Transcript Highlights:

• that excel in educating and serving Latino students.
• When we put our resources and efforts into programs that instead target individual needs, more opportunities
• When we put our resources and efforts into programs that instead target individual needs, more opportunities
• The Hispanic Serving Institution program, it's not an admissions program; it is not a series of individual
• the less restrictive program, whether a program has provided proof of notice to the city and county

Keywords: 987, senate, all

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• , if the individual is not deemed indigent, then that individual would have to pay for his or her services
• , if the individual is not deemed indigent, then that individual would have to pay for his or her services
• So $1 million for the program, and then $200,000... ...pilot program establishment.
• COVID was disastrous on virtual education and out-of-classroom education, and we're recovering from that
• Is this replacing ESSER funds, this program? Mr. Chairman, Committee, no, this is a new program.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our best hope to bring accountability to the program is the Protect Education Initiative.
• In the Department of Education, Director Ward, who oversees the program, blamed the lack of funding for
• In the Department of Education, Director Ward, who oversees the program, blamed the lack of funding for
• Individuals, these, they work so hard to change the way our children get our other education.
• I do want to state that I think I can, I think I have advocated and educated individuals enough for them

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• education that is an opt-out program instead of an opt-in.
• Appropriate sex education that is an opt-out program instead of an opt-in.
• I think that we need full and age-appropriate sex education that is an opt-out program instead of an
• I think that we need full and age-appropriate sex education that is an opt-out program instead of an
• Appropriate sex education that is an opt-out program instead of an opt-in.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This morning, the Santa Fe New Mexican ran a powerful front-page story highlighting an education program
• This morning, the Santa Fe, New Mexican, ran a powerful front-page story, highlighting an education program
• This program works.
• This program works.
• Education in the Public Education Department, providing for a Deputy Secretary of Special Education,

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PROVIDED EDUCATION.
• THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
• WE HAVE PEOPLE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
• THAT ARE EARNED AND ACHIEVED WHILE IN THE PROGRAMS.
• THIS WRAPS UP THE EDUCATION PIECE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program, allowing state special schools to offer work-based learning programs, and removing academic
• program references.
• Work-based learning programs, removing academic program references to work-based learning activities,
• The program to offer work-based learning activities.
• , not just within the narrow work experience education program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• And depending on their individual circumstances, they qualify for other programs like Medicaid.
• And depending on their individual circumstances, they qualify for other programs like Medicaid.
• The cuts to the scholarships that we see in the higher education program also give me great pause.
• The cuts to the scholarships that we see in the higher education program also give me great pause.
• The cuts to the scholarships that we see in the higher education program also give me great pause.

Keywords: 998, house, all

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• Four of the graduates from our program are now leading Native programs throughout the country, including
• That education is critical.
• program.
• It's a solid program.
• programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• Each individual student.
• For instance, their doctoral MD program and PhD MD program don't require as many hours because, at that
• There are different types of PhD programs, like in education or business.
• Representative, I believe that it would be looking at the program and saying that this program needs
• That's education, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• of Education.
• access to statewide services, and enforcement of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education
• programming related to the transition of students with disabilities to higher education, employment,
• But it also allows our educator prep programs to train on one standard. ...allows our educator prep programs
• ...of an evaluation program of the system that monitors implementation and impact of special education

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• programs offered by TSTC.
• of higher education programs and assign each a performance rating based on how student debt compares
• of higher education.
• for all individuals, as everyone deserves an opportunity to further their education as they choose.
• Unlike in K-12 education, students in post-secondary programs must self-disclose their disability status

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• What they're not are experts in identifying individuals...
• Thank you to the education team.
• He's a member of the Florida State University Honors Program.
• as the lead entity for identifying and maintaining health science education programs eligible to participate
• or identifying and maintaining health science education programs eligible to participate in the line

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• integrity, safety for the individual and program integrity.
• So for youth who are in residential BRS programs, while those are supportive and therapeutic programs
• One of the advantages about residential programs... ...and group therapy and individual therapy.
• And I will also offer sometimes a program can support individuals with significant aggression, but they
• or programs that really, outside of eating disorder programs, but programs that can work with kids who

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as you know, our our universities in our state colleges in the entire higher education program is
• And Brian Underhill who handles Florida education finance program and other K through 12 programs.
• And so there's no overlap with the individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• At this point in time, we have 33 approved programs at 35 institutions of higher education.
• So we have some 30 40 year-old individuals in our program as well.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grant programs; and develop robust markets for recyclable materials... ...expanded recycling education
• programs.
• programs.
• programs.
• , including the educational initiatives in Tangelo Park and Parramore, which provide free preschool programs

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• , if I don't know this individual, I know nothing about this individual, what I'm going to do is I'm
• program or anything like that.
• I'm about a pilot program. I think the way in which we commodify education is concerning.
• So me as an individual, I do have a board of education Facebook account that I'll reshare things from
• There's not a whole lot of individuality in public education at this point in our state.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school bond/levy questions from April to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor and several supporters argued that November elections would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, reduce the influence of a small April electorate, and potentially save money. Supporters also said the change could make campaigning more feasible and help voters identify candidates’ general viewpoints. Opponents, including school board members, parents, the Missouri NEA, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued that the bill unnecessarily singles out one county, would politicize school board races, and could bury local education issues on crowded November ballots. They also warned that moving levy and bond questions to November could reduce districts’ flexibility to address urgent needs, and that four-year terms could make recruitment harder and reduce accountability or institutional continuity. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than party labels. Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about why the bill applies only to St. Charles County, whether staggered terms would be lost, and whether partisan labels would help or harm voters. Some members expressed support for the concept as a pilot or model, while others objected to the county-specific approach and the addition of party affiliation. The transcript does not show a final committee vote or other action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• the pilot program, but I... ...program in terms of the funding for the pilot program, but I question
• So preventable programs such as the CWMP and community education are really vital for Lake County.
• We continued to develop the program processes, and another large key factor was educating our contractors
• This was a great program.
• and expanding this program?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation held an oversight hearing on home hardening and defensible space as wildfire mitigation strategies. The chair opened by stressing that California has reached a tipping point, with repeated community-scale wildfire losses, rising insurance costs, and growing utility wildfire mitigation expenses. The hearing was organized around four panels: what home hardening and defensible space are, community risk reduction and coordination, evaluation of current defensible space programs and proposed investments, and the future of home hardening and the California Wildfire Mitigation Program. The first panel featured IBHS, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and local wildfire mitigation advocates. IBHS described wildfire spread through embers, flames, and radiant heat, emphasizing that structure separation, removing combustible materials within the first five feet of a home, and combining multiple mitigation measures significantly reduce loss. It highlighted its Wildfire Prepared Home and Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood standards, including an “essential” and “enhanced” level, and said California is ahead of other states but still needs scalable, standardized, and sustainably funded mitigation. The LAO outlined key policy questions for the Legislature, including the state’s role, intergovernmental coordination, cost-effectiveness, program design, measurement of success, long-term sustainability, and barriers to implementation. The chair and panelists discussed estimated costs, including roughly $15,000 for a basic retrofit and about $50,000 for more extensive ignition-resistant construction, and whether state funding should focus on the most cost-effective initial measures. The second panel focused on scaling adoption through local coordination, education, financing, and community-based programs. Megafire Action argued that home hardening is a market adoption problem and said the state should not try to pay for every home, but instead target high-leverage interventions across the “customer journey,” including education, financing, trusted certification, and neighborhood network effects. Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council described free home assessments, small retrofit grants, Firewise community support, and the importance of neighborhood-level action, local capacity, and cultural change. Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority described its locally funded model, grant program, public education efforts, and an Ember Ready program that helps residents navigate home hardening and Zone Zero compliance. The chair repeatedly emphasized the need for a coordinated statewide marketing campaign, stronger incentives, better insurance discounts, and more use of local, utility, federal, and private funding sources. The third and fourth panels addressed Cal Fire’s defensible space inspection program, the proposed defensible space financial assistance program, and broader state investments. Cal Fire said homes lacking compliant defensible space are far more likely to be damaged or destroyed and requested ongoing funding and staffing to stabilize inspections statewide; the LAO suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as GGRF or a reinstated SRA fee. Cal Fire and the State Fire Marshal explained that Zone Zero sets a minimum standard, local governments cannot go below it, and grant prioritization will favor jurisdictions that submit inspections. Cal Fire also said the new defensible space financial assistance program would focus on ember-resistant zone-zero work and, in the Southern California counties covered by the legislation, would assist about 3,125 homes at an estimated $8,000 per home. In the final panel, the State Fire Marshal described California’s layered strategy of parcel-level home hardening, defensible space, and neighborhood-scale mitigation, along with technical support, financial assistance, and incentives such as insurance discounts and builder marketing. The overall theme was that California must move from isolated efforts to a coordinated, science-based, and scalable statewide approach to reduce wildfire losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Education. Department of Education.
• We they fit his program or her program.
• , we urge the committee to trust the local educators and the robust embedded programs that are already
• , we urge the committee to trust the local educators and the robust embedded programs that are already
• that show that um GT School of Education that show that um GT programs<02:07:15.760> often<02

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this program. This is a strong program. this program. This is a strong program.
• such program existed. such program existed.
• . individual. individual.
• Y'all, educators already today in practice, today in law, can already submit these on an individual basis
• individual employee of the educational individual employee of the educational institution<03:09:

Keywords: 981, all