Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:41.519><c> experience,</c><00:03:42.400><c> financial</c> development experience, financial development
• </c> Kentucky Economic Development Board. Kentucky Economic Development Board.
• </c><00:04:06.000><c> District,</c> Lake Kerland Area Development District, Lake Kerland Area Development
• It is a part of the curriculum training.
• I would also say of that curriculum.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28 Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31 Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39 Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Chris's work includes culturally responsive curriculum, mentorship, leadership training, and strategic
• The KLO's Crown curriculum is a college preparatory elective that teaches African American history from
• Their model challenges all of us to think differently about how community mentorship, workforce development
• Beyond the capital, CBF elevates programs that build STEM and biotech literacy, which helps develop the
• , efficiency, and accessibility of transportation through vital academic research and workforce development

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through several floor recognitions. Members honored the Natomas Nighthawks boys basketball team for their championship season, and the chamber also recognized the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awardees for work on homelessness, education, youth civic engagement, community college success, and mental health. Individual awardees highlighted included Chris Chapman, Leanne Chun, Darla Cooper, Virgil Moorhead Jr. and Amy Matheson, Adrian Hillman and Aaron Garner Ford, and Selina Alvarez. The Senate also welcomed former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios Perez and later heard committee and budget subcommittee announcements. On legislation, the body considered and passed Senate Resolution 88 by Senator Blakespear, commemorating the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation. The resolution emphasized California’s role in biotech innovation and the industry’s economic and public health impact. The Senate also passed Senate Resolution 90 by Senator Gonzalez, recognizing April 14–16 as Khmer New Year and celebrating Cambodian American culture, especially in Long Beach. The chamber confirmed five gubernatorial appointments: Alan Guy, Henry Nutt III, and Steven Pennelli to the Contractors State License Board; Jacob Arkavakotov to the Medical Board of California; and Dr. V. V. Ling Sai to the Medical Board of California. All confirmations were approved by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also suspended a rule to allow Senate Bill 1447 to be heard in policy committees after the deadline, and later announced that the next floor session would be held on Monday, April 13, 2026. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of Rod Diridon Sr., with extended remarks from Senators Cortese, Wahab, and Becker describing his long public service, leadership on transportation and environmental issues, and lasting influence in Santa Clara County and beyond.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chris's work includes culturally responsive curriculum, mentorship, leadership training, and strategic
• The curriculum is a college preparatory elective that teaches African American history from the diaspora
• Their model challenges all of us to think differently about how community mentorship, workforce development
• Beyond the capital, CBF elevates programs that build STEM and biotech literacy, which helps develop the
• , efficiency, and accessibility of transportation through vital academic research and workforce development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• legitimacy of the invoices and establish a60 day window for invoice payment OMES is tasked with developing
• I know that with these being developed by OMES and handed off to certain agencies, my suggestion would
• So, schools are responsible for helping students grow and develop and learn.
• Of the curriculum, it does not help students learn better.
• You know, in the context of how Oklahoma legislators have treated gay people in Oklahoma from Curriculum

Bills: HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219

Keywords: state government, vendor contracts, subcontracting, public database, contract assessment, transparency, retirement, law enforcement, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, school resource officers, public safety, public finance, contract management, service-driven contracts, state accounting, intangible assets, Oklahoma Police Pension, disability benefits, mental health, retirement system

Transcript Highlights:

• 20 years, she fought for better transit solutions, affordable housing, and sustainable community development
• safety in its next regularly scheduled revisions of the health education standards of learning and curriculum
• safety in its next regularly scheduled revisions of the health education standards of learning and curriculum
• the right of action, but the prescription for what the guidelines will be for each school will be developed
• Will be developed by the department as opposed to in the bill.

Keywords: March 13, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Team and 988 team at the Office of Behavioral Health under the Prevention, Wellness, and Workplace Development
• At the Office of Behavioral Health, under the Prevention, Wellness, and Workplace Development Team, we
• Do you think some type of mandate, at least as part of the college curriculum, would be helpful as well
• you know, if I'm a first-time student, there's nothing in any, and I don't want to use the word curriculum
• And we do have a university toolkit that we just developed with 988 about the work that we've done across

Summary: The task force met to review the prior minutes, hear introductions from members and stakeholders, and receive an update on the HCR 86 study on African American suicide in Louisiana. Dr. Williams summarized survey findings from 94 university respondents and said the work focused on college students as a key risk group, with financial stress and other early triggers identified. He said universities had resisted participation because of stigma and concerns about enrollment and reputation, and he recommended stronger statewide reporting requirements, better data collection, and more targeted prevention efforts. Members discussed possible policy responses, including mandatory suicide prevention training, gatekeeper training for faculty and staff, student awareness materials, and adding 988 information to student IDs and campus outreach. Dr. Thomas described existing LDH efforts, including 988 partnerships, a university toolkit, and training through the Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources. Senator Boudreaux and others said the issue should be addressed through legislation rather than voluntary action alone, while Dr. McKee noted that occupational licensing rules and statutes could support required training and reporting. The task force agreed to revise the report language to say reporting would be confidential unless otherwise required by law, and to circulate additional state examples and recommendations before February 1 for use as a legislative template. Members also asked that the Office of Public Health be included in discussions about a centralized suicide data hub, since it already tracks real-time suicide data. The chair thanked the participants, said the final recommendations would guide possible legislation, and adjourned the meeting without setting another date unless further action is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are nurses from organizations across Arizona, including Southwest Human Development, Easterseals
• These nurses provide trusted guidance on child development and long-term family stability during one
• Chairman, the Committee on Rural and Economic Development and Housing has had consideration of HB 2258
• The data collection that is used in inspections is used to develop that mass appraisal, if you will.
• That is the intent, and that is the report that is developed.

Summary: The House convened on Ash Wednesday with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the journal approved, and a series of guest introductions recognizing Dr. William Thompson, Disability Day at the Capitol participants, Arizona Cattle Growers, a GCU student guest, striking ASU Aramark workers and union supporters, Nurse-Family Partnership nurses, Navajo Nation visitors, and others. Members also made remarks honoring Lent, Ramadan, Black History Month, and various community figures. Attendance was recorded at 54 present, 3 absent, and 3 excused, and the House received committee substitutions and Senate messages without objection. The chamber adopted House Resolution 2006, a death resolution honoring Yvonne Glee Lyme Federson and her work with Childhelp to combat child abuse. The resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of respectful silence. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and later an additional Committee of the Whole to consider several bills. Measures receiving do pass recommendations included HB 2089, HB 2177 as amended, HB 2258, HB 2322 as amended, HB 2786, and HB 2825 as amended, with amendments adopted on HB 2177, HB 2322, and HB 2825. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and ordered those bills engrossed or regrossed as appropriate. In the additional Committee of the Whole, members debated HB 2074, HB 2104, and HB 2105, all property- or health-related measures. HB 2074 drew sharp debate over an amendment removing a life-of-the-mother exception in a partial-birth abortion provision; supporters said the change clarified that safer medical alternatives exist, while opponents argued it would criminalize care even to save a mother’s life. HB 2104 and HB 2105 were amended to add taxable improvements as a trigger for assessor review and to make a standardized report optional, with supporters saying the changes improved county property tax administration and opponents warning they could hinder assessors and create litigation. All three bills received do pass as amended recommendations and were ordered engrossed. The House then took up third-reading votes and passed HB 2173, HB 2203, HB 2223, and HB 2501 by 57-0 votes with three not voting. HB 2307, an emergency measure concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and out-of-state treatment options, passed 37-20 with three not voting, but failed to achieve the required two-thirds vote for the emergency clause. Members explained votes in support as a temporary response to a lack of in-state treatment beds, and in opposition as a bill that was too broad or not yet implementable. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a curriculum matrix of over 500 different lesson plans, ways that these teachers can integrate
• The sugar beet growers, we're putting together our own curriculum for school-aged kids through sixth
• When this crucial period in the young driver's development is removed, there will be a cost.
• When this crucial period in the young driver's development is removed, there will be a cost.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 663, which would allow Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom to redesign its specialty license plate and shift plate design approval authority from Food Producers of Idaho to the Ag in the Classroom board of directors. Sponsor Representative Raymond and executive director Cassidy Plum said the plate generates about 75% of the program’s funding and supports teacher workshops, grants, and ag-literacy curriculum for K-12 classrooms. Testimony in support emphasized the program’s educational value and suggested involving students in the redesign. Representative Harris raised the idea that students should help design the plate, and Plum said the organization would likely include a student competition. The committee voted to send HB 663 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 628, sponsored by Representative Mendive, which revises Idaho’s driver education law. Mendive said the bill removes language limiting the parent-taught option to rural districts and also cleans up references to online course providers, allowing more districts to offer parent-led driver training if they choose. A driver education instructor, Robert Scoville, testified in opposition, arguing that removing school-based instruction would reduce safety and increase teen crash risks, citing traffic fatality and economic-loss statistics. In response, Mendive and several members argued that parents already bear much of the responsibility and that the bill expands freedom rather than forcing anyone to do anything. Committee discussion focused on whether parent-led instruction is as effective as professional driver education and whether the bill would affect safety in urban areas. Some members supported the bill as a matter of parental choice and noted that many districts already do not offer driver’s ed, while others expressed concern about unintended consequences and the value of third-party instruction. After debate, the committee voted to send HB 628 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In FY26, we have developed two new vape cessation campaigns that will launch.
• So does that mean like apartments, or does that mean housing developments?
• So, RVO Health will be working with the schools on developing curriculum to help people, as well as referring
• With a lot of this development for tobacco? I'm not sure, thank you for the question.
• We've been working in lockstep to develop the relaunch campaign, excuse me.

Transcript Highlights:

• A powerful, youth-led organization working to develop and grow young leaders, empower communities and
• Across the state, multiple school districts have adopted or are considering curriculum that results in
• And so it is incredibly important to me that we hear what our educators are experiencing and develop
• What this bill will do is it will chill the development of technology that will one day save the lives
• Governments used eminent domain for public development, urban renewal, and highway construction.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , manage, will establish, develop, manage, will establish, develop, manage, maintain all of that.
• local education department to develop local education department to develop local board board board
• because where I come from curriculum because where I come from curriculum because where I come from
• this bill is know rigorous curriculum this bill is know rigorous curriculum this bill is calling for
• . adding something else to the curriculum. adding something else to the curriculum.

Bills: HB 1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HB 24, HJR 138, HB 3800, HB 42, HB 129, HB 677, HB 668, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 1160, HB 3883, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3783, HB 2017, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 184, HB 198, HB 247, HB 367, HB 449, HB 1778, HB 514, HB 632, HB 2582, HB 766, HB 2715, HB 2712, HB 3069, HB 3505, HB 1269, HB 4224, HB 5032, HB 2240, HB 5180, HB 3348, HB 4668, HB 4665, HB 3395, HB 3157, HB 4395, HB 4325, HB 4386, HB 4273, HB 2760, HB 2820, HB 1828, HB 1579, SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 2034, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, SB 72, SB 1583, SB 2314, SB 1267, SB 1273, SB 765, SB 552, HB 2145, HJR 112, HB 1804, HJR 110, HB 1194, HB 1531, HB 5008, HB 3421, SCR 27, HB 5398, HB 1407, HB 426, HB 1535, HB 123, HB 1773, HB 1871, HB 2035, HB 2448, HB 2492, HB 1411, HB 4753, HB 4666, HB 4529, HB 1499, HB 1610, HB 2028, HB 1506, HB 886, HB 3546, HB 796, HB 223, HB 1475, HB 3556, HB 4638, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HCR 98, HCR 92, HCR 126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• know that an arts education can connect to students who are most disconnected from the traditional curriculum
• who are oftentimes most at risk of dropping out or failing are able to connect to a strong arts curriculum
• in a way that the other portions of the curriculum sometimes don't connect with them.
• come from the sugar plantations in Hawaii, and along with the International Longshore Women's Union developed

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026. On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0. The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause. Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• know that an arts education can connect to students who are most disconnected from the traditional curriculum
• who are oftentimes most at risk of dropping out or failing are able to connect to a strong arts curriculum
• in a way that the other portions of the curriculum sometimes don't connect with them, and it will keep
• come from the sugar plantations in Hawaii, and along with the International Longshoremen's Union, developed

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several guest introductions, including a Canadian diplomatic delegation visiting for Canada Day at the Capitol and the undefeated Under-11 San Juan Spirits soccer team. The chamber also recognized guests connected to later resolutions, including families and advocates tied to profound autism and farm worker issues, as well as arts education leaders. The Senate adopted SR 89, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day, after remarks emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and lifelong services for people with profound autism and their caregivers. Members also adopted SCR 147, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with support focused on the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success. Both resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up AB 2156, an urgency measure renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day and proclaiming March 31 as Farm Worker Day. Supporters from multiple caucuses and regions spoke about the history of farm labor, the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers, and the need to honor the broader movement and its diverse participants; some speakers also referenced recent allegations and the desire to center survivors and workers rather than one individual. The bill passed with 37 ayes and 0 noes, including the urgency clause. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of several items without objection, then adjourned in memory of Caitlin Mardell Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The session concluded with announcements of a committee meeting and a one-week spring recess, with the next floor session scheduled for April 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• an arts education can... ...connect to students who are most disconnected from the traditional curriculum
• who are oftentimes most at risk of dropping out or failing are able to connect with a strong arts curriculum
• in a way that the other portions of the curriculum sometimes don't connect with them.
• come from the sugar plantations in Hawaii, and, along with the International Longshoremen's Union, developed

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is vital to support that type of economic development. Thank you.
• Chairman, the Legislature and the Governor signed into law the Trade Port Development Act, and inside
• But the rules and all the curriculum are developed by MVD and DOT.
• But essentially, the MVD and DOT developed a curriculum together, and they are teaching about this already
• The purpose of that study was to develop a long-term corridor plan to improve traffic.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First-hand engagement with the tasks in a given career field that are aligned to curriculum and instruction
• Take a look at the first standard: standards-aligned and integrated curriculum.
• Let's say if you are investing in a teacher's professional development, you get classroom engagement.
• We worked really closely with Pro Parents Reaching Out in giving professional development about that
• Offer professional development in assessment for the teachers that are teaching these courses.

Transcript Highlights:

• The workforce opportunities that are developing in tribal communities.
• The Dental Commission will have to develop specific education and licensing requirements for assistants
• Rules will need to be developed for dentist or hygienist oversight of the care provided by these oral
• Additional training resources will need to be created so that assistants can develop the skills they
• Sharon Willoughby, stressed the importance of educating both professions in the same room to develop

Bills: SB6138, SB5899, SB6072, SB6094

Keywords: dental procedures, sedation, patient safety, multiprovider system, healthcare regulation, chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, veterinary telehealth, telemedicine, teletriage, teleadvice, animal health, licensed veterinarian, Washington veterinary board, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• And when a jurisdiction later needs to remove that structure for road realignment or new development,
• 87 and the Yemeni Student Club, but as an Arab and American high schooler who studies the same curriculum
• 87 and the Yemeni student club, but as an Arab and American high schooler who studies the same curriculum
• licenses, creating the availability and really taking advantage of building equitable economic development
• Members, this is AB 1823, which would require state agencies and departments to develop or update all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We reduce general classroom support, including curriculum.
• What it does is it asks these entities to go out there and develop these strategic... ...plans.
• You're going to set these plans and then you're going to develop your goals year after year to try and
• I've seen strategic plans that were developed and then put on a shelf.
• You get that input in there and help to develop that. This also directs you to do that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1288, which would create a high-cost special education student fund to reimburse school districts for extraordinary special education expenses above $30,000 per student. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is a response to constitutional and federal obligations to educate students with disabilities, and that the initial $5 million appropriation would provide limited relief while the fund is expected to be sustained later through internal department funding, donations, and interest. Testifiers from school districts, parent advocacy groups, and special education services described very high costs for staffing, therapies, transportation, equipment, and related services, especially in small and rural districts, and argued the bill would help districts avoid cutting other programs to cover these expenses. Members raised concerns about whether schools are being asked to absorb health-care-like responsibilities, the growth in high-need student costs, and the role of the federal government in underfunding mandates. The sponsor and other supporters responded that districts remain legally required to provide these services and that the bill reimburses costs after Medicaid, insurance, and district contributions are applied. After discussion, the committee voted to send Senate Bill 1288 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1339, which would replace the current continuous improvement plan framework with strategic performance plans for districts and charters, with goals tied to academic outcomes, annual review, stakeholder input, and possible oversight for underperformance. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would encourage long-term planning, reduce redundant reporting, and give high-performing schools more flexibility while helping lower-performing ones improve. Testimony from district leaders generally supported the approach, though one witness questioned the lack of new funding and whether districts already have similar plans. The committee approved the bill and sent Senate Bill 1339 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, then approved the March 12 and 13 minutes before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Texas State Capitol, impacting the space utilization of the site and limiting the potential development
• In recent years, there has been creditor involvement in governance, curriculum decisions, and other matters
• As developed and seeks federal recognition, Senate Bill 2647 establishes an interim transition system
• We've been trying to develop an associate's program, and so I've gone through this process of working
• We actually spent less than five minutes discussing curriculum.

Bills: SB1998, SB646, SB2786, SB2076, SB2615, SB1961, SB1418, SB2647, SB1322, SB2788

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction