Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, this still doesn't give us any security that we're going to get a COLA.
• And then also, Benefit security to retirees. So I wanted to share that.
• And that's it. ...Social Security payments, and that's it. Any questions?
• I mean, that it is... ...change to Social Security.
• Social Security Fairness Act. We're going to streamline that. That's way too long of a title.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President Trump is championing a pathway to secure the American Dream for the next generation.
• We're securing it for the next generation.
• For some, the American dream might look like a home, but it starts with a strong education.
• It's time to eliminate the OSSAA and secure our progress with open transfer.
• This past year has been a turnaround year at the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370, HB2937, HB3419, HB3264, HB3266, HB3267, HB3268, HB3310, HB4311, HB3841, HB3024, HB3075

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• AND THE SECURITY GUARDS HAVE BEEN MURDERED. FIVE IN FACT SINCE THE COMMISSION HAS GONE LIVE.
• SO IN THE LAST YEAR THE STATE RECEIVED $240 MILLION THAT WAS DEPOSITED INTO THE EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENT
• TRUST FUND THAT WAS DEPOSITED INTO THAT WAS DEPOSITED INTO THE EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENT TRUST FUND THAT
• WAS DEPOSITED INTO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
• EDUCATE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE CALLING TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING IF IT IS OKAY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're sitting in the powerhouse of education around it.
• From that education standpoint, can you just. Just what is the acronym?
• or at least have an option to seek financial security.
• Thank God my wife was in public education, and it worked out for both of us.
• They've all gotten their education. One's got her master's.

Transcript Highlights:

• This remarkable achievement secured the program's second state title in five years and capped off an
• On the same page, we now come to House Bill 614, legislation directing the Department of Education to
• House Bill 909 is a bill that helps to make Virginia more secure for voters at the polls. Mr.
• House Bill 1037, middle of page 40, is legislation relating to the Board of Education, instructional
• It amends Board of Education qualifications for division superintendents applying for licensure under

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they less deserving of economic security when they're worried about paying their bills?
• Unemployment insurance provides economic security at a time when workers' lives can feel powerless and
• It provides some power and some control, a little security, and a lifeline.
• We also Have used mining for our national security.
• A 50-feet agreement was reached last night on the higher education bill and that all of the Democrats

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I'm a former educator, former city commissioner, and we have a lot going on in both Marion and
• I'm over the Homeland Security Division, which covers our vice unit, that we are currently struggling
• The armed security guard provided resistance, and he was shot and killed.
• The security guard provided resistance and he was shot and killed.
• So how can we do better at educating the public?

Summary: The Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee met to hear a panel on the prosecution and enforcement of illegal gaming in Florida. The chair opened with a video showing seized machines at a Florida Gaming Control Commission warehouse and described the scale of illegal operations. Panelists included the commission’s executive director, local sheriffs and police officials, and state attorneys from several counties, who described widespread illegal slot-machine locations, often in strip malls or convenience-store-type settings, and said the machines are typically used in organized criminal activity rather than legitimate amusement gaming. Witnesses repeatedly said the current penalty structure is ineffective because possession and operation of illegal slot machines are generally second-degree misdemeanors, which they described as too minor to deter operators who can quickly reopen after paying fines or completing diversion. They said enforcement is resource-intensive, requiring undercover work, search warrants, machine seizure, storage, forensic review, and long prosecutions, often while the same operators reopen elsewhere. Several panelists cited associated crimes such as robberies, firearms offenses, prostitution, drug activity, human trafficking, and at least some homicides tied to illegal gaming locations. Members also asked about the difference between legal amusement devices and illegal slot machines, online gambling, illegal horse racing, local licensing and ordinances, and whether manufacturers or distributors could be pursued. The commission and prosecutors said legal slot machines are limited to specific regulated locations and that lawful amusement machines lack a material element of chance. They said many illegal machines are imported or reworked versions of gaming devices and that upstream accountability is difficult under current law. Panelists also discussed cooperation with licensed casinos, tribal gaming entities, and local governments, noting that some local ordinances have tried to permit or limit these businesses. The main policy takeaway from the panel was a call to increase penalties, likely to felony-level offenses, and to consider stronger forfeiture and enforcement tools. No vote or formal action was taken at the meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the panelists.

Transcript Highlights:

• NASA, the Department of War, Homeland Security, Labor, Army, and the Navy.
• I'm just wondering if you guys have looked at that for the security...
• It had to be all the educational buildings.
• She has a deep appreciation for the value of public education.
• The Education Committee will meet Monday in Room 311 at 9 o’clock.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to make it clear, Kulani and Waba have space because they're medium-security, minimum-security
• The vast majority of inmates on the mainland are minimum-security, medium-security, and higher.
• You have to have certain security features that minimum-security facilities don't have.
• <00:30:03.919> minimum<00:30:04.320> security medium security minimum security medium
• Chang. assistance with securing employment. assistance with securing employment.

Bills: HB1769

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• B2 is a letter from the Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• B3 is a letter from the Department of Education.
• The first item is a letter from the Department of Education, Division of Higher Education.
• E2 is a letter from Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Item G1 is a letter from the Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education, for

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of appropriation, transfer, contract, and other review items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests in Sections B through F, including funding for prosecuting attorneys, education-related adjustments, school operating needs, labor licensing divisions, ARPA fund returns from Workforce Services, IIJA grants for state police CDL implementation and a forestry-related county grant, reserve fund transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic development, and a Commerce reallocation tied to organizational realignment. Cash fund requests in Section G and budget classification transfers in Section H were also reviewed, along with pay plan requests in Section I, overtime requests in Section J, and multiple methods of finance in Section K. The committee also reviewed discretionary grants in Section L, including agriculture promotion board grants and DHS aging/adult behavioral health grants, plus RFQs, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and out-of-state contracts in Sections M1 through M5. Several items drew questions from members. Workforce Services explained that $225,000 in TANF-related funds would be returned to the federal government because the two-year hold period for uncashed or moved checks had expired. Commerce officials described the $25 million site infrastructure grant program, saying it supports site development, due diligence, and infrastructure build-out at eligible sites of 30 acres or more, including rural communities, with grant agreements and matching requirements providing accountability. DHS and Education officials answered questions about the Care Solace mental health referral contract, saying it is a statewide concierge/referral service that helps schools connect students to Arkansas providers and follow up so students do not fall through the cracks; members asked for more information on provider selection, school-day scheduling, and Arkansas vendor participation. The committee held one item over: the DHS discretionary grant item for the RSVP retired senior volunteer program in L2, after concerns were raised about whether state general revenue was being used effectively and how much administrative overhead the providers retain. Members also questioned several contracts, including a DHS sole-source contract with EMSLink for document management software and a DHS bridge contract with Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care for Medicaid inspections of care reviews; in both cases, agency staff explained the need to avoid service disruption and said follow-up information would be provided. A Department of Corrections reentry center contract was discussed for its recidivism results, and ARDOT retirement-system investment contracts were briefly explained. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion of the Medicaid Trust Fund balance, with DFA and DHS officials saying the state is expected to finish the fiscal year without exhausting the fund, that a restricted reserve of $100 million is available as a backstop, and that the larger question is what minimum balance should be maintained going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:50:36.880> on ...to regulate tobacco sales as a health education educator on the harmful
• They will not qualify to go to the minimum-security facilities.
• That's the only medium-security male prison we have now.
• security facilities correct but given security facilities correct but given that<01:52:32.719> we<
• <01:53:05.040> facilities eligible for minimum security facilities eligible for minimum security

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• COMPANY REGISTER OR GET A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT BUT NOW IT IS MORE ABOUT HELPING BUSINESSES WITH A SECURED
• AND YOU CAN SEE IN SECURED ABOUT 5 PERCENT OF THE CAPITAL NUMBER IN THESE COMMUNITIES WITH JUST OF 4
• RAO GOT CAPITAL SECURITY EXCEEDING 4 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION.
• AND I GUESS THE COMPANIES ARE HAVING TROUBLE FINDING DEGREED FOLKS BUT WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION
• BUT THERE IS NO EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT PER SE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to represent the unique needs of special educators and support staff throughout the state.
• We need, this is why we need diversity, equity, and inclusion in public education.
• He believed in the power and the importance of housing and economic security.
• He knew that it led to better health outcomes and educational outcomes for families.
• Daniel used his expertise in IT and cyber security throughout his career, serving at the.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• birth of the Kentucky Education birth of the Kentucky Education Technology<00:03:52.879> System
• Technical Education.
• Technical Education.
• Technical Education.
• . education. education.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard an Office of Education Technology presentation on the Kentucky Education Technology System (KTS) and a request to increase its annual budget from $15.4 million to $30 million, including an additional $14.6 million. The witness described KTS as a statewide service model that provides districts with student information and financial systems, internet bandwidth, regional support, cybersecurity, online registration, learning management and email services, and collaborative instructional technology support. He argued the state’s centralized purchasing saves districts 40% to 60% compared with buying services individually, and said federal internet discounts and district matching funds create a strong return on investment. He also said KTS has faced long-term funding cuts, has not received a cost-of-living increase since 1992, and is now at a “breaking point” where some services may have to be shifted to districts at higher cost. The request was broken into six main items: restoring funding for the computer science and information technology academy; strengthening cybersecurity defenses in response to sharply rising attacks on K-12 systems; funding online registration through Infinite Campus; stabilizing ongoing support costs for Infinite Campus; providing cost-of-living increases for KTS services; and increasing the KTS financial assistance sent to districts, which requires local matching funds. Members asked about the current appropriation, and the witness said it is $15.4 million. One member praised the office’s work and support for districts, while another noted the district had been an early adopter of one-to-one technology. The committee then received an overview of the KRS 156 salary schedule and step-and-rank system for state-operated career and technical education staff at area technology centers. Officials explained that salaries are set under statute and regulation based on years of service and educational rank, with annual calculations tied to statewide teacher salary averages and retroactive adjustments to July 1. They said the current ABR request is $325,000 over the biennium to cover step and rank increases. The presentation noted that KRS 156 salaries are generally comparable to local districts but are less competitive with business and industry, making recruitment and retention difficult, especially for instructors coming from the trades. Members agreed that trade instructors are underpaid relative to the market and said the issue deserves further review, with department officials indicating they are considering possible statutory revisions and a delayed implementation in a future biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• For educators, caregivers, and all who tend our children's growth.
• ,<00:06:45.039> caregivers,<00:06:45.600> and health. for educators, caregivers, and
• health. for educators, caregivers, and all<00:06:46.160> who<00:06:46.400> tend<00:06:
• So, we're draining the Social Security fund for our seniors.
• I want to talk about education. I want to talk about public safety.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:43.760> in environmental destination educators in environmental destination educators
• Perpich is one of the most impactful educational experiences for both students and educators that I've
• These include the number of educators These include the number of educators from<00:19:51.280>
• accessible<00:25:00.960> main Creating a secure and accessible main Creating a secure and
• entrance and it presents both security entrance and it presents both security and<00:25:19.919><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities. Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs. The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky Department of Education Kentucky Department of Education overseas.<00:17:43.600> Uh<
• <00:19:31.280> finance other one is our education finance other one is our education finance
• campus education enhancements project. campus education enhancements project.
• Safety and security. This has potential. Safety and security.
• > Development Education and Workforce Development Education and Workforce Development Cabinet<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met for its first meeting of the year, confirmed a quorum, approved the prior year’s minutes, and welcomed new co-chairs and members. The board reviewed the capital planning timeline and a list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. Members were reminded to keep presentations brief because of a packed agenda. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, infrastructure preservation, and preventive maintenance. Its requests included a $21 million maintenance pool, phase two funding for a new state public health laboratory, construction of an 18-bed children’s psychiatric hospital, and several projects at Western State Hospital and Western State Nursing Facility, including HVAC work, cooling tower repair or replacement, and chiller plant repiping. Additional projects covered elevator upgrades at Hazlewood and phased cottage renovations at Oakwood. Board members asked about vacant buildings, the cost per bed for the youth psychiatric facility, and the relationship between the CHFS youth facility and a separate DJJ facility; CHFS said the youth facility would serve DCBS-involved youth and be separate from the DJJ project. The Kentucky Department of Education then described its state-operated facilities, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. Its priorities included additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building, a rewrite of the SEEK education finance application system, renovation and repair of the FFA swimming pool, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size and cost of the swimming pool project, and construction cost assumptions; KDE said it tracks student outcomes through special education staff and that current estimates reflect higher post-COVID construction costs. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would connect job seekers and employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility faces safety and code concerns. The cabinet planned to continue through the remaining priorities and answer questions at the end of its presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and significant student debt. education debt.
• The rates for moderate risk are just over $322 per person per day for security, $359 for general care
• The moderate risk capital request is just over $12.7 million for secure facilities.
• This includes $1.9 million for security improvements, such as cameras.
• We don't have to worry about security or transportation; it's all right there.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want the support and security, but we want it balanced.
• We want support and security, but we want it balanced.
• We're all for security. We're all for making safety.
• We're all for security. We're all for making safety.
• Security is very important.

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and agency priorities. SB 44, as amended, increased penalties for operating a vehicle with unauthorized red or blue lights and for obscuring a license plate, including new penalties for using, possessing, manufacturing, or selling license-plate obscuring devices. The sponsor and supporting law enforcement witnesses said the bill addresses widespread plate obstruction and enforcement problems; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 654, designating a railroad overpass in Starke as the Heroes Memorial Overpass, and SB 620, creating a Miami-Dade College specialty license plate with proceeds supporting scholarships and limited administrative/marketing costs. The committee then considered SB 594, which would allow Florida deep-water ports to seek Fish and Wildlife Commission approval for no-anchoring/no-mooring buffer zones adjacent to port channels and turning basins. An amendment clarified the application process, review timeline, rulemaking, and enforcement. Port representatives supported the bill as a way to protect channels and commerce, while several boating and cruising advocates opposed it, arguing the 5,000-foot buffer was excessive, could create safety issues, and would displace anchored vessels without adequate alternative dockage. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on its 2025 legislative priorities, including stricter proof-of-address and identification requirements for vehicle registration, changes to tank vehicle and IFTA rules, a higher crash-report damage threshold, and electronic notice options. Secretary Perdue then outlined FDOT priorities focused on workforce development, research, rural road funding, small business participation, consistent traffic-control standards, modal infrastructure, transit accountability, spaceport support, advanced air mobility, and shifting some power-consumption revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund to offset electric vehicle impacts. No votes were taken on the agency priorities, and the meeting adjourned after members recorded additional affirmative votes on SB 44 and SB 654.

Transcript Highlights:

• for many many years you public educator for many many years you public educator for many many years
• gentleman being a retired educator gentleman being a retired educator myself we never had these type
• will adopt a policy on the use Education will adopt a policy on the use Education will adopt a policy
• to be able to alert educator to be able to alert educator to be able to alert someone SC Scot let me
• bill the State Department of Education bill the State Department of Education would then create the

Keywords: 1136, house, all