Video & Transcript Research : 'Senator Tim Scott'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I am State Senator Becca Rausch, Senate Chair of the committee and Chair of today's hearing.
- Back to you, Senator Rausch. Thank you. We are joined online by Senator Tarr.
- Thank you so much, Senator.
- Thank you so much, Senator.
- Senator Lovely. Thank you.
Summary:
The hearing covered several environment and natural resources bills focused on natural and working lands, forest protection, municipal reforestation, trail accessibility, and a park naming bill. Representative Moschino and Senator Comerford described the natural and working lands bill as part of the state’s climate roadmap, arguing that protecting these lands supports carbon sequestration, resilience, biodiversity, and helps prevent development pressure on the least expensive land. Senator Comerford also testified on a separate bill to expand access to trails for people of all abilities, saying it would build on the administration’s Trails for All initiative and create a permanent advisory structure and trust fund. Representative Consolvo and family members testified in support of H. 4259 to name the tennis courts at Wether Park in Roslindale after Kim O’Connell, describing her long community service and activism.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 952 and H. 953, bills to protect watershed and state forest lands as parks or reserves. Supporters, including environmental advocates, scientists, and organizations such as Standing Trees, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance’s opponents, debated whether state forests and watershed lands should be permanently reserved from logging and other active management. Supporters said the bills would improve carbon storage, water quality, biodiversity, flood and drought resilience, and would protect large acreages of public land at no cost. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, argued that sustainable forest management and a mix of reserves and managed forests are needed for climate, water quality, wildfire prevention, rural jobs, and carbon outcomes, and urged the committee to allow the administration’s existing reserve process to continue.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on the municipal reforestation bill, H. 1013/S. 553, which would create a statewide program, advisory council, and trust fund to support urban tree planting and maintenance. Municipal officials and advocates from Wellesley, Cambridge, Boston, the Mystic River watershed, and other communities said urban trees are critical for cooling, stormwater control, air quality, public health, and equity, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low canopy cover and high heat. Several witnesses emphasized that consistent funding is needed because trees take years to mature and many municipalities lack staff or watering capacity. Some witnesses asked that the bill be funded at $100 million and tied to the Mass Ready Act or environmental bond funding. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Boone with the First up, we have Scott Boone with the judiciary.
- My name is Scott Boone. I'm a staff attorney for the Family Court of the First Circuit.
- Scott Poon, secret attorney, representing the judiciary on this package bill.
- Next we have Community Alliance on Prisons' Scott Brady testifying in support.
- Community Alliance on Prisons Scott Community Alliance on Prisons Scott Brady<01:17:27.840>
uh
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects.
Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers.
Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott Maror, you can head up there as well if you'd like, and Dariel Dan can sit up front as well.
- <00:04:13.760>
test <00:04:14.040>Fire's <00:04:14.319>table <00:04:14.840>Scott - head up to the test Fire's table Scott head up to the test Fire's table Scott maror<00:04:15.480
- I'm going to take just a second — this is our first time in front of this committee, and since Scott
- You had me from the first line when you said Senate District 64, which is my Senate District, so that
Keywords:
child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
OK 911 Management Authority Jun 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim, anything else that we’re missing? Anything else that we’re missing?
Summary:
The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program.
The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources.
Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements.
In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/28/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:29:51.520>
but Senator, or you, Senator Duckworth, but Senator, or you, Senator Duckworth - 30:03.120>
Senator sense, Senator Kroun and Senator sense, Senator Kroun and Senator Duckworth - Senator<00:48:00.560>
Senator <00:48:00.840>Rest. Senator Senator Rest. - Thank you, Senator Kunesh. Senate File 2940, Senator Westlin.
- For Senate file 4100, Senator Maye over. For Senate file 4100, Senator Maye Quade.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 30th, 2026 at 11:09 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Bergman's. Senator Block. Senator Boone. Senator Brant. Senator Brantley: Here.
- Senator Charlie. Senator Duhigg. Senator Ezell. Senator Figueroa. Senator Gallegos.
- Senator Gonzales. Senator Hamlin. Senator Hickey. Senator Harmi. Senator Hickey. Senator Harmeo.
- Senator O'Malley. Senator Padilla. Senator Pinto. Senator Pope. Senator Ramos.
- Senator Sanchez: Yes. Senator Ramos. Senator Sanchez. Senator Scott. Senator Sidia Lopez.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/17/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott County received the Circle of Excellence Award for their great and innovative work.
- Scott County received the Circle of Excellence Award for their great and innovative work.
- This partnership between Scott County, the Scott County Sheriff's, Savage police department, and Shakopee
- Scott County received the Circle of Excellence Award for their great and innovative work.
- This partnership between Scott County, the Scott County Sheriff's, Savage police department, and Shakopee
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 395 by Senator Wiener and others. Senate app relating to alcoholic beverages.
- Senate Bill 374. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 389. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 446.
- Senate Bill 447. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 506. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 540.
- Senate Bill 686. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 761. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 764.
- Senate Bill 847. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 857. Ayes 69, noes 0. Senate Bill 857.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading.
Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns.
The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Roer, yes. Senator Lang, yes. Senator McConi, yes. Senator Waters, no.
- Senator Gray, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardy, yes. Senator Fenton, no.
- Senator Gray, yes. Senator Inis, yes. Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardy, yes. Senator Fenton, no.
- Senator Avard, yes. Senator Gray, no. Senator Innis, no. Senator Ward, no. Senator Rashardy, yes.
- Senator Inis: no. Senator Ward: no. Senator Rashardi: no. Senator Fenton: yes. Senator Mcugh: no.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Calatayud. Here. Senator Davis. Yeah. Senator Leek. Senator Smith. Here. Senator Trumbull.
- Senator Burgess? Yes. Senator Calatayud? Yes. Senator Davis? Yes. Senator Leek? Yes. Senator Smith?
- Senator Burgess? Yes. Senator Calatayud? Senator Davis? Yes. Senator Leek? Yes. Senator Smith? Yes.
- Senator Burgess? Yes. Senator Kaladdeud? Senator Davis? Yes. Senator Leak? Yes. Senator Smith? Yes.
- Senator Burgess? Yes. Senator Calatayud? Yes. Senator Davis? No. Senator Calatayud? Yes.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Permit to carry holders possession of firearms in Capitol Complex 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- crime, and I would point out from a data privacy perspective, I'm going to channel my inner Chair Scott
- /c><00:18:00.480>
my <00:18:00.680>inner <00:18:00.920>Chair <00:18:01.200>Scott - ,<00:18:02.240>
that <00:18:02.480>it channel my my inner Chair Scott, that it channel - my my inner Chair Scott, that it is<00:18:02.720>
not <00:18:03.080>known <00:18:03.880
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3357, a bill to prohibit weapons on Minnesota State Capitol grounds, with exceptions for official protective personnel. The bill’s author and co-author argued it was needed to create a safer environment for legislators, staff, and the public in light of recent threats and violence, including the killing of Speaker Emerita Hortman and other threats directed at members. Supporters said the Capitol should be a place for discussion, not guns, and emphasized the emotional and safety concerns faced by lawmakers, especially women.
Opposition testimony came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would burden peaceable permit holders rather than violent criminals. Opponents said permit holders are highly vetted, commit crimes at very low rates, and should not be forced to choose between First and Second Amendment rights at the Capitol. Several Republican members echoed those concerns, saying the bill would create a confusing patchwork, fail to address threats outside the building, and infringe on lawful self-defense rights. One member also raised concerns about threats against legislators and questioned whether the bill’s assumptions about permit holders were supported by verifiable data.
The discussion became contentious at points over procedure and interruptions, with the chair reminding members about decorum and allowing a roll call vote after repeated requests. The committee then voted 6-7, with one excused, against the motion to re-refer the bill to Public Safety. As a result, the motion did not prevail and House File 3357 was laid over.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, Member Scott Weston, on behalf of the California Coalition of Utility Employees, the State
- Madam Chair Member Scott Weston behalf of the California Coalition of Utility Employees State Association
- Scott Wetch, another one of the sponsors of the bill, who's here to answer questions.
- Scott Wech on behalf of the California Coalition of Utility Employees and the State Association of Electrical
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members.
AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote.
AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Birdwell sends up an expected committee substitute.
- Madam Dean, Senator, Michael Lozano with the Permian Basin Petroleum Association in support of Senate
- I'm ready to go, I'm fine. 115 up, brings back up Senate Bill 1061 by Senator Parker. 117 118 Senator
- Flores, Senator Hancock, Senator Hughes, Senator Parker, Senator- 120 I will then return the motion
- Okay, um, Senator, uh, Senator Hancock recommends that the bill be reported. 123 hearing and seeing none
Keywords:
concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Senate: there are none. Moving on to motions and resolutions.
- Let's go, Tim Ortega. Welcome. Welcome.
- And there was a bill coming forward right around Denim Day by now Senator Cervantes.
- There was a bill coming forward right around Denim Day by now Senator Cervantes.
- That brings us to the Senate third reading file, items 136 through 140.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator Fevella. >> Here. >> Senator Fukunaga. >> Senator Gabbard. >> Senator Hashimoto. >> Here.
- >> Senator Ihara. >> Present. >> Senator Inouye. >> Present. >> Senator Kanuha. >> Here. >> Senator Keohokalole
- . >> Excused. >> Senator Kidani. >> Senator Kim. >> Senator La Mose. >> Here. >> Senator Lee. >> Senator
- Senator Awana, Senator DeCourte. Senator Awana, Senator DeCourte.
- Reservations, Senator Elefante, Senator Richards, Senator Inouye, Senator Rhoads, Senator McKelvey.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 18, March 3, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 104 is sponsored by Senator Scott, higher education research funding, an act relating to
- Senate File 104 is sponsored by Senator Scott, higher education research funding, an act relating to
- <00:15:26.000>
by <00:15:26.120>Senator Senate file 104 is sponsored by Senator Senate - file 104 is sponsored by Senator Scott,<00:15:27.280>
higher <00:15:27.600>education <00 - Senate file 58. Senate file 58.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 13th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Senate. The following House Files have been offered for introduction today.
- Senate File Number 202 and Senate File Number 334. The messages signed by Thomas S.
- Boddern, Secretary of the Senate. First reading.
- That is the bill of Scott County. That will help our communities very much. Thank you very much.
- Today I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Senator Bob Keerlin.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (01/16/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, I'm Tim Hartnett, first-term representative from Manchester District 41, Wards 2, 4,
- <00:07:55.479>
good <00:07:55.639>afternoon <00:07:56.120>I'm <00:07:56.360>Tim - <00:07:56.639>
hartnet enough uh good afternoon I'm Tim hartnet enough uh good afternoon I'm - Tim hartnet uh<00:07:58.000>
first <00:07:58.319>term <00:07:58.639>representative< - I was nine terms on the LB committee and I was in the Senate for six years. sure thank you so much I
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Senator Carol, >> Senator Given, >> here. >> here. >> here. >> Senator Hickden.
- Senator Meredith. >> Senator Neil. >> Senator Rawlings >> here. >> here. >> here. >> Senator Reid >>
- Senator Tishner Senator Tishner >> here. >> here. >> here. >> Senator Williams >> Senator Williams >>
- Uh, my name is Scott Collins. I'm >> Yeah. Uh, my name is Scott Collins.
- Senator<01:10:15.760>
Given, Senator Given, Senator Given, >> Representative<01:10:17.760
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00
Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50
Robotics Education – 0:04:18
Canopy KY – 0:14:15
Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20
Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15
Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions.
The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints.
The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings.
The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We will start with Senate File 560. Senator Dornink, to your bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Thank you, Senator Pratt.
- Thank you, Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Senator McEwen, thanks.
- Senator McEwen, thanks.
Summary:
The Senate Labor Committee heard Senate File 560, a bill to require the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential building permits. Senator Dornink said the measure is intended to make permit fees more fair, reasonable, transparent, and predictable, and to reduce housing costs by limiting large differences in permit fees between municipalities. He said the bill would be sent to the Housing Committee without recommendation, and members discussed but did not act on a related amendment that would have shifted plan review and inspection fees to hourly and trip-based charges and made fee information publicly available.
Testimony from Housing First Minnesota supported the bill’s goal, arguing that Minnesota’s housing shortage and high new-home prices make it important to reduce inefficiencies in the permitting system. The witness said permit valuations are often increased by cities, leading to higher costs for homebuyers, and cited examples of large fee differences between municipalities and claims of overcollection. He said some other states, including Texas and Wisconsin communities, use square-footage-based approaches. A League of Minnesota Cities representative opposed the amendment language and cautioned that trip charges and hourly billing would make fees less certain, could raise costs, and would be especially burdensome in Greater Minnesota; he said current valuation-based fees better reflect the actual cost and complexity of service and can be appealed if disputed.
A representative of the Association of Minnesota Building Officials also raised concerns about the amendment, saying building departments provide consultations, inspections, plan review, and other services beyond a single trip, and that trip charges would not fit a responsive fee-for-service model. He said the current valuation system helps cover the full range of permitting work, though he acknowledged that a consistent square-foot valuation standard could improve transparency and reduce disputes over project value. Committee members asked about other states’ approaches and the scope of the bill, and the discussion emphasized that the proposal applies to one- and two-family dwellings.