Transcript Highlights:

• And by the senior year, we're expecting students, depending on what their needs are, to be working six
• on where the Vocational rehabilitation, Arkansas and Texas specifically, and depending on where the
• Obviously, the students pay tuition, depending on whether they are Arkansas students or out-of-state
• Again, depending on the needs of the students.
• The 89% Liability, their dependability, their professionalism.

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I would like to have it that schools, that parents can depend on when school is going to start
• So I just think dependability and reliability statewide is good.
• But I just think it's reliable to be in dependability. I mean, almost all our fairs have set dates.
• But I just think it's reliable to be in dependability. I mean, almost all our fairs have set dates.
• We have a two-week break, not just one, or more, depending on how the weather is.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12 and 13, then recognized page Ethan Cowell for his service and thanked him for his work before moving back to business. House Bill 599, which would change how funding for content and digital curriculum grants is awarded, was explained by Representative Raymond as a shift from first-come, first-served distribution to a process requiring school districts to demonstrate need using a rubric from the State Department of Education. The committee voted to send HB 599 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard RS 33436 from Representative VanNuwatra, a proposal to send state endowment fund money directly to schools as a separate distribution rather than blending it into the general school funding formula. He said the measure would not change the amount of money distributed, only how it is shown and delivered, and the committee voted to introduce the RS. The committee next took up House Bill 710, which would require public schools to start the Tuesday after Labor Day. The sponsor argued for a uniform statewide start date for predictability, while superintendents, the Idaho PTA, the Idaho School Boards Association, and a local parent testified against it, citing local control, harvest schedules, four-day weeks, and impacts on calendars and instruction; the Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association supported it on tourism and workforce grounds. After extensive debate, the committee rejected a motion to send HB 710 to the floor without recommendation and then voted 9-5 to hold the bill in committee. Finally, the committee considered RS 33230C1, a charter school flexibility proposal that would allow qualifying charter schools with strong performance and financial practices to receive funding with more flexibility. Members discussed whether similar flexibility should also be extended to traditional public school districts, but the sponsor opposed broadening the RS, and legal concerns were raised that the proposed changes would not fit the charter-school authorizer structure. The committee defeated the amended version and then voted to introduce the original RS 33230C1.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would argue that it depends on the individual holding that office.
• But I think that it depends on the person in that seat.
• Francis's comment, you know, it's dependent upon being elected to that position.
• Francis's comment, you know, it's dependent upon being elected to that position.
• And we all can be drawn out of our seat depending on who, you know, who's about.

Summary: The House Elections Budget Committee held a public hearing on several joint resolutions dealing with Missouri legislative term limits and chamber structure. Representatives Peggy McGaugh, Marty Joe Murray, Bruce Sassman, and Jeff Myers presented versions of HJR 104, 121, 122, 149, and related measures that would allow legislators to serve up to 16 total years in either chamber rather than being limited to eight years in one chamber and eight in the other. The sponsors argued the change would preserve institutional knowledge, reduce lobbyist influence, and let voters choose whether experienced members should continue serving. They also discussed leadership limits, with proposals to cap service as Speaker or President Pro Tem, and debated whether those limits should be consecutive or total terms. One proposal also would reduce the size of the House to 103 members, which Myers said would improve efficiency and avoid a senator controlling House members in a three-representative-per-Senate-district model. Committee members raised concerns about self-serving motives, the optics of extending service, possible gaps when members run for the Senate with time left on their 16-year limit, and whether smaller or larger districts would weaken rural representation or shift power toward population centers. Some members supported the concept as a way to preserve expertise and reduce the influence of lobbyists, while others argued the public may view the change skeptically, especially given the original 1992 term-limit vote. Myers defended the smaller House proposal as a way to lower costs, reduce staff redundancy, and improve legislative effectiveness, while opponents questioned whether the fiscal savings would offset the need for more staff and whether the change would actually solve the problems described. Public testimony was split. An opponent argued Missouri voters should not be asked to revisit a decision they made on term limits, said the General Assembly should not be trying to overturn the public’s earlier choice, and urged rejection of all the resolutions. He also criticized lobbyist influence and cited past corruption cases to argue for keeping strict term limits. After testimony concluded, the committee moved into executive session and passed House Bill 3146 by a vote of 10-2. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And maybe those services fit with your needs and maybe they don't, depending upon the exceptionality
• and depending upon the scope of services provided in the private school.
• Depending upon the exceptionality and depending upon the scope of services provided in the private school
• So, depending on scholarship, and this is my understanding, so depending on the scholarship, if that
• So depending on scholarship, and this is my understanding, so depending on the scholarship, if that money

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted. During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The year time limit of this bill expiring in six years is depending upon what we get in that interim
• This study would anticipate, depending on when we get back...
• on what happens, depending upon the disposition of our unbiased BEG folks.
• It depends on Turkey. Well, look, I'll just say it bluntly.
• Too dependent upon foreign resources for both. There is no this side or that side.

Bills: SB2037, SB1757, SB1758, SB1759, HB29

Keywords: rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and again, you know, 3,600 Minnesotans currently depend on this program.
• Um, and again, you know, 3,600 Minnesotans currently depend on this program.
• Um, and again, you know, 3,600 Minnesotans currently depend on this program.
• Um, and again, you know, 3,600 Minnesotans currently depend on this program.
• Um, and again, you know, 3,600 Minnesotans currently depend on this program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this isn't a great answer, but it depends. So it depends on whose fuel, right?
• So, so this isn't a great answer, but it depends. So it depends on whose fuel, right?
• A lot of it depends on the fuel.
• It really depends on what you're using it for.
• It depends on... It's something. In general, yes and no. It depends on...

Summary: The meeting opened with remarks about the value of public engagement and the availability of presentation materials, then moved into a series of technical briefings from Idaho National Laboratory staff. Joe Renovitz described recent federal and DOE efforts to streamline nuclear regulation for advanced reactors, including NRC Part 53 and upcoming Part 57 rulemaking, DOE authorization updates, crosswalks between DOE and NRC requirements, and use of AI to speed licensing communications and document review. He emphasized that the goal is to align safety standards for advanced technologies, reduce rework for developers, and support deployment for commercial, defense, and research uses. In response to questions, he said there is no current plan to merge agencies, but there is more information-sharing and embedded NRC staff at DOE facilities; he also noted public outreach is supported through groups like GAIN and NEI. David Tolman then discussed the nuclear fuel cycle, covering uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel fabrication, spent fuel storage, transportation, disposal, and recycling. He explained high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), DOE’s HALEU Availability Program, and the need to expand domestic enrichment, deconversion, and transportation capacity to support advanced reactors and the 2050 nuclear growth goal. He also reviewed used fuel management, including on-site storage at operating and shutdown reactors, the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL, a high-burnup research cask project, and the long-term repository question, which he said is ultimately political as well as technical. He outlined reprocessing approaches—aqueous/Purex, pyrochemical, and fluoride volatility—describing INL’s work on electrochemical processing of EBR-II fuel and noting industry interest from several companies in recycling technologies. Ashley Shields presented on AI for nuclear applications, describing INL’s use of generative AI, high-performance computing, and digital-twin tools to accelerate reactor design, licensing, operations, and materials development. She highlighted the Prometheus effort to pursue highly automated reactor design and operation, the large documentation burden for reactor licensing, and ongoing work on autonomous control, remote operation, and AI-assisted materials qualification through the Vulcan challenge and related data platforms. In questions, she said AI tools are used under data-governance and security controls, with different models chosen for different tasks, and argued that software engineers and human oversight remain necessary. The session ended with a brief recess announcement and a transition to a later presentation on critical minerals and materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• But largely it is dependent on those reservoir operators who have the control to decide to be open or
• But largely it is dependent on those reservoir operators who have the control to decide to be open or
• and it will depend on how much money is already allocated to those prioritized projects.
• and it will depend on how much money is already allocated to those prioritized projects.
• So we have a dependency on that that I hope Cal Fire, I mean, LAO could help us start to figure... ..

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It really depends on the size. Um, we can also do physical inspection.
• So I would expect regions like that will depend heavily on.
• And it really just kind of does depend.
• We are the example of what happens if you do not have a water supply you can depend upon.
• Texas oil and gas industry depends on ports to distribute its products globally.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it depends on the topography.
• This is the most dependable power in America right here.
• The short answer is, I'm an engineer, and it depends.
• So again, depending on the load, depending upon what other arrangements could be made...
• Again, depending on the load, depending upon what other arrangements could be made, depending on their

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those benefits are currently reflected in the federal budget; depending on the cost sharing, they may
• Lives depend on it, communities depend on it, and communities depend on us, the workers.
• on. the primary system that millions of Californians depend on.
• And a lot depends on their immigration status.
• It depends on the extent of the work that comes with that.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extended briefing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, followed by testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and county officials. DHCS described major Medi-Cal changes in H.R. 1, including work/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced federal matching for some emergency services, narrower immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, and limits on provider taxes and directed payments. CDSS outlined CalFresh changes, especially the expanded able-bodied adults without dependents time limit, reduced exemptions and waivers, and the new federal-state-county administrative cost split. Both departments emphasized implementation plans, automation, outreach, and county coordination, while acknowledging significant expected coverage losses and administrative burden. The LAO and an independent policy expert discussed how H.R. 1 could increase demand on county indigent care systems and public hospitals as people lose Medi-Cal. They reviewed the history of county indigent care, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, explaining that counties already rely on a patchwork of funding and that current realignment revenues are often used for public health rather than indigent care. They warned that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents, with wide variation in how counties respond, and raised concerns about equity, financing, and whether a more standardized state-county program should be created. Committee members pressed witnesses on county funding, exemptions, homelessness, older adults, undocumented residents, and the effect of administrative burden versus true ineligibility. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described the expected local impacts and asked for additional state support. They said H.R. 1 would drive major losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, increase uncompensated care, strain eligibility staff, and worsen homelessness and food insecurity. Several counties urged the Legislature to fund eligibility workers, preserve enrollment, and consider a CalFresh match waiver; Santa Clara and San Bernardino also cited local tax measures and staffing reductions already underway. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> places, but again, that's uh depending places, but again, that's uh depending on<00:51:02.200><c
• :05.280><c> of</c><00:52:05.520><c> that</c> depending on the decisions of that depending on the decisions
• Uh so depending on the it that bill.
• So, not necessarily something depending on what the House does.
• </c><01:20:35.920><c> We're</c> did depending what else we do. We're did depending what else we do.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right, and so being fully vaccinated depends on.
• We depend heavily on this system.
• It's going to depend, right?
• So it just really depends on the individual, right?
• I think that's going to depend, right? It's going to depend on the conversations between the court.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> voice depending on on what's going on. voice depending on on what's going on.
• <c> on</c><01:19:33.280><c> which</c> Safety should not depend on which Safety should not depend on which
• And it depends on the state.
• And it depends on the state. need. And it depends on the state.
• </c> kids depend on all department employees. kids depend on all department employees.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The overall effectiveness would really depend on how ongoing it would be and for the long-term impacts
• It would depend on how much everyone is getting. Is it a two-parent, one-parent?
• Depends on how you design the benefit.
• It depends again on how you automate it. Okay. Okay.
• But another is based on your dependent status.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because it’s going to depend on how much money you make.
• And when you look at the experience in fiscal year 2022, it depends on how you look at it.
• So it would depend on the median income at the time, which I didn't pull that number.
• Safety, we're either first or second, depending on some of the numbers they use.
• It ignores the fact that our state revenues depend on more than wages and salaries.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state’s tax collection cap/62F process so it would be based on prior-year collections plus wage growth and include surtax revenue. The committee chair and House co-chair outlined the hearing process, and the first witness was Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, who testified as the committee’s subject-matter expert on both measures. He said the income tax proposal would lower taxes broadly but would reduce state revenue by about $5.4 billion when fully implemented, with an estimated $800 million hit in FY27, and he discussed possible effects on competitiveness, taxpayer savings, and public finances. On the 62F proposal, he said the revised cap would make refunds more likely, could have produced several large refunds in recent years, and would reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions. Committee members questioned Howgate about competitiveness, outmigration, prior tax ballot measures, spending growth, MassHealth, and the interaction between the income tax and surtax. He emphasized that taxes are only one part of the state’s overall competitiveness and that housing, public services, and other factors also matter. He also noted that the surtax is constitutionally restricted but can still support ongoing spending choices. After his testimony, the committee moved to the proponents’ panel. Proponents of both initiatives, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, the National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that the measures would improve affordability, help retain residents and businesses, and support job growth. They cited polling support, outmigration, small-business reinvestment, and comparisons to lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, said her model showed smaller revenue losses than critics claim and projected that the revised revenue cap would not create additional annual revenue losses while producing more regular taxpayer refunds. Committee members pressed the panel on competitiveness, prior ballot initiative implementation, and whether the measures would actually address broader affordability pressures; the hearing ended with the committee continuing to take questions from the proponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• So ABOR, it depends on what exactly. ABOR has a couple of different ways.
• It increases the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125 for dependents under 17, and a deduction for
• child and dependent care expenses in excess of the taxpayer's federal child and dependent care tax credit
• It increases the dependent tax credit from $100 to $125 for dependents under 17, and a deduction for
• child and dependent care expenses in excess of the taxpayer's federal child and dependent tax care credit

Bills: HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Transcript Highlights:

• But depending on what the triggers are right in the conversation that we've had, if the triggers were
• But what we depending on what period.
• Is the determination a weekly thing, and can it change depending on economic circumstances?
• </c><01:14:30.159><c> So</c> depending on economic circumstances?
• So depending on economic circumstances?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Doctor, dependency versus? Yes. So I've got that. So thank you. Thank you.
• Doctor, dependency versus? Yes.
• How many Americans are dependent on alcohol? Anybody know that?
• It depends on the underlying offense before that person...
• Our model does not create dependence, nor do we warehouse individuals.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always hard to try to explain to folks that depending on your property wealth, it depends sometimes
• on uh your property wealth depending on uh your property wealth depends<00:35:59.200><c> on</c><00:35
• It depends on the concentration at that particular site. So with that, Mr.
• It depends on the concentration at that particular site. So with that, Mr.
• It depends on the concentration at that particular site. So with that, Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house