program. this program.
• . program. program.
• in the SNAP retailers participating in the SNAP program<01:16:01.280> are<01:16:01.360> going
• So you can do additional programs. programs. programs.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in flag football leadership enrichment programs such as Passport to Manhood and Be a Chef, where he
• Create Change advocacy program.
• The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership recognition initiative.
• She has been an active member of the Luke Air Force Base Youth Program for nine years.
• Throughout her time, Aubrey has participated in programs such as Smart Girls, Keystone, and Career Launch

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. May Modi. Members then spent much of the opening portion introducing guests and honoring Arizona Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates from across the state, along with a proclamation recognizing the Junior League of Phoenix for its civic service and volunteerism. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement marking Denim Day and Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month. On the floor, the House first rejected Senate amendments to HB 2010 and appointed a conference committee. In Committee of the Whole, members considered several Senate bills and adopted do-pass recommendations on SB 1009, SB 1046, SB 1143, SB 1221 as amended, SB 1613, SB 1013, SB 1338, SB 1121 as amended, SB 1318, SB 1549, and SB 1786 as amended, while retaining SB 1270, SB 1400, and SB 1582 on the calendar. Testimony and debate focused on SB 1013’s merit-based hiring language and concerns about discrimination protections, SB 1338’s public benefits eligibility provisions, SB 1540’s fuel theft provisions and a related amendment, SB 1121’s radiation protection for health care workers, and SB 1318’s cleanup of conflicting breast cancer notification language. The House then took up third-reading votes and passed SB 1113, SB 1193, SB 1448, and SB 1503, with SB 1503 receiving the required three-quarters vote for an emergency measure. Members also moved to not concur in Senate amendments to HB 2003 and appointed another conference committee. The day ended with adjournment until 10 a.m. the following day.