Transcript Highlights:

• that I felt the board should establish a committee to review grant applications above a certain threshold
• I can tell you, just this past year it was reported that 17 percent—there was a 17 percent year-over-year

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several executive appointments, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his long law-enforcement career, social work background, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, reclassifying juvenile detention and probation officers as officers under statute, adding beds to move youth from detention into residential programs, and increasing per diem funding. Members asked about detention “dead time” and the need to get adjudicated youth into programming sooner. Public testimony included support from Barney Bishop and Christian Minor, and the committee voted unanimously to approve Walsh’s nomination and forward it to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee for the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background as CEO of CDR Health, her education, and extensive nonprofit and board service, including leadership roles with the Florida Grand Opera, the Homeless Trust of Miami-Dade County, FAU, and the Hope Florida Foundation. Senators questioned her about free speech issues involving FAU faculty, her relationship with the new FAU president, student diversity, AI and workforce planning, and her prior role on Hope Florida. She also answered questions about her company’s work at the Everglades detention center and the bidding process for state contracts. Public testimony opposed her nomination, citing concerns about her business ties, Hope Florida, and detention-center contracts. Debate split largely along partisan lines, and the committee approved her nomination on a recorded vote. Afterward, the committee took up the remaining nominations in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, and approved them as a group by voice/recorded vote for forwarding to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• have also discussed, though, that in some of our smaller regions, especially like Dickinson, the threshold
• Is there a report on that that says what they, how they came up with that? I can look through my...

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The HR division continued work on the behavioral health budget, with members revisiting several funding items and generally agreeing to hold provider inflation increases until the full division picture is clearer. They tentatively supported additional funding for Community Connect and Free Through Recovery, as well as increases for the drug court program and peer support, while clarifying that some items were already in the House version and others were one-time or grant-related expenditures. The committee spent considerable time on a proposed $2 million behavioral health services program for nursing homes and basic care facilities. Senator Mathern brought revised language to describe a capitated payment model for training, consultation, and direct patient care for residents with medically based behavioral disorders and disruptive behaviors. Some members remained skeptical and wanted to see the amendment before deciding, but the discussion centered on whether the funding would help nursing homes accept patients who otherwise end up in state hospitals or acute care settings. Members also discussed several one-time funding items, including electronic health record and legacy system upgrades, network redundancy for the state hospital, partial hospitalization/intensive day treatment expansion, and a bathroom remodel at the Southeast Human Service Center. The committee restored the bathroom project to the original $972,000 estimate after concerns that the House reduction would not cover the needed ADA and plumbing work. They also debated a $12.96 million behavioral health facility grant for Altru in Grand Forks, with some members opposing it and others supporting it as a regional service expansion, but ultimately set it aside for later consideration. The meeting ended with staff flagging other sections of the bill, including the opioid settlement advisory language, the state hospital steering committee, behavioral health education grants, and the system of care grant. The chair announced that medical services would be taken up the next day, and members agreed to adjourn after planning to revisit unresolved behavioral health items and vote on the held bill later.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you reduce the income tax, two-thirds of the dollars go to those who make above that threshold.
• committee substitute, having been approved with 17 yes votes, 0 no votes, and 3 pass votes, will be reported

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00 Roll Call 00:20 HB 1 Discussion 02:00 HB 1 Vote 13:10, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on January 8, 2025, with a full roll call and a welcome to new members. The committee took up its only agenda item, House Bill 1, sponsored by Chair Jason Petrie, which would implement a further 0.5% reduction in the individual income tax rate, effective January 1, 2026, with conforming date changes tied to the state’s existing tax-cut framework under House Bill 8 and the budget director’s certification of reserve and revenue conditions. Jason Bailey of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy testified against the bill, arguing that Kentucky’s recent permanent income tax cuts were enacted during an unusual period of temporary pandemic-era revenue surpluses and federal aid, and warning that another cut could worsen future budget pressures. He said the proposed reduction would cost about $718 million annually when fully phased in and would increase risk to state services, especially in poorer rural areas that rely heavily on state funding. In response to questions, the sponsor and other members described the bill as limited to the income tax rate and said any future reversal would require statutory change. Representative Gentry asked about the broader policy goal of moving toward a more consumption-based tax structure and whether the income tax cuts were intended to support growth and population retention. He said he had seen anecdotal signs of housing and population activity in Jefferson County and surrounding areas, though he acknowledged the difficulty of proving causation. He ultimately passed on the bill, saying he wanted more data and was concerned about benefits flowing more to higher-income taxpayers. The committee then voted 17-0 with 3 pass votes to report House Bill 1 favorably to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, sure, 71% report that, but 69% of teachers report that.
• You know, sure, 71% report that, but 69% of teachers report that.
• And this was, again, self-reported of what that is.
• Very small amount reported a one on that.
• There is a question... 72% reporting that as a one.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also maintain an online reporting system and provide reporting guidelines.
• report.
• So when is the report due? What's the timing on the report?
• Our proposed final report will follow the preliminary report.
• We will follow the normal process for this report. Our final report. Yes.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload. Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested. The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:24.320> that's second change is that any report that's second change is that any report
• but the any people would get that report but the any report<00:30:43.679> would<00:30:43.919>
• report would be public in any event. report would be public in any event.
• report? report? >> If<00:47:02.800> I<00:47:02.880> may,<00:47:03.119> Mr.
• <00:47:33.839> shall Everything else is um the report shall Everything else is um the report

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's uh So, today is going to be a lot about uh reading our reports and things like that.
• As you approach your November 1st report deadline, we offer the committee information related to four
• The source reports are from national organizations, etc.
• So I would suggest if you want to hang something on the nation's report card testing of the NAEP that
• what the threshold is for them<01:51:52.239> to<01:51:52.480> report<01:51:52.880>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to hear from the New Hampshire Association of School Principals as part of its review of a proposal involving statewide administrative consolidation and changes to school governance. Members first discussed how school board witnesses would be selected, with the chair saying the committee would seek a mix of district sizes and structures and would also accept emailed input. The principals’ association said it represents more than 550 principals and assistant principals and urged caution about any mandatory consolidation, arguing that successful consolidations are gradual and voluntary. Association leaders and principals testified that principals already handle a wide range of responsibilities, including instructional leadership, student discipline, safety, staff supervision and evaluation, family and community engagement, and day-to-day crisis response. They argued that shifting more legal, budgetary, and administrative duties onto principals would reduce time for coaching teachers and supporting students, increase burnout and turnover, and create legal and training risks, especially in areas such as special education, privacy, and labor issues. They also said the roles of superintendents, principals, and school board members are distinct and require different training and expertise. Members asked detailed questions about how responsibilities are divided between principals and SAUs, whether principals recruit and evaluate staff, and how much time principals work. One principal said she works about 60 to 70 hours a week and that additional duties would be difficult to absorb. Another principal described his school’s structure, the importance of community building, and the need to preserve district-wide alignment if consolidation moves forward. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the Challenger Jobs Report, AI has already been linked to According to the Challenger Jobs
• The 25-worker threshold, half of CalWARN's 50, would extend significant compliance obligations to small
• Since last year, a 2025 Resume Builder report indicated that about 60% of managers use AI systems to
• The report also indicated that of those employers, about 20% allowed the AI system to make the final
• As the system flags workers, reports have indicated that firing paperwork is automatically generated.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• At our first tier, Report One, students and their families are provided with a letter of information
• reports.
• Families don't have to wait for a school. school to report to us to receive services.
• You can report those back to Representative Green. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.
• You know, teachers would identify those students who fit in that little bit lower threshold that they

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• So the interim report was submitted on November 1, 2024, and there is a final report that is due this
• So the interim report was submitted on November 1, 2024, and there is a final report that is due this
• So the interim report was submitted on November 1, 2024, and there is a final report that is due this
• <01:41:42.719> the as per the interim report the as per the interim report the International
• <04:32:42.199> that and whether or not we can report that and whether or not we can report

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will report.
• The clerk will report. The clerk will report.
• Clerk, read the report.
• Majority Leader rise and report Mr. Majority Leader, rise and report. Mr.
• The clerk will report the vote.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and a series of guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March as International Women’s Celebration Month. Members also recognized guests from several school districts and the Arizona Future Farmers of America. The chamber then moved through first readings and procedural motions, including reconsideration of HB 2169 and referral of bills to additional Committee of the Whole sessions. In the first Committee of the Whole, the House considered HB 2100 and HB 2103, both receiving technical floor amendments and due-pass recommendations. The chamber then took up HB 2048, HB 2364, HB 2415, HB 2775, HB 2833, HB 2862, HB 2870, HB 2995, and HB 4067. HB 2775 drew extended debate over whether Arizona should prohibit state and local enforcement of policies from international organizations such as the WHO, UN, ICC, IMF, WEF, and NATO; supporters framed it as a sovereignty measure, while opponents warned it was overly broad and could cut off useful best practices. HB 2833 focused on private-school student safety and mandatory reporting, with some members urging broader Title 15 coverage for private schools and others warning against regulating private schools further. HB 2862, which addressed law-enforcement facial coverings, was amended after debate and a division vote on a substitute amendment; the substitute passed 29-20, and the bill then received a due-pass recommendation. HB 2995, the “Alex and Lydia Act,” addressed domestic violence and coercive control in family-court-related contexts and also received a due-pass recommendation. HB 4067, requested by county recorders, added voter-status categories to electronic poll books; supporters said it would help election administration, while opponents argued it could create an unfunded mandate and burden or confuse voters. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, with one later motion to alter the HB 2862 report failing 20-30. In the Education Committee portion, HB 2040 passed easily, while HB 2093 sparked substantial debate over whether to repeal statutory requirements for mental health instruction in K-12 health education. Supporters said schools should focus on academics and that mental health care belongs with licensed professionals and parents; opponents argued the bill would remove life-saving instruction and support for students. HB 2313, dealing with educator work stoppages and political protests, also passed after debate over whether it would unfairly punish teachers and chill advocacy. HB 2423 passed with an amendment that trimmed reporting requirements, and HB 2478 advanced after a substitute amendment was defeated, the committee amendment was adopted, and an appropriations amendment was withdrawn. The session ended with the House continuing through the calendar after these due-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you see that in the draft report.
• That's also in the report.
• You have the written report before you.
• It's in the report.
• that I could report to you.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, there was in the DOJ report.
• Chairman: In the after-action reports, you're telling me these 18 incidents have reports that are generated
• Barton stated, our reporting...
• Since the DOJ report in August, the composition has not changed.
• And you've read the DOJ report? Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• modernization of the bill that modernizes the Oklahoma Insurance law on salvaged titles and allows the threshold

Bills: SB1684, SB1443, SB1447, SB378, SB1920

Keywords: SB1684, Oklahoma Highway Remediation and Cleanup Services Act, highway cleanup, roadway remediation, tow truck, wrecker service, liability insurance, DEQ, Department of Environmental Quality, motor vehicles, licensing, public safety, cleanup operators, roadside services, commercial towing, insurance requirement, license fee, revocation, suspension, Turnpike Authority

Transcript Highlights:

• But yeah, after looking at some research, 4% is about the high threshold, so that would cover all small

Bills: SB1623, SB2067, SB2132

Keywords: credit union, Oklahoma State Credit Union Board, membership, loans, investments, board compensation, financial regulations, financial exploitation, protected adults, financial institution, notification, temporary hold, credit card, surcharge, discounts, consumer protection, payment methods, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, it's going to be reported as amended.
• All right, we've got a motion by Senator Price to report.
• I have a motion by Senator Carter to report House Bill 988 favorably.
• I have a motion by Senator Carter to report HB 1192 favorably.
• Carter to report H.P.401 favorably without objection.

Bills: SCR58, SB309, SB514, HCR63, HCR69, HB401, HB487, HB722, HB730, HB745, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1218, HB1244

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• They use different forms, definitions, and reporting practices.
• The Chair moves that House Bill 2143, without amendment, be reported. reported favorably to the full
• But then they can wait up to five years to report that to law enforcement.
• Well, it's like any of the other forms and reports.
• They are unlikely to return. ...report or self-report trafficking or abuse due to fear, shame, or mistrust

Bills: HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486

Keywords: mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers

Transcript Highlights:

• level and reported to the DRRA<01:10:37.120> annually.
• That has to be reported uh your hands.
• Representative Elberger, you'll do the committee report on that.
• do the um report on that committee<02:18:33.519> report.
• committee report. committee report. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That test gets reported, and after... that test gets reported and after receiving the report of the positive
• I would respectfully request a favorable report. Okay. Chair, favorable report as Mr. McClammy.
• Favor report as amended. A... ...McClammy. Favor report as amended. A second. Mr. Starns. Okay.
• The bill receives a favorable report as amended. The bill receives a favorable report as amended.
• Favorable report. Thanks. opposed? Favorable report. Thanks. Appreciate it, Mr. Pettis.

Bills: SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, elder abuse, financial exploitation

Transcript Highlights:

• For a rise report S.313, the House proposal of amendment relating For a rise report S.313, the House
• The bill moves toward transformation goals and into implementation structure, reporting, guidance, Reporting
• The seventh instance of amendment was just a little reporting fix: that this report from the committees
• May I inquire of the reporter? Reporter will be interrogated. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Reporter of the bill will be interrogated.

Keywords: 927, senate, all