Video & Transcript Research : 'capitol security'
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CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 065 Mar 20th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, today is Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day at the Capitol.
- Advocacy<01:01:36.160>
Day <01:01:36.360>at <01:01:36.480>the <01:01:36.560>Capitol - Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Advocacy Day at the Capitol.
- Please join me in welcoming them to the Capitol today for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Advocacy
- It's the Cowling on the Capitol from the Logan County Cattlewomen.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports and appointment recommendations. Committees reported favorably on a number of bills and appointments, including local government, health and human services, transportation and energy, business/labor/technology, and judiciary items. The chamber also announced a change on the Senate Finance Committee, with Senator Adrian Benavidez appointed to replace Senator Julie Gonzales for the remainder of the session.
A major floor item was House Bill 1136, creating the Pathways to Public Service Program in the Department of Personnel and Administration to identify coursework that could qualify students for entry-level state government jobs. Supporters said it would help attract young people to public service and fill state vacancies using existing resources; opponents argued it promoted government employment over private-sector careers and could expand government unnecessarily. After debate, the Senate adopted the bill on second reading, and the Committee of the Whole report later reflected that HB 1136 passed second reading and was ordered revised and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage.
The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1023 recognizing Latino/Latina Advocacy Day after reading it at length and hearing remarks in support of civic engagement and Latino participation in policymaking. In addition, the chamber concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 74, which clarifies penalties and procedures related to excessive claims in public construction performance bond disputes; the bill then passed again on re-passage. Several other bills, including Senate Bill 63 and remaining calendar items, were laid over to later dates, and the Senate also considered and began processing consent-calendar gubernatorial appointments.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress recently secured a massive victory for American taxpayers by passing the One Big, Beautiful
- surrogacy in the Louisiana Legislature multiple times in the 40-plus years that I've been coming to the Capitol
- surrogacy in the Louisiana Legislature multiple times in the 40-plus years that I've been coming to the Capitol
- I have literally been at the Capitol every day, weekends included.
Bills:
HR267, HCR105, HCR107, HCR110, HCR113, HCR114, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB237, SB333, SB433, SB483, SCR37
Keywords:
diabetes, amputation, amputations, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral artery disease, PAD, wound care, podiatry, vascular disease, endocrinology, limb salvage, health policy, public health, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, Louisiana Department of Health, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, patient education, screening
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As I just mentioned, the ability to secure state rebates on our pharmacy spend for our UIS population
- Members, Chris Scrogan with Capitol Avicci, on behalf of Children's Choice Dental Care, is in opposition
- are going to resume our proceedings just a few hours from now at 2:30 tomorrow over in the State Capitol
- are going to resume our proceedings just a few hours from now at 2:30 tomorrow over in the State Capitol
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- HJR 15 is a joint resolution to return for permanent display on the new State Capitol grounds the granite
- You know, this week we had the great privilege of gathering together in the old State Capitol, and history
- It was displayed on the State Capitol grounds until the 1980s, when it was removed for a construction
- c> tradition<00:05:26.919>
standard <00:05:27.919>returning The monument to the Capitol - Monument Park, which is on the corners of State Street and Shelby Street, just down here near the Capitol
Keywords:
Consideration of HJR 15 02:26
Consideration of HB 30 16:18
Consideration of HB 71 20:05
Consideration of HB 182 23:51, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first took up HJR 15, as amended by a committee substitute, which would return the granite Ten Commandments monument to permanent display on the new State Capitol grounds. Representative Baker described the monument’s history, its removal during construction in the 1980s, the 2000 effort to restore it, and recent Supreme Court changes that he said make the historical-tradition analysis more relevant than the former Lemon test. Members asked about the monument’s location, possible amendments to allow other faiths to place similar monuments, and church-state concerns. Several members explained their votes by saying they supported the historical display but wanted further discussion about religious representation. The resolution passed the committee 16-1 with two pass votes and was reported favorably to the House floor.
The committee then considered House Bill 30, sponsored by Representative Blanton, which addresses pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pension Authority. Blanton said the bill codifies a court ruling clarifying that across-the-board pay raises are not pension spiking and noted support from fire, police, and state employees. Representative Tipton reminded members that pension bills should be reviewed by the Public Pension Oversight Board first and said this bill had been reviewed there without issue. The committee approved HB 30 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression.
House Bill 71, sponsored by Representative Duval, was next. KPPA Executive Director Ryan Barrow said the bill was requested by KPPA, vetted by the Public Pension Oversight Board, and would restructure KPPA by creating an Office of Financial Management and moving the current CFO into an executive director-level role overseeing that office, without affecting system funding requirements. Representative Johnson supported the measure as an administrative codification of current practice. The committee passed HB 71 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 182 from Representative Frasier Gordon, which would prohibit state government from using the word “free” to describe taxpayer-funded services. Gordon said the bill is intended to increase transparency and ensure taxpayers are credited for funding public services, while not changing any programs or benefits. Members questioned how the bill would be enforced, what alternative wording should be used, and whether the restriction could affect communication with low-income or low-literacy residents; Gordon said terms like “provided at no cost” or “paid for by taxpayers” would be acceptable and that the bill contains no penalty. The committee passed HB 182 17-3 with favorable expression and sent it to the House floor.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance May 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We did secure funding in 2022 to hire three statewide community economic development agents, so they
- there's another big slug of money going into capital projects and infrastructure, both through the Capitol
- And that's pretty much what's happening with Capitol Alley.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I come to the Capitol because of these stories, and they're everywhere.
- constituent of yours a couple of years ago, and your office was very, very helpful in getting and securing
- And I will tell you I've been walking around the Capitol all day today, and people have been marveled
Summary:
The Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills focused largely on special education transparency, school safety, and student support services. Senate Bill 1908, by Senator Zaffirini, would direct the Higher Education Coordinating Board to study the feasibility of a statewide system for coordinating clinical training placements, including regional portals for healthcare clinical slots, with a report due by December 1, 2026. A representative of the Texas Nurses Association and the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition testified in support. The bill was left pending subject to the call of the chair.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 111, by Senator Hall, which in its committee substitute was narrowed to a reporting bill requiring school districts to disclose legal proceedings involving special education due process complaints when legal fees exceed $10,000, rather than capping spending. Several parents and advocates testified that districts spend large sums on litigation against families of children with disabilities and that greater transparency is needed; some senators raised concerns about unintended consequences, including possible pressure to settle cases. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1551 on automated external defibrillators in public schools, Senate Bill 865 on CPR instruction requirements for certain volunteers, Senate Bill 1032 on the Governor’s University Research Initiative, and Senate Bill 571 on school employee misconduct reporting and access to the Do Not Hire Registry; each was reported favorably after committee substitute adoption and roll-call votes.
Additional bills discussed included Senate Bill 1884, which would formalize and expand dedicated staff support for the State Board of Education and give the board chair hiring authority over that staff; members questioned whether it duplicated TEA functions, while a witness argued the workload increase justified the change, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 625 would replace the current half-credit economics requirement with a half-credit in personal financial literacy; educators and advocates strongly supported making the course required, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 582 would make TEA settlement agreements in special investigations publicly available when sanctions are imposed, and Senate Bill 2600 would bar transportation fees for students living within two miles of campus unless districts do not receive state transportation funding; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2751, which would require TEA inspections of non-public special education programs to consider medical standards of care and crisis-prevention training; testimony from a program operator described severe student behaviors and the need for more flexibility, and the bill was left pending after the substitute was adopted.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're celebrating our anniversary today, and she came to the Capitol to celebrate with us before we went
- the House, we'd love for you to come and join us tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. in Room 204 for the Capitol
- tomorrow night, starting at 6:15 p.m., the Turkish Mississippian Friendship Dinner will be at the Old Capitol
- Inn and uh Old Capitol Museum.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The journal reading was dispensed with, and there were no reports from select committees or resolutions/petitions. Members also introduced several guests and family members from the gallery, including relatives of Representatives Summers, Porter, Varner, and Ford, with the House offering welcomes and applause.
On the calendar, the House took up concurrence motions on Senate amendments. HB 719, dealing with prevention strategies for financial fraud and creating a study committee, was concurred in after explanation that the Senate had only added a representative from the Association of Banking to the committee; the motion passed 118-0. The House also concurred on HB 1076, which concerns veterans’ claims filing assistance and includes a Senate change capping fees at $12,500; that motion passed 121-0.
After the concurrence items, the House moved through routine parliamentary steps, including a motion to lay on the table subject to call, which passed. During member announcements, notices were given for the Capitol Prayer Group, requests to expedite surplus bills, the Turkish Mississippian Friendship Dinner, and the Trailer Trash Bash. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- as using, um, uh, law enforcement to compel the, the, uh, those legislators to return to the state capitol
- quorum breaks, including using civil arrests and law enforcement to compel members to return to the Capitol
- financial gain, financial benefit from disrupting the legislative process, would members still at the Capitol
- Members that are still at the Capitol fundraising while there are bills before the body.
Bills:
HB18
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 11, February 21, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 71, Wyoming Department of Homeland Security: 29 yeas, 2 nays. Message 146. Mr.
- file 71 Wyoming Department<00:08:16.879>
of <00:08:17.039>Homeland <00:08:17.520>Security - <00:08:18.160>
eyes <00:08:18.560>29 Department of Homeland Security eyes 29 Department - of Homeland Security eyes 29 nos<00:08:19.759>
two. - Representative Larsen said they do have the infrastructure for this meeting at the Capitol, but they
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/28/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so, welcome uh Coach O'Connell to the Minnesota House floor and to the Minnesota Capitol.
- Uh, so, welcome uh Coach O'Connell to the Minnesota House floor and to the Minnesota Capitol.
- You're commuting here to the Capitol. Maybe you just need a one-seater, right?
- ladies and gentlemen that protect us in this building and protect the assets around the Capitol—are
- , the ladies and gentlemen that security, the ladies and gentlemen that protect<02:13:28.400>
us
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 18 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Good to have you here at the Capitol today. >> And, Mr.
- [applause] And it is Kosciusko-Attala Day here at the Capitol.
- And we're glad to have you here at the Capitol today.
- And we're glad to have you here at the Capitol today.
- Good to have you at your Capitol today.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through routine organizational business, including confirming a quorum, dispensing with the journal reading, and introducing pages and several visiting groups. Recognitions included the Calhoun City High School Wildcats for winning the 2025 Class 1A state championship, the Florence High School girls soccer team for winning the Class 5A state championship, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, a Kosciusko-Attala business delegation, an empowerment group from Oxford, a pediatrician of the day, law enforcement leaders, and other guests. The chamber also adopted House Resolution 63 honoring the House softball team for winning the Battle of the Tombigbee.
The main floor action centered on concurrence or conference motions on several bills. The House concurred in HB 1404, HB 1546, HB 1577, HB 1265, HB 895, HB 1923, HB 1937, and HB 1940, with votes ranging from near-unanimous to 99-14 and 108-8; HB 895 was amended by unanimous consent to correct a line reference. Members explained that HB 1404 added knowingly/willfully/unlawfully language, HB 1546 shortened the human-trafficking expungement period from five years to three, HB 1577 adjusted false-claims reporting language, HB 1265 removed a repealer from the Debt Management Services Act bill, HB 895 restored 12-month card validity and a two-year caregiver license period for the cannabis bill, HB 1923 funded the Athletic Commission at $174,000, HB 1937 finalized the Library Commission budget, and HB 1940 was a large deficit/appropriations bill covering settlements, public safety headquarters construction, MIMA grants, court support, DHS software, health litigation expenses, and student aid.
The House also voted to invite conference on a number of bills, including HB 1390, HB 1651, HB 1649, HB 1653, HB 1654, HB 1752, HB 1648, HB 1934, HB 1935, HB 1936, HB 1938, HB 925, HB 1640, HB 1927, HB 1928, HB 1929, HB 1930, HB 1931, and HB 1924. During debate on HB 1940, members questioned the need for outside counsel and the size of legal and settlement costs, especially for Jackson water litigation; the sponsor said the Attorney General sometimes needs specialized outside attorneys. The bill ultimately passed concurrence, and the chamber continued with additional introductions and recognitions after the major votes.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But 13 years ago, I came as a college student doing what you guys were doing to the Capitol.
- can not just direct policy through your advocacy and your efforts in the meetings you have in the Capitol
- today... ...direct policy through your advocacy and your efforts in the meetings you have in the Capitol
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met briefly, confirmed that a quorum was present, and welcomed visiting students from the College of Central Florida and other counties. The committee then took up confirmation hearings for appointments on Tabs 1 through 4, with Senator Simon moving to recommend confirmation of all appointees and the motion seconded. The roll call vote was favorable, and the appointees were reported favorably.
After the vote, members offered remarks thanking committee staff for their work and praising Florida’s higher education system, state colleges, and universities. Chair Calatayud noted this was the committee’s final meeting and encouraged the visiting students to stay engaged in advocacy and public service. Senator Harrell also commended the committee’s policy work and funding support for higher education.
With no further business, Senator Simon moved to adjourn. There was no objection, and the committee adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- wanted to just recognize her great achievement as part of Italian American Day here today in the Capitol
- WANTED TO JUST RECOGNIZE HER GREAT ACHIEVEMENT AS PART OF ITALIAN AMERICAN DAY HERE TODAY IN THE CAPITOL
- They're all coming today to the chamber here in the Capitol.
- session -- rites of session every day is hundreds if not thousands of our constituents come to the Capitol
- whether it be for budgetary items or legislative items, and many of our CONSTITUENTS COME TO THE CAPITOL
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender.
The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy.
The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Feb 13, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 15
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- As we know, today is Hawaiian Day at the Capitol and as part of presenting the vendor booth today, Office
- Malama, Madam Speaker, and thank you for everybody and staff for supporting Hawaiian Day here at the Capitol
- You know, I started working at the Capitol in 2009. I started working as session staff.
- You know, she gave me my first opportunity here at the Capitol when she was a Ways and Means chair.
- office really allowed me to grow some freedom and some getting to know more of the people here in the Capitol
Keywords:
gambling, prediction markets, Hawaii gambling laws, financial contracts, ethical concerns, electric bicycles, micro-mobility devices, safety regulations, traffic laws, insurance exemption, high-speed electric devices, land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, building code, permitting process, training, state council
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Jobs such as instructional aides, after-school program instructors, security officers, custodians, and
- I'm a security officer, and I'm here with my co-workers in support of ACA 3. Thank you.
- The university recognizes the challenges that Californians everywhere face in securing housing, and we
- that all K-12 and higher education students, including opportunity youth and adults, are able to secure
- Our next hearing is on Tuesday, June 24th at 1:30 p.m. in the State Capitol hearing room 126.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs.
The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Capitol region and beyond. Since 1995, Capitol region and beyond.
- rule of law, and keeps our nation secure rule of law, and keeps our nation secure by<00:59:00.319
- Let's be clear: this bill is not about border security.
- <01:58:16.639>
our meaningful strides to secure our meaningful strides to secure our southern - Either with his family or knowing that his family was secure, and they know that he was secure.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Capitol.
- I just want to say welcome to committee and to the Capitol.
- Thank you all for coming to the Capitol today. Welcome to House Education. Thank you, Rep. Landry.
- I just want to say welcome to committee and to the Capitol.
- Thank you all for coming to the Capitol today. Welcome to House Education. Thank you, Rep. Landry.
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on May 6 and first welcomed LSU President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton, who outlined LSU’s goals of becoming an elite, accessible flagship university, increasing research expenditures, improving student recruitment and retention, and expanding pathways that keep Louisiana students in-state. Members praised the new leadership and LSU’s workforce and research direction, and a representative from LSU enrollment reported gains in TOPS Excellence commitments for the coming fall.
The committee then advanced several education bills. SB 105 by Sen. Kathy, which reinstates TOPS Tech eligibility for honorably discharged veterans, was reported favorably without objection. SB 374, also by Sen. Kathy, creates a uniform framework for college economic development districts; members adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. SB 304 by Sen. Edmonds, which authorizes the Board of Regents to establish a list of eligible accreditors and allows institutions to seek different accreditors, was reported favorably. SB 522 by Sen. Edmonds, allowing vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters with Commerce and Industry support, drew discussion about whether the authority should extend to public schools as well; it ultimately passed 9-1.
The committee also approved SB 290 by Sen. Abraham, a cleanup bill requiring school system concurrence before student exit-code changes in the data system, and HCR 81 by Rep. Freiberg, which asks the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment and related financial pressures. HCR 175 by Rep. Larvadain, a study resolution on possible TOPS Tech changes, was deferred by the author because it overlapped with another measure. Several members also used personal privilege to welcome local mayors and community guests to the committee room.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the Capitol.
- Welcome to the Capitol.
- Welcome to the Capitol.
- I just want to say welcome to committee and to the Capitol.
- And thank you all for coming to the Capitol today. Welcome to House Education. Thank you, Rep.
Keywords:
TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on May 6 and began with a presentation from LSU leadership, including LSU System President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton. They outlined LSU’s goals of building an “elite” flagship university while maintaining accessibility through transfer pathways from regional campuses, increasing research expenditures toward top-tier status, and keeping more Louisiana students in-state for college and jobs. Members responded positively, praising LSU’s leadership, workforce focus, and efforts to retain the state’s best and brightest students.
The committee then considered several bills. SB 105, by Sen. Kathy, would reinstitute a TOPS Tech-related benefit for veterans using existing TOPS Tech funds, with no new money added; it was reported favorably. SB 374 would create a uniform framework for college economic development districts, allowing other institutions to establish districts with local government approval; Rep. Tarver offered and the committee adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported with amendments. SB 304 would let Louisiana institutions choose from a Board of Regents-approved list of accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, while preserving specialized accreditation; it was reported favorably.
The committee also took up SB 522, which would allow vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters when supported by the State Board of Commerce and Industry. Rep. Taylor objected that the bill should apply equally to public schools and charter schools, but the committee ultimately voted 9-1 to report the bill favorably. SB 290, a cleanup bill on student exit codes and school accountability data, was reported favorably. H.R. 175, which would have asked for a study of TOPS Tech, was voluntarily deferred by the author.
Finally, H.C.R. 81, by Rep. Freiberg, requested a Department of Education study on options for public school systems facing declining enrollment, including funding, staffing, closures, and consolidation. Caroline Romer of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools supported the study, and Rep. Taylor asked whether charter schools should be included in the review. The resolution was reported favorably. The meeting ended with several members recognizing visiting mayors and other guests before adjournment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we've got 330 youth excited to be up here on Capitol Hill learning from you all.
- got 330 youth excited to be up<00:04:55.880>
here <00:04:56.040>on <00:04:56.200>Capitol - <00:04:56.600>
Hill <00:04:57.360>learning <00:04:57.640>from up here on Capitol - Hill learning from up here on Capitol Hill learning from you<00:04:57.960>
all. - 05.760>
and <00:08:05.840>if It originated in Garrard County, and before they tore the Capitol
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Supporting our Seniors – Senator Karin Housley May 19th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I realized there was nobody here at the Capitol to be an advocate for our seniors.
- Um, and over the years, again, being a voice for seniors here at the Capitol, one of the things that
- seniors<00:03:56.319>
here <00:03:56.480>at <00:03:56.640>the <00:03:56.720>Capitol - , a voice for seniors here at the Capitol, a voice for seniors here at the Capitol, one<00:03:57.680