Transcript Highlights:

• technical training opportunities, allowing high school students to earn college credits and industry certifications
• technical training opportunities, allowing high school students to earn college credits and industry certifications
• saying they want to stay here and get connected, whether that’s leaving school at the automotive certificate
• saying they want to stay here and get connected, whether that’s leaving school at the automotive certificate
• coordinators guide students throughout their high school years, preparing them for apprenticeships, certificates

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise

Transcript Highlights:

• college, or it could be on the non-credit side of the house, for example an American Welding Society certification
• college, or it could be on the non-credit side of the house, for example an American Welding Society certification
• 11.000> Society example an American Welding Society example an American Welding Society certification
• 13.279> are<00:27:13.440> just<00:27:13.559> some<00:27:13.720> of certification
• so those are just some of certification so those are just some of the<00:27:13.960> kind<00:27

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:26.080> State<00:02:26.319> funds<00:02:26.800> and MMB has received the Certificate
• <00:04:23.560> by<00:04:23.800> results the Platinum certification by results the Platinum
• certification by results for<00:04:24.560> America<00:04:25.560> and<00:04:25.960>
• <00:10:12.519> program<00:10:13.000> for<00:10:13.240> payroll certification program
• for payroll certification program for payroll Specialists<00:10:14.240> across<00:10:14.519><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the last thing is we would ask for an advocate for the certification of educational benefits
• , comp ed, to continue to be through direct certification and the paper form.
• I know there's some conversation around going just to direct certification. money for redc it's just
• <00:56:04.960> of an advocate for the um certification of an advocate for the um certification
• <00:56:10.240> and to be through direct certification and to be through direct certification

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee approved the minutes from January 21, 2025, and then heard testimony from several school superintendents about the financial and operational impact of recent education-related mandates. Chair Bennett framed the hearing as an opportunity to hear from districts about the effects of more than 65 new mandates and restrictions adopted in recent years. The first witnesses were Corey McIntyre of Anoka-Hennepin, Michael Thomas of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, and David Law of Minnetonka Public Schools. The superintendents said districts are facing rising costs, flat or declining enrollment, the end of federal pandemic aid, and mandates they described as unfunded or underfunded. McIntyre cited major budget cuts in Anoka-Hennepin, including reductions in central office staff, and said the district faces continuing shortfalls tied to special education, multilingual learner costs, unemployment claims, paid leave, transportation, literacy materials, and the K-3 discipline statute. Thomas said Prior Lake-Savage is balancing growing student needs against limited revenue, and argued that mandates such as REACT and other requirements should be delayed or better funded so districts can implement them with fidelity. Law said the concerns are statewide, not just metro-based, and criticized the accumulation of expectations around food service, mental health, sick and safe time, unemployment, and family leave without corresponding resources. Several witnesses emphasized that school budgets are heavily committed to staff costs and that new obligations create administrative burdens as well as direct expenses. They urged lawmakers to reduce, delay, or better fund mandates, adjust timelines, and provide more flexibility in local revenue tools and equalization aid. No votes were taken on legislation during this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the prior day’s minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• vote and whether or not they had the documents to prove their citizenship: a passport, a birth certificate
• vote and whether or not they had the documents to prove their citizenship: a passport, a birth certificate
• passport a birth certificate passport a birth certificate naturalization<01:55:38.440> papers
• She said the bill would also require documents such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate
• Obtaining copies of birth certificates, passports, or other official documents often requires travel

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment the Senate has concurrence of the House: House Bill 1758, relative to school bus drivers certificates
• underlying bill would have allowed the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a school bus driving certificate
• And if I know that<02:06:31.199> these<02:06:32.639> uh<02:06:32.880> certifications
• <02:06:33.760> are<02:06:34.000> well that these uh certifications are well that these
• uh certifications are well within<02:06:34.719> the<02:06:34.960> practice<02:06:35.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All library staff are required to have some level of certification, and the CE section works with the
• state board for the certification of librarians program.
• , and the CE section works certification, and the CE section works with<00:44:49.520> the<00:44
• for<00:44:50.640> the with the state board for the with the state board for the certification
• The restricted funds include librarian certification program, which receives fees used for scholarships

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on State Government met for its first meeting and heard a presentation from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KY Stats) by Executive Director Matt Barry and Legislative Director Calli Arnold. The presentation reviewed KY Stats’ statutory background, its evolution from KESUS, its board membership, and its role in housing Kentucky’s longitudinal data system and labor market information office. Barry explained that KY Stats links data from multiple state sources, validates and cleans it, deidentifies it, and uses it to produce reports, evaluations, and responses to data requests for policymakers, practitioners, and the public. Barry described the scale of the system, noting more than 6,000 active data elements, 178 unique file types, and data from 48 sources across 26 agencies. He highlighted the agency’s privacy and security practices, including separate servers for source data and deidentified reporting data, and said KY Stats does not use real-time data. He also outlined the types of reports produced, including the annual high school feedback report and a recent life outcomes report tracking the 2017 public high school cohort’s postsecondary education, completion, wages, and employment outcomes. Members asked about the timeliness and availability of data, especially SNAP and Medicaid information, and Barry said most data arrive annually or quarterly and that Medicaid data had been used in a limited one-time project rather than as an ongoing feed. Questions also focused on artificial intelligence; Barry said KY Stats has not integrated AI but is exploring it cautiously because of privacy and security concerns. Several members encouraged further work with AI tools, while Barry emphasized that any use would need to protect confidentiality. The committee also discussed staffing and funding, with Barry saying KY Stats has about 49 total staff and annual funding of roughly $3.1 million in state general funds, plus federal labor-related funding. Committee members praised the agency’s work and suggested legislators may not fully understand its capabilities. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would establish a training and certification program for licensed physicians who will wish
• the Department of Public Safety will be required within this bill to identify and articulate the certification
• He enthusiastically supported House Bill 5014, saying the training and certifications he achieved during
• I have the highest sniper certification in the military.
• That's to keep the certification current, should they decide they want to come back?

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through this program, I didn't just earn my CNA certification. I found my purpose.
• I found just earn my CNA certification. I found my<00:08:41.200> purpose.
• This is a federal certification through the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• 13.360> through<01:26:13.600> the is a federal certification through the is a federal certification
• CDFIs have rigorous<01:27:00.239> certification<01:27:00.960> reporting rigorous certification

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of us earn certifications, spending quality time with kūpuna and getting hired by local tech teen
• Many of us earn certifications, spending quality time with kūpuna and getting hired by local tech teen
• ,<01:08:09.359> career<01:08:09.680> mentoring,<01:08:10.400> and certifications
• food safety training and certification food safety training and certification support<02:00:37.119
• We are requesting just under $161,000 to sustain our Aloha certificate program.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk. Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience. Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, this measure authorizes the Department of Education to establish a climate literacy certificate
• /c> Education to establish a climate Education to establish a climate literacy<00:30:24.960> certificate
• <00:30:25.600> program<00:30:26.000> and literacy certificate program and literacy
• certificate program and appropriates<00:30:26.960> funding<00:30:27.360> to<00:30:27.600
• Madam Speaker, this measure authorizes the Department of Education to establish a climate literacy certificate

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have actually our entire staff is cyber educated, and we have some certifications.
• There are some criteria that manufacturers that participate in DoD require a CMMC certification.
• NQA1 certification anywhere in between. NQA1 certification anywhere in between.
• Um I don't think that you certification.
• <02:23:50.000> of<02:23:50.240> economic that certification of economic that certification

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:39.640> so<00:16:39.760> that just get the CTE certificate so that just get
• So, what's the CTE certificate then? >> Can link it.
• And then you get a certificate and you can work at Dole care. Yeah, but they're not ready.
• and you can work you get a certificate and you can work at<00:21:00.600> Dole<00:21:00.840>
• , identification, health certification, identification, health certification, etc.<00:33:25.480><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• definitely focused, and it'll be part of my conversation today, on looking at those students who are on certificate
• definitely focused, and it'll be part of my conversation today, on looking at those students who are on certificate
• definitely focused, and it'll be part of my conversation today, on looking at those students who are on certificate
• students<01:26:54.840> who<01:26:54.960> are<01:26:55.080> on<01:26:55.360> certificate
• <01:26:55.840> of students who are on certificate of students who are on certificate of completion

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Personnel Appeals Board, which explained that it became an independent state agency after Senate Bill 487 and was presenting its first standalone operating budget. The board described its quasi-judicial role in hearing appeals from classified state employees over disciplinary actions such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations, and said it handles about 25 to 35 cases a year, with some cases lasting longer because of their complexity. Members also outlined the need for a chair and vice chair who are attorneys, the board’s current staffing and space needs, and its plan to move away from reliance on Administrative Services for office support and website functions. The board requested about $353,500 for fiscal year 2026, including startup costs, routine operating expenses, and two new part-time positions: a program director and a paralegal. Members said the budget reflects the new independent status, includes funding for only four board members rather than the authorized five, and is designed to avoid full-time staffing costs and benefits. Legislators asked about the cost per case, the board’s relationship to DAS, whether appeals must go through the board before court, and how often cases are appealed further. The board said appeals must first go through it, that court appeals are infrequent but have increased recently, and that the board’s process is intended to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than court litigation. Committee members also asked about the board’s caseload, outcomes, and staffing. The board said that in the prior year there were 22 cases, with four decisions overturned in favor of employees, nine dismissals, and nine settlements, and that many disputes are resolved before reaching the board through a multi-step internal process. A member noted the governor and council had recently approved a new board member and were expected to approve a fifth soon. The discussion ended with questions about the board’s website and records access, which members said would need to be moved from Administrative Services as part of the agency’s transition. The committee then moved to the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. The executive director explained that the council is 100 percent federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and develops a five-year plan to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the council works with state agencies and advocacy organizations on quality-of-life issues, accessibility, voter rights training, and plain-language or easy-to-read materials, and that 60 percent of its membership must be individuals with disabilities or family members/guardians. She also described the council’s funding structure, including reimbursement to the state for operating costs, and noted that it currently has three full-time and three part-time positions, with no new positions requested but one full-time position being eliminated and replaced after a pandemic-era staffing change did not work out as planned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The total amount of tax credits listed on certification, certificates of tax credit issued by the Department
• ,<03:15:17.760> certificates<03:15:18.399> of<03:15:18.640> tax on certification
• , certificates of tax on certification, certificates of tax credit<03:15:19.200> issued<03:15:
• The amount of the tax credit listed on certificates of tax credit issued by the Department of Revenue
• >> you could do away with the certification >> you could do away with the certification

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 17.679> uh<00:30:18.080> line<00:30:18.399> 11<00:30:19.360> 619-1-47 certificate
• of<00:30:23.120> auditor's<00:30:23.679> decision<00:30:24.240> claims certificate
• of auditor's decision claims certificate of auditor's decision claims against<00:30:24.880> the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• system, DHCS has submitted our corresponding budget change proposal, or BCP, requesting a program certification
• We’re requesting $2 million annually between fiscal years 2026–27 and 2029–30 for a program certification
• And in the TBL, we propose to update our facility licensure and certification guidance to align with
• Update our facility licensure and certification guidance to align with those fourth edition standards
• In statutes that govern our DHCS alcohol and drug program certification and our narcotic treatment program

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard updates from the Department of State Hospitals on its proposed 2026-27 budget, including a $3.2 billion total budget, patient-driven operating cost increases, savings in the IST solutions program, and progress in meeting the Stiavedi court-ordered 28-day treatment standard. DSH reported it has met court benchmarks, reduced the IST pending placement list from a pandemic high of 1,953 to about 250, and is now averaging about five days to initiate treatment. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323 on referrals, outside hospitalization costs, Medicare coverage, and whether IST solution funds were being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, outside medical costs are rising due to inflation and an aging population, and the IST savings reflect slower-than-expected activation of community programs rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, a feasibility study under SB 380 for transitional housing for the CONREP SVP program, and a dental services expansion at Metropolitan and Patton. The committee held those DSH items open after discussion. The Commission for Behavioral Health presented its role in overseeing the transition from MHSA to BHSA, including data, evaluation, transparency, grantmaking, and technical assistance. It described the new Innovation Partnership Fund, a statewide innovation grant program funded at up to $20 million annually for five years, with small and large grants, and said it had received strong interest ahead of the May 8 application deadline. Members asked about what qualifies as innovation, whether grants could be renewed, and how the state would ensure the program supports service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for up to $4.062 million in remaining Alcove Youth Drop-in Center funds so sites can finish implementation and Stanford can complete the final evaluation; that item was also held open. DHCS provided an overview of behavioral health policy changes under CalAIM and BH Connect, including peer support, mobile crisis, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, the access reform and outcomes incentive program, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, transitional rent, and upcoming youth-focused guidance such as high-fidelity wraparound and activity funds. On BHSA implementation, DHCS said it is not tracking specific local program cuts, but is monitoring county plans and outcomes while noting that counties must still preserve Medi-Cal specialty mental health and DMC-ODS services. The department also discussed its H.R. 1 implementation strategy, including outreach, streamlined renewals, ex parte exemptions, and proposed clinic navigator and outreach funding to reduce Medi-Cal coverage loss, especially for people with behavioral health needs. In response to questions, DHCS said it has not produced a specific H.R. 1 impact estimate for county behavioral health populations, and later explained that counties can still use BHSA and other funding streams for prevention and early intervention while the state tracks impacts through integrated plans and new performance measures. The department also reported on BH-CHIP bond spending, saying it has awarded $5.8 billion for 437 infrastructure projects creating 546 new or expanded facilities and more than 9,553 residential beds, with tribal set-asides exceeding the original allotment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a couple of certificates for you. >> Welcome to the [applause] Madam majority floor leader. >
• He will be graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in economics and a certificate in
• 00:24:17.120> economics<00:24:17.679> and<00:24:17.919> a<00:24:18.159> certificate
• <00:24:18.640> in<00:24:18.880> land in economics and a certificate in land in economics
• and a certificate in land management.<00:24:20.240> He<00:24:20.480> will<00:24:20.640

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the bridge inspection program and certification is different than the bridge construction certification
• an actual bridge condition inspector. than the bridge construction than the bridge construction certification
• . certification. certification.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're governed under 7-13-105 for the issuance of certificates.
• Um, but we wouldn't, Department of Corrections wouldn't be reviewing that or issuing a certificate.
• wouldn't be reviewing that or<00:25:05.200> issuing<00:25:05.600> a<00:25:05.760> certificate
• <00:25:06.720> But<00:25:06.799> I<00:25:07.039> stand or issuing a certificate
• But I stand or issuing a certificate.

Bills: HB0108, HB0039, HB0091, HB0070

Keywords: audit, transparency, government reporting, accountability, public access, firearm rights, restoration of rights, criminal justice, felony convictions, Wyoming law, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws