Transcript Highlights:

• mission of this commission to ensure that such individuals have an opportunity to contribute their skills
• At every site, youth receive real job training experiences, develop leadership skills, and learn how
• These include our continued operation of training for mandated reporters, as well as the training and
• These include our continued operation of a training promoted reporters, as well as the training and technical
• Police in this case, and police departments across the Commonwealth and country, are often trained to

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, it has expanded to include additional cities, offering equipment, training, technological
• SINCE THEN, IT HAS EXPANDED TOWN COLLUDE ADDITIONAL CITIES, OFFERING EQUIPMENT, TRAINING, TECHNOLOGICAL
• The axe falls regardless of skill, regardless of merit or accomplishment; it falls without Regard to
• The train on tariffs at the border is going backwards.
• THE TRAIN ON TARIFFS AT THE BORDER IS GOING BACKWARDS. Mr. President, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• In recognition of her skill and knowledge, in 1961 she was promoted to assistant register of probate.
• A special concern of hers throughout her career and life was improving court procedures and training
• Throughout her career, Mary was known for her diligence in reforming and improving court procedures, training

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a filed report from the Office of the Comptroller on its fiscal year 2025 deficiency report, which was ordered printed in the Senate Journal and placed on file. Senator Durant then welcomed members of the Longmeadow Lancers cross-country team, along with Representative Brian Ashe, to congratulate them on winning the Division 2 state championship, the program’s first-ever title. The main action of the session was a motion that the Senate adjourn in memory of the Honorable Mary C. Fitzpatrick, a longtime and distinguished probate and family court judge and the first woman to lead a major trial court department in Massachusetts. The Senate adopted the motion, observed a moment of silence, and noted her career, honors, and public service. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and to reconvene on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Judge Fitzpatrick.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding that this would appropriate monies for training of inmates to be able to transcribe
• Payne, while the money for this program goes to the department to fund the program, training, materials
• in the library to a geography textbook or an algebra textbook, which really does require a level of skill

Committee: Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Summary: The Public Safety Committee approved the February 18, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 2207, which would appropriate $300,000 in fiscal year 2027 to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry for the Braille transcription program. The bill also requires annual reporting on the number of in-state and out-of-state students served and states that the appropriation is intended as ongoing funding. During discussion, a member asked whether the program generates revenue; staff said they would look into it, and a committee member noted the possibility that transcribed Braille materials may be sold, though that was not confirmed in the hearing. A representative from the Foundation for Blind Children testified in support of the bill, explaining that the prison Braille program partners with the department to train incarcerated people to transcribe Braille and has become the largest such program in the nation. She said the program serves mostly K-12 students with visual impairments, produces about 75% of Braille transcribed in the state, and provides materials at a much lower cost than the open market. She also stated that revenue from sales of transcribed materials does not go back to the department, to her understanding. After questions and no further discussion, a motion was made for a do-pass recommendation. The committee voted 7-0 in favor of HB 2207, and the bill was reported out with a do-pass recommendation before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding that this would appropriate monies for training of inmates to be able to transcribe
• Payne, while the money for this program goes to the department to fund the program, training, materials
• in the library to a geography textbook or an algebra textbook, which really does require a level of skill

Bills: HB2207

Committees: Senate Public Safety , Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Keywords: braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• So we pay an hourly wage of about $24 to $25 an hour. ...training.
• John, they're being trained right now.
• John, they're being trained right now.
• We’re not trying to train workforce. It can’t. We’re not trying to train workforce at K to 5.
• We've got training available for teachers.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, California needs to require hate crimes training of law enforcement officers.
• And Assemblymember Lohenthal and I have both training bills.
• Myself and Assemblymember Lohenthal have both training bills.
• What are your sentiments in terms of, I mean, we train on sexual harassment, we train on ethics, and
• Which gives us an opportunity to build a new skill, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• small rural remote health care organization comprising a 16-bed critical access hospital, a 37-bed skilled
• It also hurts my heart to think about closure as an option because Northshore Health is the only skilled
• Nursing Home in the county only Skilled Nursing Home in the county and<00:05:14.240><c> we</c><00:05
• You know, coffee shops have been taking these with very, very simple training.
• um you can save lives simple training um you can save lives and<00:22:02.080><c> everybody</c><00:22

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:59.160><c> program</c> employment and training program employment and training program specifically
• and fully executing are highly trained and fully executing every<02:15:48.320><c> skill</c><02:15:48.639
• I wasn't necessarily talking about skill sets. I was talking about time spent.
• It's duplication of skill sets.
• It's duplication of skill sets.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:43.040><c> sites</c> sorry 13,000 12,000 which is train sites sorry 13,000 12,000 which is
• for firearms training, tactical exercises, and law enforcement skill development.
• </c> support civilian firearms training support civilian firearms training programs<00:48:00.480><c>
• The indoor gun range, training facility, since you're here, where would that be located?
• </c><00:53:42.640><c> facility,</c> since you're here, training facility, since you're here, training

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So thus far, there's been 74. or individuals trained through the consortium.
• We've tried to incorporate training into all the programs.
• set, the correctional officers, or the team to do the work. not have the skill sets.
• institutional higher education employees that are interested in taking that training.
• The training covers a variety of topics such as accounting, auditing, contracting, etc.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• But how, you know, that logistical train there, I'm not really sure how that exactly works.
• added that, while it could be tangentially related because some of the people involved were being trained
• I think about, are there particular skill sets?
• really good questions, number one, but you can understand the need for folks that are adequately trained
• If you could make that piece around the kinds of talent development and workforce skills that accompany

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2896, sponsored by Rep. Brown, which would change how boards of governors for state universities are selected. Brown said the bill, developed with input from the governor’s office, would simplify appointment rules by removing service-area and congressional-district requirements and instead limiting board membership so no more than half of the voting members come from the county where the institution is located, with a St. Louis exception. Members asked about Missouri residency requirements, the effect on Missouri State University and Southeast Missouri State University, and whether university presidents would recommend candidates to the governor. Brown said he would follow up on questions and was open to discussing possible adjustments, especially regarding geographic representation. One witness spoke in favor, arguing that boards should reflect a cross-section of the state. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2896 was closed. The committee then took up House Bill 1659, the Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Act, sponsored by Rep. Steinmeyer. The bill would create a grant program to help Missouri manufacturers convert facilities to produce strategic materials tied to national defense and energy resilience. Steinmeyer described it as a private-capital-first program requiring at least $500,000 in private investment, with grants capped at $1 million per project per year, subject to appropriation, annual reporting, and repayment provisions if projects fail. He said the bill is intended to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen supply chains while keeping taxpayer risk limited. Members raised concerns about environmental and public safety risks, the bill’s placement in the higher education committee, whether it should instead be funded federally, and whether the program would mainly benefit large companies rather than small businesses. Questions also focused on the bill’s workforce-development component, the lack of detail on training and public-health protections, and the budget impact of creating a dedicated fund that would retain money and interest rather than sweep it to general revenue. Steinmeyer said the bill is meant to support existing Missouri companies or companies establishing headquarters in Missouri, and that universities had been involved in discussions about workforce needs. A representative from the API Innovation Center testified in favor, saying the bill could help develop key starting materials for pharmaceuticals and support reshoring. One witness testified in opposition, arguing the state should not subsidize private industry and warning about fiscal strain and environmental oversight. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• for House Bill 2179, a narrow and technical clarification that protects the pension status of the skilled
• The Port of Vancouver relies on highly trained building trades workers to construct and maintain the
• Some bus drivers are lucky to start the job getting on to sub once we complete training.
• And then we train those benefits administrators how to make eligibility determinations.
• And then we train those benefits administrators how to make eligibility determinations.

Bills: HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2160 , HB2179

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: retirement, lump sum payment, financial security, pension reform, monthly benefits, retirement system, investment earnings, trust funds, public pensions, financial management, education, benefits, school employees, membership eligibility, employment, public employees, port workers, federal retirement plan, pension

Transcript Highlights:

• It is awarded to various organizations to increase job training skills. ...cover the startup costs associated
• agencies would be eligible. ...allow their juvenile justice youth access to the JET grants for job training
• As you all know, on February 2nd, Governor Abbott made expanding career training an emergency item, and
• in his press release, he stated it was vital to education. ...is expanding career training.
• In our best chance we are... is to actually train up our own and give them the skills to employ those

Bills: SB209 , SB529 , SB1265 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SCR37 , SCR38

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• "Recruiting every year, for you know, doing all of that training every year."
• They're very skilled individuals.
• uh I I only use them in the most skilled uh I I only use them in life<01:06:00.599><c> or</c><01:06:
• </c> down for hikers they're very skilled down for hikers they're very skilled individuals<01:07:17.400
• She said she does not see how they can figure out the cost of training as opposed to training ones and

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process. The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management. A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Training on any of these functions is available.
• We encourage them, we coach them, and we train them on how to get better.
• We provide training to New Mexico. public facility managers in the arena of FIMS.
• FIMS is also engaged; they provide training to New Mexico school districts.
• What an opportunity to be able to train students in the realm of energy management.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• This will allow our training staff to develop training scenarios and obtain any appropriate training
• training.
• And they've had no training, no formalized training.
• Training for all of our personnel. And finalize our training program for licensing.
• Let's see, provide professional training for our enforcement training.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, we definitely need some training, as there are always new combat sports happening.
• So we have to train our officials so they know what they're doing, and that definitely costs money.
• We haven't had a training in Oklahoma since 2012. So that is one of my goals.
• We haven't had a training in Oklahoma since 2012. So that is one of my goals.
• We would like to have licensing software, officials' trainings, as well.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and newer combat sports such as slap fighting and bare-knuckle fighting. The director apologized for missing an earlier appearance and explained that the agency now operates as its own standalone agency rather than under the Health Department. She described the commission’s safety role, including licensing participants, requiring blood testing, and sending inspectors to events, while promoters pay for doctors, ambulances, referees, judges, and other event personnel. The commission said its main accomplishments included securing its own agency number, updating outdated statutory language, adding authority to regulate slap fighting and bare-knuckle events, and moving to credit-card payments. Major challenges discussed were staffing and modernization: the agency has only two full-time employees, 36 temporary inspectors, and still relies on Excel as its database. The director said the commission needs a new licensing system, training for officials, and more outreach to attract larger promotions. She noted that in fiscal year 2025 the commission licensed 1,287 participants, oversaw about 40 combat events plus weekly wrestling events, and reported combined event sales of more than $3.1 million. Members asked about event operations, referee certification, charitable-event fees, and how the commission could grow combat sports in Oklahoma. The director said the agency is seeking a recurring $500,000 annual appropriation, plus a $300,000 supplemental, to cover new standalone-agency costs, hire an additional employee, and begin purchasing licensing software. She explained that the supplemental would help fund immediate expenses and allow the agency to hire a current temp worker. The chair encouraged the agency to coordinate earlier with committee leadership next session and closed the meeting after a brief discussion of “chess boxing.”

Transcript Highlights:

• our training as well, and it's really nice that we now have that training so that our workers feel better
• So thank you for your time. training that is really important we training that is really important we
• </c><01:33:31.960><c> as</c> just didn't keep up on our training as just didn't keep up on our training
• It helps us make sure things are in place to train staff and ensure we can do our job safely.
• It helps us make sure things are in place to train staff and ensure we can do our job safely.

Bills: HF1419 , HF500

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• , shared space for cooking, eating, recreation, growing food, community activities, and even job training
• She had an incredible skill of coming in, listening attentively to all perspectives, having an ability
• the speakership opened up how quickly her colleagues got behind her, that she had brought that same skill
• She had an incredible skill of coming in, listening attentively to all perspectives, having an ability
• the speakership opened up how quickly her colleagues got behind her, that she had brought that same skill