Transcript Highlights:

• It takes towns with similar locations, size, and development to share best practices.
• <01:21:17.080> um additionally it can be more practical um additionally it can be more practical
• Is it practical? And what are you going to replace it with?
• at Great expense it's not practically at Great expense it's not practically it's<02:07:05.760>
• > economic it's not practical from an economic it's not practical from an economic perspective

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Decades-old insurance laws and practices that govern our claims process have not kept pace.
• recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for violations of insurance fair claims practices
• Decades-old insurance laws and practices that govern our claims process have not kept pace.
• recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for violations of insurance fair claims practices
• recovery plan, doubles penalties during a declared emergency for violations of insurance fair claims practices

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is another cleanup bill to codify current practices and fix cross-references.
• It codifies current practices on ad hoc judges and improves some definitions.
• This bill is to sunset a practice that was dealing with... ...to sunset a practice that was dealing with
• So this will eliminate the old practice and let us move forward with the new law.

Bills: SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB416, SB455, SB456, SB477

Keywords: Municipal Employees' Retirement System, Louisiana, participation, employer, retirement, SB 10, Act 222, Louisiana State Police Retirement System, state police retirement, retirement system funding, employer contributions, actuarial gains, amortization, Permanent Benefit Increase, PBI account, benefit increase reserve, supplemental permanent benefit increase, public retirement systems, state pension, pension funding

Summary: The Retirement Committee met on April 29, 2026, established a quorum, and heard a series of retirement-related bills, mostly cleanup or technical measures affecting various public retirement systems. SB 22 would extend Municipal Employees Retirement System eligibility to certain positions in the Second City Court constable’s office in New Orleans. SB 17 would create a funding deposit account for cost-of-living adjustments for registrars of voters’ employees’ retirement system. SB 455 would allow certain district and parish courts to participate in the Parochial Employees Retirement System. SB 456 would update compensation rules for assigned retired judges, and SB 8 would add the Louisiana Asset Management Pool as a participating employer in MERS. All of these bills were described as aligning statutes with current practice or expanding participation options, and each was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard several Louisiana State Police retirement bills. SB 10 would repeal outdated priority allocation and retiree raise rules and adjust handling of surplus employee contributions; SB 11 would increase the funding cap for benefit increases from 2.5% to 3.5%; and SB 12 would update membership and definition language to reflect the State Police Commission rather than the Civil Service Commission. SB 18 would repeal a special exception allowing certain MERS retirees to return to part-time work while collecting full benefits, while protecting roughly 30 current participants. SB 20 and SB 21 would update actuarial gain/loss and unfunded liability funding rules for school employees’ retirement and LASERS, respectively, in light of the new permanent benefit increase funding structure. Each of these bills was supported by system officials as cleanup or modernization measures and was reported favorably. The committee spent the most time on education and return-to-work issues for teachers and public employees. SB 16 would reduce annual trustee training requirements for retirement system boards from 16 hours back to 12 hours, which witnesses said would better fit smaller systems and match the original intent of the law. SB 13 would similarly update TRSL’s actuarial funding rules after the sunset of the experience account. SB 14, based on a 2025 study work group, would consolidate and simplify TRSL return-to-work rules and expand options for retired teachers, with witnesses emphasizing teacher shortages and the need to retain experienced educators. All three were reported favorably. Finally, SB 416 would allow certain Department of Public Safety and Corrections retirees to return to critical shortage positions after one year, and SB 477 would classify the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board as a full-time state employee for retirement purposes. Both bills drew questions and discussion, especially SB 416, and both were reported favorably. The chair announced the committee’s next meeting would be moved from Monday to Tuesday, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• After a decade of practicing family and urgent care medicine in rural and suburban communities, Dr.
• introduce are going to work just as well or better and for less Expense than the time-honored and true practice
• creating in perpetuity a revolving door of short-term teachers when a few years of Steady applied practice
• Why we are only just now beginning to rein in the practice of hiring adjunct teachers, which Was, let
• better served, Speaker, if I had started out enrolled in education programs and come out with that practice

Bills: HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• time: Teacher residency programs redefine preparation by building a model that combines theory and practice
• programs typically attract a more radically diverse pool of candidates than the broader pool of practicing
• This work has allowed us to focus collectively on the quality of clinical practice, shared expectations
• The quality of clinical practice, shared expectations for mentoring, and strong partnerships with districts
• policy decisions, particularly when the core issue has nothing to do with public charter school practices

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• this widespread early adoption in Minnesota is aligned with what's nationally recommended for best practices
• It's a best practice.
• It's a best practice. practice. practice.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's, however, their practices.
• It's however their practices. problem. It's however their practices.
• partnerships in which is both practical partnerships in which is both practical and<03:58:28.160
• This is a straightforward, practical bill.
• Their practical, real-world experience is invaluable.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a practical, financial hardship.
• <01:55:10.239> part a car later to do the practical part a car later to do the practical part
• practicing to learn. And I'm a witness. practicing to learn. And I'm a witness.
• <02:40:57.920> and where compassion and practicality and where compassion and practicality
• I've been a practicing attorney for the past 16 years.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:12.320> and people also religious practices and people also religious practices and
• who who was instilled with the practice who who was instilled with the practice from<00:33:23.799
• First up, we have Office of Information Practices with comments.
• <01:31:31.480> with practices with practices with comments<01:31:33.320> next<01:31:33.679
• incorporate many of the best practices incorporate many of the best practices that<02:45:44.560> we

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard three House bills related to the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. HB 606 would extend the Act 279 special fund to June 30, 2028, continue deposits and appropriations to help eliminate the DHHL waitlist, and require a strategic plan and annual reporting. DHHL strongly supported the measure, saying most of the initial $600 million had been used and that the need remains large, with more than 29,000 people on the waitlist. Public testimony also supported the bill, emphasizing its importance to Native Hawaiian families and concerns about Hawaiians leaving the islands because of housing costs. A member noted the bill is a priority and that the committee will keep working on how to fund another $600 million. HB 1086 would exempt DHHL homestead lot and housing development from general excise and use taxes. DHHL supported the bill, saying any tax savings would reduce the eventual cost of housing for low-income beneficiaries. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the measure and noted it is already being implemented under the governor’s emergency proclamation, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2026. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical comments and urged the committee to weigh existing benefits already received by DHHL beneficiaries. HB 1307 would appropriate funds for DHHL water well development and geothermal exploration on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL said the bill is a follow-up to prior study funding and would support slim-hole drilling, site evaluation, and consultant work to identify viable geothermal resources, especially on Hawaiʻi Island. Several testifiers opposed the bill, arguing there had been inadequate beneficiary consultation, raising environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, and objecting to using $20 million for geothermal rather than housing. In response to committee questions, DHHL staff explained that the goal is to gather information for a future public-private partnership to develop geothermal electricity, and that a Chapter 343 environmental review would be required later in the process. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 902 would update subsidized child care paperwork practices by recognizing current technology that
• SB 902 simply brings child care paperwork into alignment with those common practices and makes it easier
• So in practice, this extra form creates unnecessary administrative work for counties without adding any
• As a practicing attorney at that time, I can still vividly remember how far people would drive from the
• This legislation restores a practical safety net and advocates to rethink how we calculate financial

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard and advanced a series of bills focused on homelessness, child care, food security, public assistance, immigration legal services, and veterans’ benefits. SB 479 would allow city-based local health jurisdictions, including Berkeley and Oakland, to run homeless response multidisciplinary teams and share specified information across departments; supporters said the change would improve coordination and outcomes, while no opposition testified. SB 902 would permit electronic signatures for Child Care and Development Services Act paperwork, with supporters describing the burden of paper processes on working families and noting that paper would remain an option. Both bills were referred onward after committee action. The committee also approved SB 1025, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability; SB 1030, repealing the CalWORKs “man-in-the-house” rule; and SB 1077, requiring CDSS to develop a communications and contingency plan for CalFresh disruptions during federal government shutdowns. Testimony on these measures emphasized fragmented food assistance systems, the need to modernize outdated welfare rules, and the importance of preparing for future federal benefit interruptions. Each bill drew broad support from advocates, local governments, and social service organizations, with no opposition testimony, and each received a due-pass recommendation to the next committee. The committee further advanced SB 1194, which would codify the Immigration Legal Fellowship Project to expand access to immigration legal services in underserved regions, and SB 1201, which would seek federal waivers and other protections to help veterans affected by CalFresh changes and connect applicants with county veterans service officers. Supporters said both bills would fill critical service gaps and strengthen legal and food-security infrastructure. SB 1194 received a 6-1 vote, while SB 1201 passed unanimously. Earlier in the hearing, SB 557 and SB 1051 were approved on consent. The committee then adjourned after recording final roll calls for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are Florida educator accomplish practices? Sometimes you hear U.S. call those the feats.
• The Florida educator accomplish practices.
• also be stakeholder review to ensure that the examination accurately reflects effective teaching practices
• Any research or innovative practices that come out of the center will be shared with all of our teacher
• preparation programs across the state of Florida so that they can replicate those best practices that

Transcript Highlights:

• the current California CPS law contains elements that must better align with research-based best practices
• These practices, recognized internationally and nationally, are not just theoretical, but have proven
• services, and education, have led to support for these changes and are currently recommended in practice
• It is worth noting that there are practical exemptions in our bill for situations such as vehicles with
• To achieve these goals, the most practical solution available is sustainable aviation fuel, which reduces

Summary: The Assembly met on May 23, 2025, after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. Members also made several guest introductions and memorial recognitions, including tributes to labor leader Louisa Blue and a Memorial Day moment of silence. The body adopted a motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 for certain Appropriations Committee bills, and later took up a second-day consent calendar and several resolutions. The chamber adopted ACR 68, declaring July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month, and ACR 83, proclaiming California Maritime Day; both received broad support. On the floor file, members passed a series of bills covering child passenger safety, student financial aid, downtown office-to-housing conversion districts, rental vehicle theft prevention, fire hazard zone reviews, medical data protections, UC admissions transparency, office-to-housing streamlining, inoperable RV removal, domestic violence and child welfare, insurance classification for social service workers, sustainable aviation fuel CEQA review, UC hiring background checks, accessory dwelling units, fish and wildlife exemptions for Sutter County infrastructure, speed limit assessments, geothermal permitting, special education transfers, recorder fee adjustments, and a BIT program exemption for farmers and ranchers. Most measures passed with little or no opposition. AB 435, which would have implemented a five-step test standard for child passenger safety laws, was later reconsidered and failed on a vote of 36-12 after the call was lifted. The Assembly also adopted the second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, and added co-authors to several resolutions. The session ended with adjournments in memory and an adjournment until Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• caution against going much lower than that because I think the House version is currently 9, and in practice
• Nine years, but practically speaking, because of the way sessions start and end, it's really an eight-year
• A starting point in a conversation, but the practical application is looking at the water supply cost
• background, we represent over 450 engineering firms totaling about 36,000 employees and engineers practicing
• So I'm just trying to get this back to a practical discussion of if we have to prioritize, it's got to

Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the Commission has identified good governance standards and best practices that would strengthen
• However, the mission has identified good governance standards and best practices that would strengthen
• However, the Commission has identified good government standards and best practices that would strengthen
• However, the commission has identified good governance standards and best practices that would strengthen
• most of these statutes also allow. a buyer to sue for damages or it constitutes a deceptive trade practice

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a standard practice within the office, I know when I started at least, we gave a seven-day grace
• , and as a part of that law was a requirement for the State Fire Marshal's Office to create best practices
• And as far as we're concerned, those best practices and rule have been a home run.
• Language expanding the cancer decontamination best practices to include education on the chemical hazards
• in gear, and includes... ...best practices to include education on the chemical hazards in gear, and

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1656, a major Office of Insurance Regulation bill covering reciprocal insurers, rate transparency, data calls, cybersecurity notification, and stronger oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The sponsor and OIR described the bill as aimed at transparency and preventing insolvencies, especially after recent CCRC failures. CCRC residents and industry representatives testified both in support and in opposition, with supporters emphasizing resident protection and opponents warning about liens, reserve requirements, management-company regulation, and higher costs. After debate and assurances that problematic provisions would be refined, the committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1658, which creates a public records framework for the uniform mitigation verification of inspection form database while protecting policyholders’ personal information; a clarifying amendment was adopted before the bill was reported favorably. SB 1612 on financial institutions was approved after a substitute amendment restored current limits on credit union investments and kept only reimbursement, not salary, authority for certain board members and officers. SB 1740, an insurance bill intended to reduce premiums and insurer insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit claim denials based solely on AI, then reported favorably. Two public-safety bills also moved forward. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety would update OSHA-related protections, address toxic exposure in gear, encourage safer replacement equipment, and support best practices and mental health resources; an amendment refined terminology and added related provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing consumer protections and disclosure rules for excess and surplus lines and to clarify Citizens-related appointment requirements before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted ongoing stakeholder negotiations and intent to refine several bills further in later committee stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• You will gut Florida's main consumer protection statute, and as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer
• and housing litigation, we, And as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer and housing litigation, we
• You will gut Florida's main consumer protection statute, and as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer
• and housing litigation, we, And as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer and housing litigation, we
• It would be governed under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met with a quorum present and considered several bills. It first took up SB 232 on debt collection, where the sponsor explained a strike-all amendment and the committee adopted a Gruters amendment clarifying that email communications may be sent at any hour while other off-hours communications remain restricted. Testimony was sharply divided on a proposed change from “any person” to “debt collector,” with consumer advocates, legal aid, and the Florida Justice Association warning it would narrow Florida’s consumer protections, while supporters said the bill and amendment would address ambiguity affecting businesses. After debate, the committee rejected the broader amendment, adopted the email-only clarification, and reported CS for SB 232 favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard and unanimously reported favorably CS for SB 126, which would allow prescription hearing aids to be sold and distributed by mail after a Florida-licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist conducts the required examination, including remotely through telehealth. Supporters said the bill would improve access and reduce barriers for seniors and others with hearing loss, and no opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 600 and SB 602 on manufacturing, which would create and fund a statewide Office of Manufacturing, a promotional campaign, workforce grants, and related fees; multiple industry and economic development groups appeared in support, and both bills were reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 92 on hit-and-run accountability in vehicle repair shops. The sponsor described the bill as a response to rising hit-and-run incidents and explained that repair shops would have to complete a transaction form or retain a crash report for certain repairs, with a clarifying amendment adopted without objection. Prosecutors and law enforcement supporters said the bill would help identify offenders, while auto dealer representatives argued it could impose burdens and penalties on repair shops. The committee nevertheless reported CS for SB 92 favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 412, the Motorized Wheelchair Right to Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and parts to owners and independent repair providers under fair and reasonable terms. Disability advocates and wheelchair users testified that repair delays can leave users stranded for weeks or months, and the committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• RESIDENT CARE STANDARDS, MEDICATION PRACTICES, LIMITED NURSING SERVICES AS WELL AS ALF MINIMUM TRAINING
• IT DOESN'T PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURE OR PRACTICE OF AN AGENCY NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN AMENDMENT OR REPEAL
• THAT DEFERRING ONE MORE TIME CAN HELP NARROW DOWN ISSUES TO SEE IF THERE EVEN IS A DIFFERENCE IN PRACTICE
• DIRECTION WAS THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHALL CONSIDER AND ADDRESS LOW IMPACT DESIGN, RISK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
• AS A STORMWATER ENGINEER PRACTICING A LONG TIME IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA THE RULES HAVE ABSOLUTELY CHANGED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT POP UP AND I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO IT SO I'M ASKING IT OUT LOUD TO SEE IF THERE'S A BEST PRACTICE
• YOU KNOW. >> THERE ARE A COUPLE PRACTICES AND I DON'T WANT TO ENDORSE ONE OVER THE OTHER BUT I WILL SAY
• AND HAVING THAT RESERVES SET ASIDE IS A RECOMMENDED PRACTICE BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO APPLY AS A BUSINESS
• AND BY THE WAY WE NEED A LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUFFICIENTLY ARE YOU SEEING SUFFICIENT PATTERNS AND PRACTICES
• YOU CAN SEE DOWN ON THE BOTTOM LEFT THAT'S WHEN WE DID THE DOCKSIDE PRACTICE OF LIFTING UP THE FIRST

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Policy, again, is something that has had great success in signing farmers up for best management practices
• When farmers use best management practices, they are enrolled in a program to make sure that their nutrient
• water policy that you had mentioned, how are the farmers taking advantage of the best management practices
• we buy a Rural and Family Lands project, those farmers are required to enroll in best management practices
• So we continuously work through the best management practices with our university partners and farming

Summary: The Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum present and heard two presentations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson, head of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, outlined department accomplishments and funding needs, including IT modernization, expansion of the Rural and Family Lands program, updated best management practice manuals, growth of the Fresh From Florida marketing campaign, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, clearing concealed-weapons permit backlogs, construction of the Conner Complex headquarters, forestry equipment upgrades, and youth agriculture programs such as FFA and 4-H. Senators asked about water policy, citrus greening, FAMU partnerships, staffing efficiencies, and interdiction stations used to stop invasive species, stolen goods, and diseased or banned agricultural products from entering the state. Dr. Krista Court of the University of Florida/IFAS presented a preliminary economic assessment of the 2024 hurricane season’s agricultural impacts from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. She explained that the estimates are based on wind, rainfall, flooding, crop location, and survey data from extension agents, industry groups, FDACS, and producers, and that the figures do not include many asset losses, supply-chain effects, forestry losses, or some insurance-covered damages. Her preliminary estimates placed total 2024 agricultural production losses between about $402.3 million and $975.8 million, with the hardest-hit commodity groups including field and row crops, vegetables, melons, potatoes, greenhouse/nursery products, and animals and animal products. Members discussed the importance of accurate survey participation and baseline data, including use of USDA Farm Service Agency information, to improve future disaster estimates and federal relief decisions. Several senators emphasized agriculture’s importance in their districts and statewide. No bills were considered and no formal votes were taken; the only action was adjournment by motion of Senator Burton.

Transcript Highlights:

• FFN care and traditional child care, and establishes an FFN advisory council to promote the best practices
• FFN care and traditional child care and establishes an FFN advisory council to promote the best practices
• special education consultant for over 25 years, representing hundreds of families in my private practice
• Federation of Teachers, Massachusetts, I'm here today in support of H. 541 and S. 373 to stop the practice
• of In support of H. 541, S. 373, to stop the practice of suspending or expelling elementary school students

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill. The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.