Video & Transcript Research : 'firearm certification'
Page 166 of 361
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to existing law, any underappropriation would either be paid in full at certification in 2027
- , would either be paid in full at certification in 2027 or according to a payment plan similar to the
- colleague from CSBA, we're concerned it relies on a constitutionally suspect use of the Prop 98 certification
- colleague from CSBA, we're concerned it relies on a constitutionally suspect use of the Prop 98 certification
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held its first hearing of the year on Proposition 98, focusing on the Governor’s budget estimates for the three-year budget window, the Public School System Stabilization Account (PSSA), and repayment of education deferrals. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee would rise by about $21.7 billion over the 2025 Budget Act, with increases in each year, full repayment of the existing settle-up obligation in 2024-25, a new $5.6 billion settle-up obligation proposed for 2025-26, and a higher guarantee in 2026-27. Finance also noted revised downward estimates for transitional kindergarten attendance and Los Angeles County property tax reimbursements, and said community colleges would be funded above the split because of enrollment growth.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office emphasized fiscal risk and volatility, warning that recent revenue gains are tied heavily to the stock market and tech sector and could reverse quickly. The LAO argued the Governor’s proposed $5.6 billion delay shifts risk into future years and recommended instead fully funding the current estimate, making a larger reserve deposit, considering advance payments or pension-related uses, and finding additional non-Prop 98 solutions to reduce the state’s structural deficit. On the reserve and deferral items, Finance described revised PSSA deposits and withdrawals that would leave about $4.1 billion in the reserve by 2026-27, and both Finance and the LAO supported paying off the remaining LCFF and SCFF deferrals as good fiscal practice.
Committee members questioned the size of the settle-up amount, the degree of revenue volatility, the use of the reserve, and the ongoing K-12/community college split. Finance said the proposal is meant to avoid overappropriation if revenues fall, while the LAO said a buffer of roughly $3.5 billion would address typical forecasting risk. Public commenters, including school boards, county offices of education, teachers, and advocacy groups, largely opposed the $5.6 billion withholding or settle-up delay, calling it a manipulation of Prop. 98 and urging full funding and more stable revenue solutions. Several speakers also urged dedicated funding for students experiencing homelessness. The hearing ended with no vote, and the chair announced that broader program discussions would occur in later hearings.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- actually it's a little bit less, maybe the top 20 districts, whose teaching staff did not hold a certificate
- 18:49.919>
a uh whose teaching s who didn't hold a uh whose teaching s who didn't hold a certificate - 18:52.000>
So <00:18:52.240>we <00:18:52.400>we <00:18:52.799>looked certificate - So we we looked certificate above 30%.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It was almost like they were earning a certificate to something and then also taking all of our classes
- We slimmed down the courses so that we could then partner with ASUN or other certificates that we have
- So if they wanted to earn a certificate or if they wanted to go more towards taking classes that are
- Because a certificate may take you a little bit longer or you might be able to achieve it sooner.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from November 17 by motion and voice vote. It then heard a presentation from Arkansas State University on its inclusive postsecondary education programs, HOWL and ATLAS, led by Dr. Kristen Johnson and Shane Broadway. The programs serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, by providing on-campus living, academic support, life-skills training, financial literacy, internships, employment support, and community integration. Johnson explained that HOWL is a comprehensive transition program that does not lead to a degree but is eligible for financial aid, while ATLAS is degree-seeking and provides additional supports. She reported strong outcomes, including high goal attainment and a majority of graduates working full time, and emphasized that the programs are designed to help students build autonomous adult lives.
Members asked about recruitment, eligibility, costs, school outreach, business partnerships, and transition planning. Johnson said the programs have done extensive outreach through IEP meetings, transition symposia, email blasts, and school visits, but that awareness remains a challenge. She identified major roadblocks as business concerns about liability, fragmented collaboration, and difficulty navigating funding streams such as vocational rehabilitation and Medicaid. She also said more coordinated statewide communication and coalition-building are needed, and noted that ASU is helping launch a state alliance for similar programs, with new programs opening at ASU Mountain Home and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
The committee then heard from the University of Central Arkansas about Project Ascend, a new low-sensory living-learning community for neurodiverse students in Hughes Hall. Dr. Debbie Daly and Jeremy Gillum described it as a voluntary, self-identified program focused on community building, belonging, and retention rather than remediation or degree planning. The program has hosted a few low-sensory social events and plans to expand outreach through campus tours, orientation, and targeted communications. Members asked about recruitment, participation, success measures, and how to avoid duplicating ASU’s efforts; UCA said it is still in its infancy and will measure success mainly through participation, retention, and student engagement. The meeting ended with general support from members, discussion of collaboration across institutions and agencies, and adjournment of the task force.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (10/23/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- DEES's original functions and oversight while providing applicants from the defined path to obtain certification
- applicants from the defined path<00:25:35.200>
to <00:25:35.440>obtain <00:25:35.840>certification - <00:25:36.640>
through <00:25:36.880>the path to obtain certification through the path - to obtain certification through the solid<00:25:37.440>
waste <00:25:37.679>site <00:25
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures May 6th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- The young employees did not have the proper training or certifications or equipment for a positive life
- We're required to hold multiple certifications, meet minimum, I'm sorry, safety standards and inspected
- breweries, brew pubs, holders of mixed beverage permits or bars, holders of food and beverage certificates
- His certificate had expired. There's no enforcement. DeShaw transition.
Bills:
SB 28
Keywords:
groundwater, groundwater conservation district, Water Code, Water Development Board, modeled available groundwater, aquifer, water permit, groundwater transfer, export groundwater, out-of-district transfer, management area, desired future conditions, well permit, retail public utility, potable water, emergency interconnect, subsidiary, controlled entity, aquifer management, water resources
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 2nd, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- making governance information more readily available to residents by requiring the management certificates
- Required information to be included on a management certificate includes capping resale certificate fees
- I forwarded a constituent question about management certificate information, how to find it, and what
Keywords:
science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education Mar 27th, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- the state report workforce shortages in high demand fields that require specialized skills and certifications
- while also completing career and tech education that leads to at least one industry recognized certification
- or license, as well as at least one industry recognized certification or license in a high-demand field
- grants that we have worked for for the last 4 years, been able to send multiple teachers to, um, certification
Bills:
HB117
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- just says that at the time of the filing of the notice required by this paragraph, a construction certificate
- and Environment Cabinet detailing all federal and state incentives utilized by the construction certificate
- 35.199>
in At the time of the filing of the notice required by this paragraph, a construction certificate - and Environment Cabinet detailing all federal and state incentives utilized by the construction certificate
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:04
Introduction of Guests 00:54
HB 640 Discussion 01:15
HB 640 Roll Call Vote 05:16
HB 641 Discussion 06:11
HB 641 Roll Call Vote 11:49
HB 790 Discussion 12:47
HB 790 Roll Call Vote 14:23
Chair Comments regarding SB 89 16:04, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bills 640, 641, and 790. HB 640 would authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to adopt regulations to control invasive non-native plant species, with testimony focusing on the threat posed by species such as callery pear/Bradford pear to native plants, forest health, and the economy. Members asked whether the bill itself would ban Bradford pears; the sponsor clarified that it would not directly ban them, but would give the cabinet regulatory authority. The bill received a favorable expression by roll call.
HB 641 addressed coal combustion byproducts, explaining that the bill would help preserve landfill space by allowing these materials to be reused as special waste in places such as abandoned strip mines or underground mines, and would clarify that reclaimed land could qualify for agricultural use such as pasture, hay, or crop production. Members raised concerns about groundwater and runoff; the sponsor and another member argued that placing the material under cover would reduce exposure compared with open piles currently sitting at power plants. After discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression, with a few members passing on the vote.
HB 790, as amended by committee substitute, was described as substantially narrowed from its original form. The substitute removed setback requirements and instead required construction certificate holders for solar merchant electric generating facilities to report federal and state incentives used for siting, construction, and operation, with the cabinet compiling and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly. The committee approved the substitute and the bill passed with favorable expression. At the end of the meeting, members were also reminded of a later TVA energy update meeting and the chair noted ongoing work on Senate Bill 89, with possible future action and a special meeting if revised language is ready.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Econ. Dev., Public Protection, Tourism and Energy (2-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- that<00:09:11.399>
come <00:09:11.600>to <00:09:11.800>us We also run a certification - So, for instance, we train on mine emergency technicians, but we also do the certification process for
- As I said, we do 8,000 to 9,000 training sessions per year. certification process for someone to certification
Keywords:
00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:30 Energy and Environment Cabinet
18:56 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Tourism and Energy committee received a presentation from Gordon Sloan, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, and Deputy Commissioner David Fields on the Division of Mine Safety. They outlined the division’s structure, saying it has four branch offices in Madisonville, Harlan, Hazard, and Pikeville, with 36 inspectors total, plus administrative staff and several headquarters specialists. They also explained that four additional inspectors are on sick leave or workers’ compensation and will not be backfilled, and confirmed that inspectors work from offices rather than from home.
The presentation focused on mine safety duties and staffing needs. Sloan said underground licensed mines must receive six inspections annually, including mine safety analyses, an electrical inspection, roof inspections, and regular inspections of airways, returns, belts, and miner safety equipment. He also described the division’s mine rescue responsibilities, including providing rescue coverage where operators do not have their own teams, maintaining teams within an hour’s drive of mines, and supporting training and certification. The division also conducts 17 training courses and about 8,000 to 9,000 trainings per year.
Members were given updated mine and employment figures. Sloan reported 126 licensed mines in 2024 across the branch areas, with 61 active all year and others idle or later abandoned. He said Kentucky had 4,683 miners in 2024, with average employment of 4,509, and noted that the state had gone 34 months without a mining fatality since March 2022. He also said the division provides rescue services for 16 underground rock quarries, three highway tunnels, and three underground military training sites. In response to questions, Sloan said the division does not plan to refill the four vacant inspector positions because staffing is adequate statewide, and he said he would provide additional historical mine data later. The committee took no formal action and adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. (6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- , but certificates are up. and 5% respectively uh since 2013. and 5% respectively uh since 2013.
- ,<00:51:18.240>
but <00:51:18.480>certificates <00:51:19.040>are <00:51:19.200>- certifications, but certificates are up. certifications, but certificates are up.
- talking about certificates, We're talking about certificates, diplomas<00:53:08.720>
that <00:- And And I certificate or credential.
Summary:
The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for its first summer interim meeting, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and took roll. The first presentation came from Jerry Gels, principal of Ignite Institute in Erlanger, who focused on the rising cost of dual credit. He said dual credit tuition has increased from about $150 to $290 for a three-credit course over roughly five years, which he argued is discouraging participation, especially for working-class and low-income students. He cited Ignite data and broader college outcomes to argue dual credit improves college persistence, shortens time to degree, and reduces student debt, noting that many of his students enter college with substantial credit and that low-income students at Ignite have increasingly participated after targeted efforts and scholarship use. He also said the instructional labor is largely paid by county school systems, so he questioned the size of the tuition increase and said the committee should examine how the costs are being set and whether college tuition should be stabilizing as more students arrive with credits already earned.
Members asked about who pays for dual credit, the role of state scholarship support, and whether tuition varies by institution. Gels said students in his district generally pay the dual credit cost themselves, though some districts may cover it, and he noted the dual credit scholarship now covers fewer classes than before. He said the price appears to be set centrally rather than varying by university, and he emphasized that the higher cost is creating barriers even though the courses are taught largely by local teachers on school payrolls. He also described Ignite’s efforts to expand access for free- and reduced-lunch students, saying participation among that group rose from 27% with no dual credit to about 90-92% taking at least one dual credit class.
The committee then heard from the Goldwater Institute, represented by Michael Frazier and Dr. Tim Minella by Zoom. They argued Kentucky’s public universities should face stronger accountability and transparency, citing declining public confidence in higher education, rising costs, and what they described as administrative growth and research spending that does not clearly benefit students or the Commonwealth. They proposed requiring a 10-year accounting of staffing growth by category, comparing it to enrollment and low-income Kentucky enrollment, and limiting non-STEM faculty teaching releases for research unless approved under a baseline consent process. They also criticized certain university-funded research projects as examples of misdirected spending and said public reporting should distinguish Kentucky residents from non-residents more clearly, pointing to a reported decline in low-income in-state undergraduate enrollment. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 10/14/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If they have citizenship-affirming documentation, a passport, a birth certificate, you said, is there
- If we're going away from attestation, and someone says, "Well, this is my birth certificate.
- <01:46:14.320>
And certificate and a marriage record. - And certificate and a marriage record.
- My name is Jones my birth certificate.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/3/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to need people who are able to teach the certificate programs, associate's degree, bachelor's
- We're going to need people who are able to teach the certificate programs, associate's degree, bachelor's
- <01:20:37.440>
diploma <01:20:38.000>or fill require a certification diploma or fill - and providing structured certifications and providing structured paid<01:20:58.800>
on <01:20: - <01:21:29.400>
or <01:21:30.000>degree <01:21:31.000>the Their certification
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- That, of course, includes certificates and diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate
- 57% there and those with certificates 57% there and those with certificates about<00:12:20.279><
- attainment and a 50% degree certificate attainment and a 50% degree attainment<00:14:14.680>
and< - or returning to rather than certificates or returning to you<00:14:23.440>
know <00:14:23.920> - Some of these are estimates, particularly around the certificate data, because it's, you know, it's a
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- maximum age requirement of 34, so this legislation would waive that and grant him eligibility for certification
- maximum age requirement of 34, so this legislation would waive that and grant him eligibility for certification
- the bill would waive the current maximum age requirement of 34 and allow him to be eligible for certification
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on several public safety-related bills, with testimony focused heavily on firefighter cancer presumptions, death benefits, and age-limit waivers for public safety appointments. Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts testified in support of legislation tied to the late Boston firefighter Matt Troy, describing his service, his occupational cancer diagnosis, and the family’s ineligibility for benefits because his diagnosis fell just short of the statutory presumption period. Witnesses urged the committee to advance the bill so his widow could receive accidental death benefits and to address broader concerns about cancer risks, bunker gear, and early detection programs for firefighters. Committee members asked questions about how the diagnosis date affected eligibility and discussed the need for broader systemic changes rather than repeated home-rule petitions. Senator Nick Collins and Representative Dan Hunt both testified in support of the Troy-related bills, and the committee also heard that written testimony had been submitted by additional supporters.
The committee also heard local home-rule petitions to extend the employment of fire chiefs in Rochester and Northfield. Representative Alan Silvia supported H. 4235 to allow Rochester Fire Chief Scott Wego to continue serving until age 70, citing his nearly 50 years of service and leadership in department improvements. A Northfield select board chair testified virtually in support of H. 4236 to keep Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dennell on the job, explaining that he has been central to building planning, volunteer recruitment, training documentation, and an organizational review as the town prepares for his eventual retirement. Both local bills were presented as measures to preserve continuity and support ongoing public safety planning in their communities.
Another major topic was S. 2583, which would waive the maximum age requirement for Jonathan Lewis to be appointed to the Massachusetts State Police. Senator Collins described Lewis’s community service and strong exam score, and Lewis testified about his background in Dorchester, his prior interest in becoming a trooper, and his recent ranking on the eligibility list. Committee members expressed support and noted the importance of recruiting qualified candidates and diversifying the force. The committee also heard support for H. 4443, which would raise the maximum age for original appointment to firefighter or police officer positions, and members discussed related retirement and health-review issues that have arisen in prior home-rule cases. At the end of the hearing, no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to adjourn.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We removed the IBHS certification, and we changed that.
- They have had issue with IBHS's certification process, and they recommended a unbiased third-party testing
- The adjuster cap and removing the IBHS fortified roof certification, replacing that with a non-biased
Summary:
The Insurance Committee first heard House Bill 2250, sponsored by Representative Zimmerman, which would require insurers to cover replacement of all siding on a home when storm damage affects only part of the siding and matching materials are not reasonably available. Zimmerman said the bill is intended to codify Missouri case law and address homeowner complaints after hailstorms, where insurers allegedly paid only for the damaged side and left owners to pay for the rest if matching siding could not be found. Committee members generally expressed sympathy for affected homeowners and discussed possible refinements, including limiting the requirement to street-facing elevations and adding clearer consumer disclosures about coverage.
Opposition testimony came from the Missouri Insurance Coalition, which argued the bill could increase premiums and reduce affordability, especially for homeowners choosing lower-cost policies. Coalition witnesses said insurers should repair direct physical damage but raised concerns about extending coverage to cosmetic mismatch issues and noted that consumers can sometimes buy more robust coverage through riders or different policy options. They also said better disclosure and consumer education would help. Representative Castile raised additional ideas about certified payroll and contractor accountability, though those were not part of the bill under discussion.
After the HB 2250 hearing closed, the committee established a quorum and moved into executive session on House Bill 3328. The committee adopted a House Committee Substitute that, according to Representative Castile, removed the IBHS certification requirement in favor of a non-biased third-party testing lab and deleted an adjuster cap, while keeping the bill’s broader “stronger home” program intact. The committee then voted the substitute do pass by a 9-0 vote and adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Motor Vehicle Division must certify speed-inhibiting devices that meet outlined requirements for certification
- Certify speed-inhibiting devices that meet outlined requirements for certification, publish and make
- A company that knowingly submits a false certification is liable for a civil penalty of $100,000, the
Keywords:
procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology, security, speeding, speed limit, traffic enforcement, driver safety, speed inhibiting device, appropriation, law enforcement, task forces, funding, criminal justice, community supervision, rehabilitation, supervision fee, victim compensation
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety approved the minutes from March 18, 2026, then heard and voted on several bills. HB 4018, which clarifies that a county sheriff has exclusive authority to regulate posse and reserve organizations acting under the sheriff’s authority, passed on a 5-1 vote after supporters said it simply codifies existing authority and improves accountability; one member opposed it as giving too much unchecked power. HB 2417, allowing certain drivers to use a court-ordered speed-inhibiting device instead of a license suspension for specified offenses, passed 6-1, with supporters calling it an optional safety measure and opponents raising cost, privacy, and enforcement concerns. HB 2771, allowing ADCRR to require prisoners to pay reasonable rehabilitation-program costs as a condition of community supervision, passed 5-2, and HB 2772, creating a driver’s-license medical indicator for advance directives such as a DNR, passed unanimously after discussion about implementation, renewal, and cost to applicants.
The committee also approved HCR 259, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional role, on a 4-3 vote. HB 2418, which appropriates $600,000 to be distributed evenly among the five original major incident regional law enforcement task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties, passed unanimously; testimony said the bill codifies a distribution practice that has already been followed administratively. Finally, HB 2170, the Protection Procurement Act, which bars state contracts for certain Chinese government-controlled companies unless no reasonable alternative exists and imposes penalties for false certification, passed 4-3 after proponents argued it protects Arizona from security and supply-chain risks. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and pages and adjournment.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- One is the certification, that's A, and B is the loan mobilization program rules.
- -hour credential, that would pay $250. $250 will also be paid for a complete employment skills certification
- So one-half of a high school credit, the employment skills certification, or an earned workforce credential
Summary:
The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates and had no questions, so both were filed. The Department of Commerce sought repeal of rules tied to the minority and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act, explaining the rules were repealed by implication or duplicative of statute; all were reviewed and approved. The Insurance Department presented a new rule implementing Act 426 of 2025 for online marketplace guarantee providers, using Airbnb-style host damage protection as an example, and it was approved. The Department of Education updated the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program rule to reflect statutory payment amounts for milestones and diplomas, and it was approved. DFA presented a rule creating a reporting method for the Arkansas rice beer and sake excise tax credit; members asked about verification of Arkansas rice use, and the rule was approved. DHS presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes to work requirements and energy assistance counting, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64 and removing some exemptions; it was approved after questions about terminology and waiver-related issues.
The committee also approved DHS Medicaid rules allowing rehab hospitals to bill for psychiatric units and exempting Arkansas from the federal recovery audit contractor requirement, citing other program integrity measures already in place. The State Board of Public Accountancy, under Labor and Licensing, presented rules implementing Act 428 of 2025, including a new CPA licensure pathway with a bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience, substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of the government not-for-profit accounting requirement; despite some negative comments, both rules were approved. The committee then granted the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, and approved its request to retain all 18 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation rules under Act 781 review. Remaining outstanding 2023-session rulemaking and monthly updates were noted in packets with no questions, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- current program, any area that is de-designated, the doctors currently practicing would lose their certificate
- The bill accomplishes that by creating a simple grandfathering process for any ACN certificate holder
- The bill does not guarantee ACN health care providers get a certificate to practice, as the Board of
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment on several health and human services funding concerns before moving through a series of bills. Testimony at the start focused on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, with a client warning that proposed changes to eligibility and drug access could disrupt care for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urging the Legislature to intervene. Another speaker asked for support for the iBudget waiver, saying provider costs have risen and requesting about a 7% increase for direct support professionals to help stabilize the developmental disabilities workforce.
The committee then unanimously reported favorably several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7, based on drowning-prevention recommendations. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligned reporting dates with the House version. SB 1718 changed the definition of when an adult visitor in an out-of-home placement becomes a non-visitor, reducing repeated background checks, made the Step Into Success pilot permanent, adjusted foster youth stipends, and created a best-practices program within the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.
The committee also approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials provided to new parents and requires hospitals and birthing centers to document compliance; members highlighted bathtub drownings as a key concern. SB 96 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while an amendment removed the bill’s specific appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before taking the NCLEX. SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in federally designated areas of critical need if an area is de-designated, to avoid disrupting patient-provider relationships. All bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 19th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- that might be answered in the county municipal government requirements, and some of it is about certification
- , security, and things like that. ...certification, security, and things like that.
- We can't get the public, the press—no one can seem to get the number of POST certifications. ... ...can
Keywords:
law enforcement, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, education, property acquisition, municipality, land use, annexation, competitive bidding, procurement, disclosure statements, state contracts
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:31:12.640>
test <02:31:13.560>and sit in on the LPN certification test and sit - There has been much discussion about various provisions of the certificate of need law.
- They can also apply for an exemption from a certificate of need for anything that you currently need
- <02:45:20.960>
of <02:45:21.040>need certificate of need certificate of need to<02:45:22.520 - and appeals of certificates of need. and appeals of certificates of need.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Dr. Ryan Wade and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine business by dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports. Several guests were recognized, including Leadership Jackson County, Farm Bureau members, a doctor of the day, adult educators, and other visitors in the gallery. Senator Brumfield also announced support efforts for Senator Warren Barnett, asking members to contribute to him through Ms. Anita Jackson.
The chamber then considered a series of House bills, most of them taken up with strike-all amendments and passed by use of the morning roll call. Measures included HB 1390 on personal services funding allocations, HB 1571 on ARPA funds and unexpended balances, HB 1655 on the State Aid Road Construction director’s personnel status, HB 1650 on dormant state accounts and pooled investments, HB 1651 on state agencies using other agencies’ facilities and charging 50% of fair market value, HB 1345 on administrative forfeiture of illegal cigarette and vaping products, HB 1386 on allowing sidewalks as an eligible use of municipal infrastructure funds, HB 671 on alcoholic beverage delivery responsibility ending when retailers transfer possession to delivery services, and HB 1385 on eliminating paper-original homestead exemption submissions. Members asked questions on several bills, especially about whether the fairgrounds language in HB 1651 would affect youth livestock shows and whether HB 1386 or other measures would change county revenue; sponsors generally said the bills were intended to address state-agency use, municipal reporting, or administrative efficiency rather than alter those programs.
The Senate also advanced HB 898, creating a sales tax diversion study committee to review misallocated municipal sales tax revenues, assess impacts, examine technology and oversight, and recommend reforms by the 2027 session; Senator Hill questioned whether counties should be included, but the sponsor said that would be a separate policy decision. Later, the Senate reconsidered HB 1265, the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act extended repealer, adopted an amendment to remove the repealer instead of extending it, and then passed the bill. The body also took up SB 2632, the local governments disaster recovery emergency loan program, and voted not to concur and to invite conference. Finally, HB 1142 on bench warrant notices was called up; the sponsor explained a strike-all that would replace certified mail with personal service or electronic transmission and include a reverse repealer for further conference work.