Transcript Highlights:

• Testing, can you hear me? Can you hear me? Yes, thanks. I hear you. Can you hear me? Yes, thanks.
• Delaware students pursue many different paths; a single standardized test does not always capture industry
• A single standardized test does not always capture industry credentials, dual enrollment, success, work-based
• We are being compared to other states that do not test every child, and if you look at our ACT, we're
• But when they go take the state's test, most of those accommodations are taken away. ...They don't have

Bills: SB293, SB279, SB293, SB279

Keywords: SB 293, youth camp, child care licensing, Office of Child Care Licensing, OCCL, American Camp Association, ACA accreditation, Purchase of Care, POC reimbursement, summer camp, school-age child care, child care exemption, Division of Public Health permit, Title 14, Delaware Department of Education, health and safety standards, child care provider reimbursement, summer child care, camp licensing, license exemption

Summary: The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill. The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers. House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any public testing? Excuse me. Could she repeat that?
• this remotely so please talking to the microphone to all the speakers I'll remind them any public test
• The agency is required to conduct or contract for systemic and continuous testing of the provider network
• When was the last time we did a provider network adequacy test? Mr. Meyer.
• However, I wouldn't want this to be implied that this is the only time we've ever tested network adequacy

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission considered 21 budget amendments, most of them routine authority adjustments tied to federal grants, Medicaid payment programs, and trust fund realignments. The Department of Education received $14.751 million for a Preschool Development Grant to support early learning system improvements, workforce credentialing and training, IT modernization, and related early childhood certification work. The Department of Veterans Affairs shifted $2.2 million within its trust fund to cover higher nursing home occupancy, replace contract nursing with OPS staff, and meet rising operating costs. The Department of Health moved about $9.1 million to support Disability Determinations, where roughly 140,000 cases were pending or in process, and said the change would help reduce backlog and avoid a deficit. The Agency for Health Care Administration presented multiple amendments for Medicaid-related programs, including $766 million for indirect medical education, $1.9 million for managed care network adequacy audits, $209 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program, and several large supplemental payment programs for hospitals and physicians; members asked about CMS approval delays, provider access, and how rural funds would be distributed. The commission also adopted an amendment realigning KidCare funds, placing a $32.1 million surplus into reserve, though several members objected that the state had not yet implemented the 2023 KidCare expansion and that children remained on a wait list. Another Medicaid amendment placed a $376 million surplus into reserve after updated estimating conference projections. Other agencies also received approvals. FDLE received $16.26 million to buy counter-unmanned aircraft systems equipment such as radar and RF sensors to detect and mitigate drone threats. The Department of Juvenile Justice received $1.6 million for the Florida Scholars Academy and a Social Services Block Grant realignment, with staff confirming corrective action had been taken after prior audit findings about allowable SSBG spending. The Division of Emergency Management received federal pass-through authority for FIFA World Cup security and counter-UAS funds, both controlled by the Miami host committee, and members noted the state had little direct oversight over how those local grants would be used. The Department of Commerce received $148.4 million for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery work, with questions focused on the split between housing, infrastructure, and administrative costs. The Department of State received $408,377 for arts and culture federal grant obligations. All amendments were adopted, generally without objection, after brief questioning and no public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• awards points based on whether school state require schools to re-establish the presidential fitness test
• You're recognized. >> And thank you, Madam Chair. >> I actually thought we did the presidential fitness test
• I think it's been I also remember doing the presidential fitness testing my youth as well.
• And also when you mentioned about the presidential fitness test, I looked across because I know Will
• So that that was specific to the presidential fitness tested. It is my understanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• , prior to the restart of an oil pipeline not in use for five or more years, a comprehensive hydro test
• First, it requires hydrostatic testing for each segment of an idle oil spill. pipeline before a restart
• Indirect testing there failed to accurately determine the degree of corrosion.
• Hydro testing is a direct assessment, a clearer measure of pipeline integrity.
• It's hydro test.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it passes my test, and that's why I gave them the gold star.
• Um, it passes my test, and that's why I gave them the gold star.
• Um, it passes my test, and that's why I gave them the gold star.
• Um, it passes my test, and that's why I gave them the gold star.
• Um, it passes my test, and that's why I gave them the gold star.

Bills: HF2436, HF2435

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• These are studies where an inoculum of bacteria is placed on the test subject's hands, the test article
• So they want us to design the studies to test in a... Right?
• So they want us to design the studies to test in a consumer clinical way how these products work.
• Well, those tests will take several years to complete. They take several years even just to design.

Summary: The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee met to adopt its rules, establish quorum, and approve a consent calendar of five bills, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard three measures: AB 638 by Assembly Member Rodriguez on stormwater capture for irrigation of urban public lands; AB 60 by Assembly Member Papin on banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products; and AB 916 by Assembly Member Lee on restricting certain antibacterial soap ingredients in consumer hand soaps and body washes. AB 638 was presented as a climate and water-supply measure directing the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capturing and safely reusing stormwater for irrigation. Supporters, including NRDC and several environmental groups, argued it would reduce potable water use and help move stalled projects forward. The bill drew no opposition and received strong support from committee members, including requests to coauthor. It passed the committee on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 60 would ban synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products due to health and environmental concerns. Supporters cited endocrine disruption, reproductive harms, persistence in waterways, and international restrictions. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the floor, with one member not voting. AB 916 generated the most debate: supporters said the three targeted antimicrobials offer no added benefit over plain soap, may contribute to health harms and antibiotic resistance, and should be banned in consumer products while exempting health care settings. Opponents argued the ingredients are already under FDA and DTSC review, raised preemption concerns, and warned of costs and impacts on food handling and other uses. After extensive discussion, the committee approved AB 916 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health, with several no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will you use loyalty tests, Mr.
• But when you think about ships and science, it's about let's get the test bedding done.
• It said that those... test bedding of next-generation technology.
• companies... or large organizations may not have the money to do the kind of research to do the actual test
• But once the test bedding is done, it's like we're off to the races.

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• this is not a commercial, but it's free to sign up no matter of you have 18 t T-Mobile or Verizon to test
• One Artemis to crewed test flight with for astronaut is targeting April 2026.
• To test the space launch system SLS rocket.
• , infrastructure, integrating flight hardware and performing rigorous validation and verification testing
• Person B audit along commercial companies to consolidate a combination of manufacturing, processing testing

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• other part of this that he added and suggested was that we allow an option for a paper-and-pencil test
• He mentioned that in a lot of areas it's hard for students to get into a testing center.
• And some students just do better with a paper-and-pencil test than they do on a computer test.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1640, marijuana, qualifying illnesses, testing complaints. Okay.
• SB 1640, marijuana, qualifying illnesses, testing complaints. HHS.
• SB 1661, paternity, genetic testing, support obligation. June elections.
• SB 1783, TAMP lifetime limit drug testing. SB 1784, juvenile sentence reduction hearing.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded roll call showing 30 members present, and approval of the previous journal. The President announced receipt of HB 2022 from the governor and made temporary committee substitutions for the Rules Committee. The chamber also received a large calendar of first- and second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, water, public safety, marijuana, housing, taxation, and other topics. A major presentation recognized licensed naturopathic physicians in the gallery, who were invited to support SB 1178, a bill expanding their authority to administer certain intravenous legend drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. The Senate then recessed to honor public safety personnel with a proclamation commending Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya, along with several Cochise and Pinal County and Border Patrol personnel, for rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation. The members applauded the honorees and took photos with them. After returning to order, several senators used points of personal privilege to urge the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to review $2.85 million in election-related funding requested by the Secretary of State for IT and election infrastructure needs, arguing the money was already available and necessary for secure 2026 elections. Another senator spoke about the need for long-term water planning and reduced groundwater reliance. Additional announcements covered caucus and committee meeting times, Arizona Aerospace Day, and a mental health advocacy group visiting the chamber. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• morning, Madam Chair, members, I am pleased to present AB 435, a bill that will implement the five-step test
• Endorsed by the Strategic Highway Safety Plan Occupant Protection Committee, the five-step test was designed
• to 13 continue to sit in the rear seat and a child passenger safety seat. they meet the five-step test
• And to require that children starting at the age of 13 must meet the five-step test before being allowed

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This does not exclude or leave out any exams or requirements for testing.
• any um exams or or leave out any um exams or requirements<00:02:16.640> for<00:02:16.920> testing
• ><00:02:17.760> they<00:02:17.879> still<00:02:18.080> have requirements for testing
• they still have requirements for testing they still have to<00:02:18.319> meet<00:02:18.560><

Keywords: Roll Call 00:20 Discussion on HB 303 00:45 Vote on HB 303 04:41 Discussion on HB 305 05:32 Vote on HB 305 08:34, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and heard House Bill 303 first. Representative Steve Bratcher explained that the bill would let U.S. military members with medical training transition that experience into Kentucky health-care credentials more quickly. Schools and colleges would evaluate military curricula on an individual basis, identify gaps, and allow those gaps to be filled with additional classes or clinical time before the person sits for the required exam. The bill was described as applying broadly across medical fields, not just nursing, and it would not waive testing or standards. Senators asked whether the process would compare credentials across states and whether the bill covered only U.S. military service; Bratcher said evaluations would be individualized and the bill was primarily for those who served in the U.S. military. HB 303 received an 11-0 favorable vote. The committee then took up House Bill 305, presented by Representative Ken Fleming. He said the committee substitute would expand an existing health-care workforce award program to include dietitians and physician assistants, clarify that certain EMS-related services may be owned or operated by a hospital rather than only owned by one, and provide more flexibility around licensing timelines after a certificate of need is issued by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services. After a motion and second, the committee voted unanimously to amend and pass HB 305 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted unanimously. Before adjournment, the chair noted that the next regular meeting was scheduled for March 12 and warned that a special-called meeting might be needed the following Monday because of bills arriving from the House. No further business was taken up, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $603,200 in trust funds to procure testing equipment for the electric vehicle testing program.
• All right. $603,000, $603,200 in trust to procure testing equipment for the electric vehicle testing

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to hear member-led presentations on agency budget requests after prior meetings with the agencies. Representative Barnaby summarized the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ fiscal year 2025-26 request, highlighting major funding for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, Florida Forest Service wildfire and land management needs, citrus disease and research efforts, a new Conner Complex facility and lab, agricultural water and BMP projects, agricultural law enforcement staffing and equipment, maintenance and vehicle needs, and federal grant-related spending. No vote was taken on the department’s request during the meeting. Representative Bartleman presented the Department of Environmental Protection request and said the subcommittee supported it fully. The request emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality grants, springs, harmful algal bloom and red tide response, alternate water supplies, resilience and flood prevention, beach and coral reef restoration, land acquisition and state parks, and cleanup of petroleum, dry cleaning, and hazardous waste sites. Representative Alvarez asked DEP to provide a list of the most contaminated lakes, along with estimated costs, so the committee could prioritize cleanup efforts. Representative Black summarized the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission request, which included additional law enforcement funding in high-demand areas, oyster and reef restoration, habitat restoration, heavy equipment for land management and prescribed burning, a water survival training center, and red snapper data research. Representative Salzman then presented the Department of Citrus request, describing a lean agency budget focused on operations, PALM readiness, marketing and consumer awareness, greening-resistant plant material, and building repairs; the workgroup recommended fully funding the request. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair and staff for the more member-driven budget process, and the subcommittee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY ARE BOTH FULLY DEVELOPED AND CURRENTLY IN THE USER ACCEPTANCE TESTING PHASE CURRENTLY IN THE TESTING
• I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING WHEN WE WILL BE READY TO START THE TESTING ON THAT.
• THE MAJORITY OF TESTING WILL BE DONE AS WELL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Test scores, curriculum, and standards matter, but the stats alone have never told the full story.
• test test scores curriculum effectively test test scores curriculum and<00:35:58.720> standards
• Take a standardized test that students are required to take so you can appreciate the test anxiety that
• Take a standardized test that students are required to take so you can appreciate the test anxiety that
• Take a standardized test that students are required to take so you can appreciate the test anxiety that

Bills: HF550, HF412, HF796, HF140

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a random sample test. given to a subset of students in every state in grades four and eight in
• six percent of their students who don't speak English at home, but we're all given the same English test
• They are still testing reading and math.
• We're testing reading and math, but we're testing based upon our aligned curriculum standards.
• That is why Alpine ISD's money should not be affected by Brewster CAD's failures on your tests.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This has to do with the Pearson VUE testing program.
• And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
• This has to do with the Pearson VUE testing program.
• And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?
• And do you know that they have to come to Honolulu for a test for one hour?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Commerce and Consumer Protection heard the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs present its biennium budget request for fiscal years 2025 to 2027. Director Nainoa Ando said the department’s requests were primarily special-fund ceiling increases to meet operational needs. Major items included an additional $12 million to complete the King Kamehameha V Post Office building roof project after hidden deterioration and water intrusion were discovered, plus funding related to fringe benefits and central services assessments. The department also outlined requests for a new medical compact implementation cost, an auditor position, an engineer position, and a captive insurance IT modernization project. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Office of Consumer Protection’s landlord-tenant call line and public service access. Senators raised concerns that callers often reach voicemail, are told to leave a message, and sometimes are referred to look up the law themselves. DCCA said the Oʻahu line is staffed by one full-time employee backed by two to three investigators, with one investigator each on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and that calls are tracked in a case management system. The department said it plans to add one more Oʻahu staff position through a transfer from another division and that a new call-center/web system with time tracking is expected to go live in the summer. Members also discussed a possible bill related to Pearson VUE nursing certification testing, with one senator describing the burden on neighbor-island nursing graduates who must travel to Honolulu for a one-hour test. The senator said she intended to introduce legislation after receiving no response to repeated outreach. DCCA did not take action on that proposal during the hearing. For the PUC-related requests, the department explained a one-time $1 million request for outside consulting tied to Maui wildfire-related filings, including wildfire safety mitigation and hazard mitigation plans, and a separate $900,000 request through the Consumer Advocacy Division to hire consultants for review and analysis. The committee also discussed a captive insurance IT modernization request, which DCCA said would replace manual and spreadsheet-based processes with a cloud-based system to better handle filings, payments, and workflow; no vote or final action was taken on the budget items during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had posted all of our testing online, but the U.S.
• go onto our website and see the testing go onto our website and see the testing the<00:29:18.320
• Um this is a testing right now. Okay.
• use to ensure it's safe, not contaminated, and to test for THC levels.
• <01:00:33.520> as Hilo uh to be able to do this testing as Hilo uh to be able to do this testing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• required more very very expensive tests required more very very expensive tests in<02:20:54.319>
• um more streamlined testing um more streamlined testing and<02:22:51.960> um<02:22:52.319
• Aspirin or small molecules are made in a test tube, if you will. They're made by chemicals.
• You look at animal testing; there are not differences there. They can be detected.
• And then the standard is clinical testing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:20.240> and are public schools regularly test and are public schools regularly test
• But we have a cap, and it's means tested. You want to take away means testing.
• we shouldn't means test to admission we shouldn't means test to allow<02:54:52.200> parents<02
• We don't means-test for government school admission; we shouldn't means-test to allow parents the option
• You do not income test a public school.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.