Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Jett, the amendment you are proposing will have a physical impact.
• Are you referring to the rules for the legislative proposal that was passed by this body?
• These were proposed major rules. They do have statutory authority. This was caught late.
• And what happened with that proposal? Can you reinstate your question?
• You and is there something that Is there language in what you're proposing?

Bills: HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HB1370, SB2154, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1099, HJR1100, HB3021, SB893, SB206, SB248, SB259, SB423, SB563, SB604, SB633, HJR1077, SB667, SB1224, SB1257, SB1264, SB1319, SB1360, SB1437, SB1531, SB1543, SB1806, HB3004, SB1572, HB4342, SB1618, SB2, SB237, SB1632, SB1687, SB1726, SB1859, SB1894, SB1461, HB4432, SB1948, SB1589, SJR52, SR46, HCR1030, SB2071, SB2182, SB1451, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100, SB2185, SB893, HB3021, SR46, SB206, SB237, SB248, SB259, SB423, SB563, SB604, SB625, SB633, SB667, SB1224, SB1257, SB1264, SB1319, SB1360, SB1378, SB1437, SB1531, SB1543, SB1572, SB1618, SB1632, SB1687, SB1726, SB1806, SB1859, SB1894, SB1948, SB2071, SJR52, HB1370, HJR1077, SB2, SB1451, SB2182, HCR1030

Keywords: education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

Transcript Highlights:

• Fuel Alabama proposes a bunch of our current interns to explore opportunities around the state, but this
• Fuel Alabama<00:45:24.079> proposes<00:45:25.359> um<00:45:25.599> a<00:45:25.839
• proposes um a bunch of our current<00:45:26.880> interns<00:45:27.680> to<00:45:28.079
• <00:46:15.040> Um,<00:46:15.280> but have a lot of sample proposals.
• Um, but have a lot of sample proposals.

Bills: HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390, HB527, HB563, HB580, HB579, SB190, HB15, HB390

Keywords: liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, SNAP, food assistance, public assistance, income standards, Department of Human Resources, eligibility, HB580, Alabama Healthy Schools Act, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school meals, cafeteria, vending machines, fundraising sales

Transcript Highlights:

• So under this proposal, there would no longer be a buyback restriction or shared appreciation.
• So under this proposal, there matter.
• So under this proposal, there would<00:16:07.040> no<00:16:07.279> not<00:16:07.519>
• And you're proposing a program that's not tied to any AMI level. home buyers is that committing to a
• > that's<00:27:22.480> not you're proposing a program that's not you're proposing a program

Bills: SB2060, SB2063, SB2062, SB2069, SB2070

Keywords: rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance, housing development, preservation, rehabilitation, pre-development, construction financing, equity investment, credit enhancement, collateral, gap financing, area median income, AMI, perpetual affordability

Summary: The committee heard five housing measures, with the chair announcing that SB 2060, SB 2063, SB 2062, and SB 2069 were works in progress and that decision-making would be deferred to February 3. SB 2060 would allow HHFDC, with Finance approval, to transfer money within the rental housing revolving fund and its subaccounts without further legislative authorization, including a transfer to the mixed-income subaccount for FY 2026-2027. HHFDC and other supporters said the change would give the agency more flexibility to move projects forward, while Catholic Charities Hawaii and a testifier from Roars and Cares supported the bill but warned that shifting money away from lower-income housing could weaken efforts to serve households under 80% of area median income and people at risk of homelessness. HHFDC said the fund’s uncommitted balance was about $100 million and that demand exceeded available resources. SB 2063 would revise the mixed-income subaccount by changing project priorities, adding new criteria, allowing transfers within the subaccount without legislative approval, and directing conveyance tax revenues into the subaccount. HHFDC, OPSD, LURF, Hawaii Appleseed, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Stanford Carr Development, and Roars and Cares supported the measure, while Catholic Charities urged the committee to keep rental and for-sale housing policy separate and to use other mechanisms for homeownership. Catholic Charities said the rental housing revolving fund should remain focused on rentals, and that for-sale initiatives should be addressed separately. The chair indicated an intent to defer the bill for further edits. SB 2062 would make the dwelling unit revolving fund equity pilot a permanent HHFDC program, allowing the agency to buy equity in for-sale developments to lower initial purchase prices and require repayment through shared appreciation. HHFDC said the pilot had been successful, with 83 units committed and $7.6 million of the $10 million program cap already committed, and said permanence would let the agency pair the program with DERF loans earlier in project financing. The chair said SB 2069 would be used as the vehicle for amendments to the DERF equity program and related changes. SB 2069 would authorize HHFDC to use existing dwelling unit revolving fund balances for the equity pilot; it drew support from HHFDC and several housing organizations. SB 2070 would create a permanently affordable for-sale housing program by replacing the current 10-year buyback restriction with a resale price cap tied to an appreciation index, which HHFDC said would preserve affordability while allowing owners to build equity. In questioning, senators pressed HHFDC on whether the bill was necessary, whether it would remove first-time homebuyer and other ownership restrictions, and whether the new program was truly “permanently affordable” if not tied to AMI. HHFDC said the current statutory restrictions limit flexibility, that the proposal would expand access to local residents, and that the price cap would be based on about 4.5% annual appreciation. Supporters said the approach would help buyers move up the housing ladder, while some senators expressed concern that it could open the program to owners of multiple properties and that the committee should see sales-velocity data on existing restricted units before proceeding.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed Mystery Cove Water Park will be a direct construction investment of $325 million and will
• <00:16:26.320> The<00:16:26.560> proposed<00:16:26.880> Mystery<00:16:27.279
• The proposed Mystery Cove them build it.
• The proposed Mystery Cove Water<00:16:27.920> Park<00:16:28.160> will<00:16:28.320>
• As proposed, Senate file Senate source.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the safety of the broader public, the broader community of people and of fur babies, city leaders proposed
• You know, and just for the record, we have not, I know there's a big proposal up in Dalton.
• We have not proposal up in Dalton.
• <00:38:04.320> land you know, if there was a proposed land you know, if there was a proposed
• Um, the way this proposed bill is with, you know, I could certainly see all those additions.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're proposing to serve a total of 25 with this exceptional item.
• We're proposing to bring those minimum salaries up.
• So we're proposing to bring APS to the same level as our CPS caseworker.
• So we would propose to create that unit within our child protective investigations.
• And so what we are proposing here is to have a consultative hotline.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to provide some explanation behind our proposed amendments.
• Our amendments actually propose to remove the import tax credit section from the bill as it goes forward
• <00:14:30.480> amendments fiscal concern our proposed amendments fiscal concern our proposed
• <01:00:16.000> Bill<01:00:16.280> introduces this out the proposed Bill introduces
• this out the proposed Bill introduces tax<01:00:17.240> credits<01:00:17.680> for<01:00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on HB 976, a measure related to incentives for renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Supporters said the bill would help close the cost gap between renewable and conventional fuels, strengthen Hawaii’s energy security, support climate goals, and encourage local economic development. Testifiers from Pono Pacific, PAR Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, Pacific Biodiesel, Aloha Carbon, and others described ongoing or planned projects, local feedstock development, and potential benefits for agriculture, waste diversion, and emissions reductions. Several testifiers also discussed proposed amendments. The Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition said it wanted to remove the import tax credit, eliminate the aggregate cap increase to avoid additional state funding, and revise local-production language to rely on a carbon-intensity threshold rather than location-based preferences. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised technical concerns about the bill’s administration, including prorating credits if the cap is exceeded and the feasibility of a 30-day filing window. Some supporters urged keeping solid waste, including construction and demolition debris, as eligible feedstock, while Energy Justice Network opposed that approach and also urged removing GMO-related language and waste-based feedstocks because of environmental and toxic emissions concerns. Opposition testimony focused on the bill’s cost and feasibility. Energy Justice Network and Ted Metros argued the measure could become a large subsidy for a refinery and questioned whether Hawaii has enough land and water to produce meaningful quantities of biofuel locally. Metros also criticized the refundable credit structure and said the state should not bear the cost for what he described as a benefit largely tied to tourism and imported fuel. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair later noted the committee had received 13 testimonies in support, 18 in opposition, and seven comments, and then invited further discussion on cost allocation and lowering caps to broaden participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we can waive that rule, we'd be able to fund all the proposals that come in.
• We asked the H ant lab to submit a proposal, and I threw out a number that maybe they can submit a proposal
• We have not yet begun the process, so we just recently got the proposal.
• H the ha ant lab to submit a proposal H the ha ant lab to submit a proposal and<00:33:06.960>
• that maybe they can submit a proposal that maybe they can submit a proposal for for for $75,000<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• critical access Hospital the proposed critical access Hospital the proposed new<03:26:41.040>
• review of the impact of the proposed review of the impact of the proposed Healthcare Healthcare
• bill would remove services the proposed bill would remove the<03:27:28.720> 15<03:27:29.120><
• can be made and another proposal can be made and another proposal more<05:11:40.040> informed
• project will lead to the proposed project will lead to proposed<05:50:20.160> benefits<05:50:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A $100 fine, repeated is being proposed.
• <01:44:47.360> change OSHA's proposed change OSHA's proposed change back<01:44:49.280>
• <03:02:06.640> the<03:02:07.520> um propose an amendment to the um propose an amendment
• <03:58:51.840> we to healthcare I'd like to propose we to healthcare I'd like to propose we
• > amendment<03:59:59.120> that would propose with this amendment that would propose with

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Friday, May 1, 2026, on a voice vote after Representative Johnson offered a humorous Star Wars-themed motion. Members then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, including Finance, Business Affairs and Labor, State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources, and Appropriations, along with a few non-legislative notices such as open enrollment and a Cinco de Mayo potluck. The chamber also received a committee report from Appropriations recommending House Bills 1016, 1272, 1326, 1428, and Senate Bill 5 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The Majority Leader moved to add House Bills 1054, 1272, 1327, 1016, and 1428 to the special orders calendar for May 4, 2026 at 9:18 a.m., and there was no objection. The House then took up Senate Bill 160, concerning employee protections in the workplace, with a Business and Labor committee report. The bill’s sponsors said it would ensure meatpacking workers receive frequent bathroom breaks and that the cost of initial protective equipment is not deducted from paychecks. Supporters argued the bill protects basic dignity and health, while opponents said the issues are already covered by OSHA and that the measure is redundant, potentially preempted, and too specific to one employer. Representative Richardson offered amendment L002 to require coordination with OSHA before state action, but the amendment was defeated on a voice vote. Debate on the bill continued, with members divided over whether the legislation was needed or whether existing labor and safety rules were sufficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what that's called. chair at the governor's proposed levels. chair at the governor's proposed
• And then including the change items, specifically the operating adjustment that was proposed in Senate
• in Senate File 1959 that was proposed in Senate File 1959 A2.<00:13:25.519> Uh<00:13:25.839><
• This proposed legislation seeks to crack down on nonaccredited VA claims consultants that charge fees
• This proposed legislation seeks to crack down on nonaccredited VA claims consultants that charge fees

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we offer proposed language if you want to use it. Otherwise, no need.
• So we offer proposed language if you want to use it. Otherwise, no need.
• So we offer proposed language if you want to use it. Otherwise, no need.
• in testimony from Habitat for proposed in testimony from Habitat for Humanity<01:10:19.679> um
• However, we'll end their proposed amendment at there.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on a wide range of housing-related bills. HB 295 on Hawaiian homelands drew support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and individual testifiers who described long waits for DHHL housing, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands offered comments noting that lowering the Native Hawaiian blood quantum from 50% to 25% would require multiple legal and federal review steps. The committee also heard testimony on several Hawaii Public Housing Authority measures, including HB 99, HB 1096, HB 1097, HB 1095, HB 1093, and HB 1094, which generally received agency support and little or no public opposition during the hearing. HB 1094 prompted questions about the handling and sale or donation of seized property, and the agency said it lacked capacity to manage that work directly and would need to consult the Attorney General on liability concerns. The committee then heard HB 1056 and HB 1467, both related to a proposed Hawaii Homes or housing resiliency program. DCCA, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported HB 1056, while the Attorney General requested clarification on fund language. The Insurance Commissioner said DCCA was willing to run the program and that strengthening homes would help keep insurance available in Hawaii. For HB 1467, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and Climate Advisory Team also supported the measure, with the Attorney General raising concerns about delegation, the special fund, and extension authority. Testimony on both bills emphasized hurricane retrofits, with some witnesses urging harmonization of the two similar proposals and one witness warning that the bills could conflict with efforts to reduce building-code minimum standards. Other measures included HB 1013 on important agricultural lands, which received support from HHFDC, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, DBEDT, the Agri-Business Development Corporation, and Purple Maiʻa Foundation, with some agencies offering comments. HB 1294 on agricultural workforce housing drew comments from the Attorney General, who said commissions may be established by law rather than by the department itself, along with support from OHA, a council member, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus. HB 89 on teacher housing received support from OHA and education groups, while the Attorney General said the bill may have constitutional issues and suggested amendments to set standards for voucher applications. HB 276 on condominiums and HB 528 on residential leases also drew support, with no testimony in opposition. HB 415 on public safety and fire sprinklers generated the most clear split in testimony: the State Fire Council, a fire department representative, and an individual supported the bill, arguing sprinklers improve safety and can prevent major losses, while BIA Hawaii, Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution, NAAP Hawaii, Gentry Holmes, and DR Horton Hawaii opposed it, saying the added cost would worsen housing affordability and that existing codes already address safety. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly closed each bill after testimony and questions, and the hearing moved through the agenda without recorded committee votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think all these proposals move retirees closer, or Plan 1 retirees closer, to where they would
• I think these are all great proposals.
• We're bringing a proposal, a study session on the ad hoc...
• We're bringing a proposal, a study session on the ad hoc COLA, so we can make a recommendation for next
• What are you wanting a full-time COLA proposal out? Say that again, Steve?

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these... ...all these proposals, I think, move retirees closer, or Plan 1 retirees closer, to where
• I think these are all great proposals.
• So I was hoping we could just get something in the way of proposed legislation around that.
• We're bringing a proposal, a study session on the ad hoc...
• What are you wanting a full-time COLA proposal out? Say that again, Steve?

Summary: The executive committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote, then received an actuarial update from Sarah Baker of the State Actuary’s Office. Baker explained the office’s annual work, including the DRS pension actuarial evaluation, support for state financial reporting, cash flow analysis, a six-year pension contribution outlook, interim support for GIT and WAL CARES, and an upcoming actuarial evaluation of the volunteer firefighters pension plan. She also responded to questions about bills allowing members to transfer into PERS, noting that such transfers have historically increased PERS costs and that any added cost would be borne by PERS members and employers depending on bill structure and affected demographics. Kate Adams of the Attorney General’s office reported no new developments in the cases the committee is monitoring. She said the Dawson case is still in its early stages, with a judge assigned and a discovery plan due at the end of July. The committee asked for continued updates on that litigation. The committee then discussed interim work planning, focusing first on animal control officers’ eligibility for PERS and asking staff to continue researching definitions, comparable treatment in nearby states, and the cost and service-credit implications for affected employees. Members also discussed Plan 3 issues, including comparisons of Plan 2 and Plan 3 membership and data, and possible future briefing topics. The largest discussion centered on Plan 1 COLAs: members and retiree representatives debated whether to pursue a permanent COLA or an ad hoc COLA, and whether budget language should require future budget writers to consider a COLA. Retiree groups said they preferred a permanent COLA but were open to further discussion; staff was asked to continue work on possible language and policy options. The committee reviewed correspondence on four topics: Plan 1 COLA requests, a request to study LEOFF 2-style medical reimbursements for Washington State Patrol survivors, and a request to allow certain members to change survivor option elections after the federal Social Security Fairness Act. The committee agreed to bring the State Patrol medical reimbursement issue and the Social Security Fairness Act issue back for July, with staff to gather more information and provide an informational briefing. The July agenda was approved and includes the OSA annual update, the LEOFF 2 Board annual update, a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item, and the two survivor-related topics.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, our first rule is a new rule that we are proposing to enact Act 965 of 2025 for the certification
• The next rules are the proposed amendments to the rules for cosmetology and body art in Arkansas.
• The proposed amendments are to comply with Act 484 regarding the posting of the National Human Trafficking
• The proposed amendments are to comply with Act 484 regarding the posting of the National Human Trafficking
• the comments requested changes that would require a law change or noted issues unrelated to the proposed

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee reviewed a series of Medicaid and health-related administrative rules, most of them tied to 2025 acts. Early items covered presumptive eligibility end dates, adding a definition of fictive kin for foster children, and updating ABLE account disability onset age. The committee also reviewed rules on continuous glucose monitors, RSV vaccine administration fees, ET3 telemedicine exemptions for ambulance services, dental rate increases, physical and occupational therapy access, and the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies and lactation consultant provisions. Most rules were reviewed without objection, though several members asked for fiscal and implementation details, especially on the CGM rule and the dental rate rule. The most extended discussion centered on the dental rate increase under Act 1025. DHS said the rule applies only to oral surgeons’ dental services as written, while the Arkansas State Dental Association and legislative sponsors argued the intent was to raise rates for a broader set of dentists performing the same procedures, especially for adults with special needs. Members discussed the statutory language, CMS constraints, bifurcated rates, and the estimated additional cost of about $1.5 million annually if general dentists were included. The committee ultimately reviewed the rule, but the chair noted the testimony and lawmakers indicated they would work on a fix next session. Another major exchange involved the CGM rule. Members questioned the reported $3 million two-year fiscal impact, the prior authorization process, and whether DME providers would be forced into a pharmacy-based system. DHS explained that the same vendor would handle prior authorizations and that the billing system changes were already live, but one member moved to expunge the earlier review vote and then said he would hold the rule pending further clarification. The committee also reviewed rules on adverse decisions appeals, CNA training, substance abuse and mental health network-status disclosures, new certification rules for doulas and community health workers, cosmetology/body art, massage therapy, lead-based paint, radiation control, radiologic technology licensure, and mobile home/RV park standards. The meeting ended with all remaining items reviewed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counsel, would you please explain the bill and the proposed committee amendment in lieu of having them
• And, Madam Chair, there's also a proposed amendment that would add 18534 as one of the sections to be
• Melissa from the House is going to come and explain the bill and proposed committee amendment in lieu
• How soon can the courts intervene under the proposed bill here, under these four subsections?
• I do have a concern, and it's the fact that the proposed bill would take away the final tool whenever

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counsel, would you please explain the bill and the proposed committee amendment in lieu of having them
• And, Madam Chair, there's also a proposed amendment that would add 18534 as one of the sections to be
• Melissa from the House is going to come and explain the bill and proposed committee amendment in lieu
• How soon can the courts intervene under the proposed bill here under these four subsections?
• I do have a concern, and it's the fact that the proposed bill would take away the final tool whenever

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then took up House Bill 5537, a repeal bill that removes several obsolete code sections related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, child daycare facility lists, and high school graduation rates, and also adds another outdated section to the repeal list. After adopting the committee amendment, the committee voted to report HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then spent most of its time on House Bill 4656, which would replace the current truancy status-offense framework with a chronic absenteeism and child-in-need-of-supervision model. Counsel explained that the bill shifts the focus toward earlier, preventative intervention, including wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new definition of chronic absenteeism tied to failed interventions, lack of meaningful contact, grade-level impact, or absences reaching 10% of instructional days. Senators questioned how the new process would work, how it would affect court authority, prosecutors, juvenile drug courts, and whether it would change the role of schools and DHHS. Witnesses from Fayette, Greenbrier, and Taylor counties testified. School attendance and juvenile justice officials generally said the current truancy process and court involvement help secure family participation and services, and they warned that removing the status offense could weaken enforcement and reduce the ability to compel participation in interventions. They described existing diversion programs, improvement periods, and court-supervised services as effective tools, with Greenbrier reporting that most diversions do not result in petitions. The committee ultimately voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a further recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One um I have really worked to make ours uh being proposed as very business-friendly and a lot simpler
• One um I have really worked to make ours uh being proposed as very business-friendly and a lot simpler
• One um I have really worked to make ours uh being proposed as very business-friendly and a lot simpler
• One um I have really worked to make ours uh being proposed as very business-friendly and a lot simpler
• One, um, I have really worked to make ours, uh, being proposed as very business-friendly and a lot simpler

Bills: SB292, HB351, HB141, HB273, SB292, HB351, HB141, HB273

Keywords: education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, ad valorem tax, road funding, local government, referendum, Choctaw County, HB141, Alabama, state employees, salary deductions, payroll deduction, State Comptroller, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments

Transcript Highlights:

• This is why I'm proposing this bill. And, Madam Chair, I have some co-sponsors.
• not, but I also would like Greg Trujillo, who's the executive director of PERA, to discuss this proposal
• The bill that we are proposing today, the additional 13th check, would be in addition to any compounding
• And there are bills out there being proposed that would do that.
• This one-time proposal that we have before you would actually create a huge infusion back into the New

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Breck, the committee deputy chief deputy staff director, will present the proposed bill. Mr.
• Breck, you're recognized to explain the proposed bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Senate proposed bill 7022 reenacts the exemption and extends the sunset date to 2031.
• Are there any questions on the proposed bill? Senator Berman, you're recognized for a series?
• Is there any debate on the proposed bill?

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.