Transcript Highlights:

• So after school, we have been able to connect the Seattle Sea Scout chapter to our Mount Sai Metal Fab
• We have Sea Scout chapters located on all our commercial waterways in Washington, and we hope to pair
• So if we look at the bar that's in the... ...middle here, we're at about 45% of students now, and that's
• So the overall state average was about 45% of students who earned two or more credits within a single

Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• It varies a little bit by plan, but when we look at the below 90% column, it's about a 40% to 45% likelihood
• When we look at the below 90% column, it's about a 40% to 45% likelihood that that could happen, just
• one-time funding policy change to Plans 1 costs, which would have modified the actuarial funding chapter
• current RPEC member, current Grays Harbor, former Grays Harbor chapter RPEC president.

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the federal law that required you to mail ballots overseas 45 days before the election.
• You have to start working on that in order to get a ballot out in the 45-day period.
• I felt like this section in the election code dealing with poll watchers, there's a whole chapter on
• it, chapter 33.

Bills: HB1968, HB2279, HB2739, HB2803, HB3909, HB3918, HB4253, HB4475, HB5115, HB5430

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Transcript Highlights:

• If you ask them if they get consent from families under Texas law under Chapter 711 for the next of Ken
• informed oversight, we respectfully suggest adding two health care experts to the commission under Chapter
• educational, and genetic history report of a child to prospective adoptive parents from 30 days to 45
• Educational, and Genetic History report of a child to prospective adopted parents changes from 30 days to 45

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have the ability to grab camera footage around the facilities for 45 days.
• We have the ability to grab camera footage around the facilities for 45 days.
• patient later for any number of reasons, one of which is they're arrested for something related to Chapter
• One of which is they're arrested for something related to Chapter 893 and law enforcement reports it

Summary: The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met to receive oversight briefings on Florida’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and from the University of Florida’s Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research. OMMU Director Christopher Kimball outlined the program’s structure, including more than 900,000 active patients, nearly 7,000 caregivers, 27 MMTC licensees, 706 dispensing locations, and nine certified testing labs. He described the state’s pre-approval process for products and advertising, plain packaging requirements, seed-to-sale tracking, registry operations, and compliance efforts such as background checks, inspections, complaint investigations, and lab desk audits. He also said the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Jacksonville had been accredited to begin supporting testing. Members asked about telehealth, patient growth, product safety, advertising to children, inspections, and the status of MMTC licensure; Kimball said recertifications by telehealth now make up more than half of recertifications, that patient growth has slowed, and that ongoing litigation is delaying issuance of 22 new MMTC licenses. Kimball also discussed implementation of recent legislation and licensure changes, including licenses issued under HB 387 and SB 1582 to applicants from the original Pigford-related pool, with additional cure opportunities still ongoing. He said the department is monitoring diversion, inversion, and unapproved products, and that it coordinates with law enforcement when needed but does not itself have sworn authority. In response to questions, he said the department does not regulate physicians directly, but may refer concerns to the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, and that caregiver and physician participation requirements are set by statute. Members raised concerns about edibles, child access, and continued use of child-attractive branding; Kimball said the department tries to catch issues through pre-approval and enforcement, and that complaints involving children are treated as serious and investigated using available records and camera footage. Dr. Almond Winterstein then presented the consortium’s research overview. He explained that the consortium was created by statute in 2019, includes 10 universities, and is funded by annual state appropriations. He said its work includes grants, a research repository, a clinical core, outreach, and evidence synthesis, including a recent FDA-supported review of cannabis evidence. He emphasized that the current evidence base is limited and often low quality, with the strongest signals for symptom relief in PTSD-related symptoms, nausea, and some pain outcomes, but with many studies inconclusive or mixed. He also described the consortium’s use of registry data linked to Medicaid, Medicare, death, fetal death, and birth records to study safety and outcomes, including children, pregnancy, driving safety, opioid-sparing effects, and adverse events. Winterstein said adverse event reporting is sparse and likely underreported, with most reports mild but some serious events noted, and he expressed concern about use among young adults because of uncertain benefit-risk and possible effects on the developing brain. The committee discussed the need for better surveillance, more robust adverse event reporting, and the possibility of using linked data to identify harms more quickly. At the end of the meeting, the committee rose without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• A large portion of it is for various chapters of legislation that the Legislature has passed over the
• The proposal for the 15-day changes is largely similar to the original 45-day proposal. Thank you.
• shorter than 45 seconds.
• I'm going to ask the indulgence of everybody in line to give me 45 seconds to go to the restroom.
• Recognize there's a $45 million gap there.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you have your Bibles, turn to Genesis chapter 12.
• Genesis chapter 12, Abraham is called by the Lord to follow him.
• In 2028, it's anticipated to cost $45 million, and in 2029, $46.5 million.
• There are 45 House co-authors on this bill. as it came through.
• Nothing to be proud of, but at least we're able to close this chapter.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:45:03.440> so<00:45:04.000> in<00:45:04.560> on<00:45:04.880> page<
• 00:45:05.280> one<00:45:05.760> on<00:45:06.000> lines<00:45:06.480> three
• And<01:45:02.480> um,<01:45:02.719> I<01:45:03.040> will<01:45:03.280> allow<
• > of<01:45:05.679> coming<01:45:05.840> up<01:45:06.080> to<01:45:06.239>
• tell us what<01:45:06.880> she<01:45:07.119> has<01:45:07.440> put<01:45:07.760

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :10:38.279> being<00:10:38.519> ordered<00:10:38.959> under<00:10:39.320> chapter
• are now being ordered under chapter are now being ordered under chapter 611<00:10:41.480> and
• We know that over the last couple of years there's been a net decrease of SUD programs, 45 programs in
• We know that over the last couple of years there's been a net decrease of SUD programs, 45 programs in
• programs in the State uh net closures 45 programs in the State uh net closures meaning<01:25:52.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 300<01:45:06.400> year<01:45:06.640> 300<01:45:06.960> yards<01:45:07.240> away
• Uh<01:45:09.600> the<01:45:09.760> other<01:45:09.920> thing<01:45:10.120> that
• think<01:45:11.400> it's<01:45:11.520> valid,<01:45:12.480> is<01:45:12.800>
• ><02:45:26.000> of<02:45:26.160> the,<02:45:26.560> uh,<02:45:26.640> meat
• Um,<02:45:50.080> they<02:45:50.720> determined<02:45:51.440> then<02:45:51.800>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400> that<00:45:00.559> are<00:45:00.760> done<00:45:01.000> as<00:45
• 00:45:02.680> as<00:45:02.800> a<00:45:02.960> result<00:45:03.640> of<00
• and then<00:45:08.880> last<00:45:09.079> of<00:45:09.240> all<00:45:09.680>
• um<00:45:10.000> our<00:45:10.319> process<00:45:10.720> I<00:45:10.839>
• :15.559> of<00:45:15.720> Justice<00:45:16.160> to<00:45:16.280> do<00:45

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 45 requires library construction proposals submitted by the Department of State to OMB to include
• Section 58 for Historic and Cultural Affairs allows the Secretary of State to waive Chapter 69 provisions
• Sections 45 through 54. Section 55 will be put on hold.

Summary: The committee met for a fiscal year 2027 capital budget writing session with all 12 members present. It first reviewed and approved the DNREC Resource Conservation and Development drainage project list, which would add projects across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties and bring the total eligible projects to 1,561. Members offered personal remarks thanking retiring conservation district staff, especially Kevin Donnelly, for years of work on drainage and water issues. The committee then reviewed DelDOT Rule 12 changes, including annual date updates and a reduction in the inflation markup applied to older estimates, and approved the rule as amended. The committee next adopted DelDOT Appendix A and the FY27 paving and rehabilitation list, including the subdivision street management fund and various road resurfacing projects. DelDOT explained that paving projects are for state-of-good-repair work and that major changes from corridor studies would be handled separately. The committee also approved DelDOT epilogue changes, including updates to authorization amounts, a $25 million increase for toll infrastructure work, changes to subdivision street paving language, and an increase in the subdivision street paving management fund to $30 million. Several sections were placed on hold for later updates. The committee then moved through boilerplate epilogue sections in the bond bill, approving a wide range of provisions affecting conservation districts, housing, economic development, corrections, DNREC, public safety, transportation, agriculture, fire prevention, education, and other agencies. Many sections were adopted in groups, while some were held for later revisions or deleted as no longer needed. The session included updates to school capital rules, transportation restrictions and reporting requirements, DNREC conservation and land-use provisions, and funding and administrative authorities across multiple agencies. The committee broke for lunch after approving the education-related sections through 147, with additional sections still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a 45-day shot clock for building permits.
• Committee Member: You talked about these 30 days and 45 day.
• But to your point, I mean, if there are things within Chapter 212 where you can modify that and have

Transcript Highlights:

• establishing a 30-day shot clock for subdivision plat turnarounds and plans, so we have that in place. a 45
• You talked about these 30 days and 45 days. What's the enforcement?
• But to your point, I mean, if there are things within Chapter 212 where you can... ...modify that and

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the west side of Gallup and nine Navajo chapters here in McKinley County.
• As we'll discuss in depth in the first chapter, approximately 9,000 people in New Mexico need MAT but
• So with that being said, do you know if we work with the surrounding chapters?
• We have many local Navajo government chapters.
• Remarkably, nationally, we know that 45 to 83% of youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Robin Breed, and I'm here to testify in opposition of House Bill 3428 for the Texas chapter
• I'm here to testify in opposition to HB 259 on behalf of myself and the Texas chapter of Moms Demand
• I was given freedom of all my restrictions, penalties, and So what on my, my things, but here it is 45
• And based on the reading, based on looking at it, I have gone through every single chapter.
• I'm here testifying in opposition to HB 4201 on behalf of myself and Texas Chapter Moms Demand Action

Bills: HB259

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation

Transcript Highlights:

• to<00:45:23.960> that<00:45:24.240> but<00:45:24.520> yes<00:45:24.839><
• /c><00:45:29.359> law<00:45:29.680> that<00:45:29.800> we<00:45:30.000> have<
• > Center<00:45:31.559> and<00:45:32.200> um<00:45:32.480> we<00:45:32.640
• :45:37.480> as<00:45:37.599> you<00:45:37.760> know<00:45:38.480> um<00:45
• 00:45:45.480> less<00:45:45.920> staff<00:45:46.920> um<00:45:47.160> and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee’s Division 3 held a public work session on the Behavioral Health budget on February 27, 2025. The chair opened by explaining the schedule, materials, and deadlines for the budget process, and noted there would be no motions or votes in the division that day. Division of Behavioral Health Director Ktia Fox and DHHS CFO Nathan White then walked the committee through the division’s mission, structure, and budget materials, describing the division’s four bureaus: Mental Health Services, Children’s Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, and Homeless Services, along with the policy unit. They emphasized the division’s role in oversight, technical assistance, quality assurance, contracting, and the continuum of care from prevention and early intervention through crisis and residential services. Much of the discussion focused on major programs and funding lines, including the 988 Lifeline contract with Headrest, a technical assistance contract with UNH, Medicaid pass-through payments to New Hampshire Hospital and Glencliff, crisis response services, cold-weather homeless responses, housing supports, and the children’s system of care. Members asked about the UNH contract, the 988 program, crisis stabilization centers, and the peer certification program; Fox explained that the peer certification is a training-and-credentialing pathway for people with lived experience to enter community-based behavioral health work, not a volunteer program. The committee also discussed the “Choose Love” program, which Fox said was created after the Sandy Hook tragedy to build resilience and strength-based emotional regulation in schools and communities. On the children’s side, Fox described the system of care account as the place where many contracted services are budgeted, including community mental health centers, care management entities, rapid response services, and residential programs. Members asked about temporary staffing, and Fox said roughly $500,000 in temporary staff costs shown in the current year would not be spent next year because the money came from a nonlapsing appropriation in HB 1573 for oversight of children’s residential services. She also said provider rate increases were a prioritized need but were not funded in the governor’s current budget, and that the Children’s Behavioral Health Resource Center was not funded, resulting in about a $1 million reduction. The session ended while the division was still moving through the children’s behavioral health slides, including questions about the Fast Forward high-fidelity wraparound program and medication management.

Transcript Highlights:

• Event within 45 days following a Mifepristone abortion.
• They are not because this law talks specifically to Chapter 301 of the government code and as you probably
• I move that the Senate stand in recess until... 9:45 today, Wednesday, September 3rd.
• Hearing none, the Senate stands in recess until 9:45 p.m.

Bills: SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• 45:08.720> still<00:45:08.960> is<00:45:09.280> a<00:45:09.520> good<00:45
• c><00:45:14.160> the<00:45:14.400> minor's<00:45:14.800> family<00:45:15.119>
• :45:22.800> fact<00:45:23.040> pattern<00:45:23.359> we<00:45:23.599> got
• 00:45:37.839> So<00:45:38.160> I<00:45:38.240> I<00:45:38.720> my<00:45:38.800
• > my<00:45:39.680> and<00:45:40.000> and<00:45:40.160> I'm<00:45:40.400><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > think<00:45:06.560> all<00:45:06.720> of<00:45:06.800> us<00:45:06.960>
• <00:45:20.560> different<00:45:20.800> parties<00:45:21.200> and<00:45:21.440>
• <00:45:35.760> You've<00:45:36.000> got<00:45:36.079> three<00:45:36.319>
• Thank you, Mr.<00:45:49.520> Chair,<00:45:49.760> and<00:45:50.000> thank<00:45:
• <00:45:52.480> So,<00:45:53.040> I<00:45:53.200> I<00:45:53.520> want

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 69, which would require local school boards to publicly vote on whether to accept or reject charitable gifts or donations, prompted by a case in which a church offered to pay off school lunch debt but the offer was refused and families were sued instead. Senator Keith Murphy said the bill is intended to force transparency and public accountability in similar situations, while acknowledging that boards may still reject gifts with strings attached or for ethical reasons. Members raised questions about anonymity, privacy, and whether school boards already have authority to address meal debt before litigation. Murphy said the bill was aimed at cases where money is refused and families are sued, and he said he would accept amendments to make the vote requirement apply to both accepted and rejected gifts. The hearing on the bill was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 206, which requires public schools to adopt policies limiting student cell phone use during the school day. Trisha Milo, presenting for Senator Rashardi, said the bill is meant to improve focus, reduce distraction and cyberbullying, and create more consistent policies across districts, while still allowing exceptions for medical, disability, language support, and instructional needs. Committee members questioned whether districts would retain flexibility, whether the bill should apply to charter schools and other devices, and whether the annual policy-update requirement and enforcement language were too prescriptive. Milo said districts would still have flexibility in how they write their policies and that she would seek clarification from the senator on several drafting questions. Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association testified in support of the general concept of a cell phone policy, saying many districts already have some form of policy, though not all do, and that existing sample policies are outdated. She said the annual update requirement would likely be burdensome and that the enforcement language seemed intended to ensure administrative involvement rather than teacher discipline, but she suggested the wording may need revision. Members also discussed whether very small districts or districts without schools should be covered and whether the bill should better distinguish between classroom enforcement and student discipline. The chair closed the hearing on Senate Bill 206 after no further testimony, and the committee moved on to the next bill.