Transcript Highlights:

• Leonardo Casaneda with the Department of Workforce Solutions.
• We will do everything we can to support local economic development.
• It's a federally funded program, so it's always been around.
• My last question is about economic development.
• My last question is about economic development.

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota, as we all know, has a workforce shortage.
• about addressing the work um workforce about addressing the work um workforce shortages,<00:12:13.760
• we want to fund, I don’t think that this is really the way to go.
• He said that while the state needs to make sure it can fund the things it wants to fund, this is not
• sure that we're going to be able to fund sure that we're going to be able to fund the<00:18:34.320

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So the more we can go upstream, the more we can harness the power of workforce development to solve the
• the funding to counties.
• and fund pathways to stability.
• on that funding?
• In the Arrowhead region, we funded the Northland Foundation to develop a returnship toolkit.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the ABC funding.
• has been limited in that program as compared to the CCDF side or the Child Care Development Fund, which
• So, you know, maybe that would be helpful if you talk about funding, the differences in funding K-12
• Is that funding that's being, I think what I was told by someone at the department was that funding was
• And I guess it's all going to be funded out of SRA funds. Is that right? Very close.

Summary: The committee met to review the minutes and then held a workshop-style discussion with Arkansas Department of Education early childhood officials about the state’s early learning programs, funding, and access. Officials explained that the state-funded ABC program has been largely flat for years, rising from $11 million to about $14 million in 2018, while the federally funded SRA/CCDF side is much larger. They described differences between the programs, including ABC’s 10-month school-year structure, current enrollment of about 23,000 children in ABC and about 14,871 in SRA, and a SRA wait list that has grown to roughly 2,971 children. Members raised concerns about rural access, school-based versus community-based providers, reimbursement rates, and the need to align early childhood funding with K-12 and kindergarten readiness goals. A major topic was the recent $14.741 million PDG B-5 competitive grant. Officials said it is a one-year systems-building grant, not a direct services grant, and will support local leads, CLASS observations, workforce efforts, and data systems while helping offset some costs that otherwise would have been paid through CCDF. Members also discussed the end of a federal pre-K funding stream in June, with children either moving into ABC slots or requalifying for SRA, and the state’s new enrollment-based payment approach, which officials said saved about $576,000. The committee also heard that the current cost-of-care study is about three years old and that a new market-rate survey is being planned. Several members questioned dual enrollment in home visiting/HIPPY and ABC, with officials saying about 1,200 children are enrolled in both and that limiting double enrollment could save about $2.4 million and affect roughly 470 children. Members also asked about provider closures after rate changes; officials said eight providers cited funding as a reason for closing, while 26 new providers have been added under the new rates. The discussion ended with broad agreement that the committee should continue regular updates, keep providers and families informed, and explore policy changes, waivers, and possible state investments to improve stability, access, and quality in early childhood education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And more recently, the Cancer Innovation Fund, which was funded at $60 million last year, a new initiative
• So the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, which has funding of around $127 million, is funding that
• Is there enough funding to support that?
• And through state funding and through private funding, through these collaborations, you know, we are
• And through state funding and through private funding, through these collaborations, you know, we are

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s cancer research and funding programs, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, the Bankhead-Coley Research Program, and Live Like Bella. Dr. Ladapo and leaders from Moffitt, Sylvester/University of Miami, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic described how state funding has helped Florida’s four NCI-designated cancer centers expand research, recruit faculty, increase clinical trials, and build collaborations. They emphasized that the programs are intended to improve cancer care statewide, support innovation, and encourage more institutions to pursue NCI designation. The Governor’s budget recommendation was noted as including additional funding, and members asked about the cost and requirements of becoming NCI-designated and eventually comprehensive. Panelists said NCI designation requires major infrastructure, compliance, research, and training investments, with de novo development estimated at about $1 billion. They described Florida’s collaborative model as unusual nationally, with annual symposia, shared pilot funding, and joint projects across the four centers. Members also asked about rural access, home-based care, and recruitment/retention. Mayo described its “Cancer Care Beyond Walls” home-treatment model and said it could expand to rural counties within months; Moffitt and UF discussed mobile screening, satellite sites, and affiliations with local hospitals and practices. Several members raised concerns about workforce shortages, licensure delays, and the need to reach underserved areas. The discussion also covered outcomes, data reporting, and the broader economic impact of the cancer centers. Panelists cited growth in jobs, federal research funding, and clinical trial enrollment, and highlighted advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T, TIL therapy, carbon ion therapy, AI-driven screening, and the firefighter cancer initiative. They said the Florida Cancer Data System is being expanded to track recurrence and quality-of-life measures. Members also asked about philanthropy, medical tourism, and federal funding risks, including possible indirect cost reductions that could affect research budgets. The meeting ended with general support for continued investment, while some members noted an ongoing policy debate over whether future cancer research dollars should be concentrated in the four NCI centers or spread more broadly across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO WHEN WE FUND A DEVELOPMENT WE HAVE THE APPLICANT TELL US HOW ARE YOU SETTING ASIDE THESE UNITS BECAUSE
• FOUR DEVELOPMENTS THERE.
• IT PROVIDES FUNDS FOR ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO BUILD AFFORDABLE
• BLOCK GRANT FUNDS.
• OF FUNDING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• It requires the district workforce education funding steering committee to hold public meetings.
• You say it's a revolving loan fund, while a revolving loan fund presupposes as much coming in as going
• It will need seed funds, so it will need funds to be injected into the loan program in order for it to
• The study aims to provide policymakers with data-driven insights to guide workforce development, education
• This bill allows charter schools direct access funding through the workforce development capitalization

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• development and support for workforce development within the broad narrative of how we make New Hampshire
• So thank you so much for hosting elevate workforce development and elevate workforce development and
• > development support for work workforce development support for work workforce development within
• We certainly need to look at workforce development in a holistic perspective.
• certainly need to look at workforce certainly need to look at workforce development<00:33:05.600

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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• And develop and rehabilitate housing.
• Uh, these rental communities are owned by the CDA and funded with a mix of funding sources, including
• Uh, these rental communities are owned by the CDA and funded with a mix of funding sources, including
• <00:08:51.120> This controlled housing fund. This controlled housing fund.
• "Housing trust fund like this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do not, you don't get paid, and the penalty is withholding Chapter 19 funds.
• Texas businesses pay taxes to fund 100% of unemployment benefits.
• This QAP determines the criteria that must be achieved for developments seeking to receive LIHTC funds
• This amendment will help avoid complication in the university's funding.
• , HB 146 to Economic Development, HB ...

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I said, told you I wouldn't want to say funding at all, but it seems to me you have a long-term funding
• We will not have a future funding request attached to that.
• And then on your high level, ...from the general fund from FY25.
• fund, most of it federal funding and other transfers, for a total overall budget of just under $700
• So there wasn't any funding for fiscal year 26.

Bills: SB37, SB29

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• They spell out the child care workforce They spell out the child care workforce program.
• the workforce program.
• <00:23:57.120> the require uh the state to fully fund the require uh the state to fully fund
• There was an emergency supplemental amount of funds for this program, and I think those funds weren't
• 46.800> totally I think uh those funds weren't totally I think uh those funds weren't totally

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the ABC funding.
• has been limited in that program as compared to the CCDF side, or the Child Care Development Fund, which
• So, you know, maybe that would be helpful if you talk about funding, the differences in funding K-12
• and this fund and this fund and just make it easier for our child care providers as well.
• being put into a different bucket, and I guess it's all going to be funded out of SRA funds.

Summary: The committee met to review early childhood education funding, access, and program sustainability, with Secretary Aleva and Director Ashland Abney providing updates on Arkansas’s ABC state-funded preschool program and the federal CCDF/SRA program. Members discussed the long-standing flat funding for ABC, which rose from $11 million to $14 million in 2018, compared with roughly $137 million in federal CCDF/SRA funding. Officials said ABC serves about 23,000 children, while SRA serves about 14,871 children and has a wait list of about 2,971 children. Members also asked for more data on rural versus urban access, provider types, and the number of slots and providers by region. A major topic was how to improve quality and access while aligning early childhood with K-12. Officials said the department is moving from the Better Beginnings environmental rating system toward CLASS observations, using local leads and a kindergarten-readiness strategy tied to quality improvement. Members raised concerns about deserts and islands in service availability, the cost of school-based versus community-based providers, and the need to support infant-toddler care as well as preschool. The commissioner said early learning should be part of long-term state education investment, but that simply adding money would not solve access gaps without broader structural changes. The committee also discussed recent funding changes and their effects on providers and families. Officials said a $14.741 million PDG-BFV competitive grant will support systems-building work, including local leads, workforce, data systems, and third-party CLASS observations, but it is a one-year grant and not direct service funding. Members questioned the impact of new co-pays, provider closures, and slot reallocations; officials said eight closures were tied specifically to funding changes, and that paying only for enrolled children rather than allocated slots saved about $576,000. They also discussed dual enrollment in home visiting and ABC, with officials estimating that limiting double enrollment could save about $2.4 million and potentially serve about 470 more children. The meeting ended with agreement to continue regular updates and further discussion, and the committee adjourned without a vote on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Missouri's workforce of the future needs these young minds to be challenged and developed.
• And Missouri's workforce of the future needs these young minds to be challenged and developed.
• We make sure that there's funding for that.
• Please come forward. ...and workforce development. My name is Leah Strid.
• I am the director of external affairs for higher education and workforce development.

Keywords: 959, house, all

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• However, for the past two years, we have secured funding for the bill, and now we just need to get the
• And I believe SB 998 is a massive step towards supporting student development.
• However, our career education system is not meeting the needs of students and workforce demands.
• Isis Oriana with the California Workforce Association, here representing all 45 local workforce development
• Local workforce development boards sit at the intersection of education and employment.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several Senate bills focused on student health, access, equity, and career preparation. SB 608 by Sen. Menjivar would expand access to condoms and related sexual health resources for students in grades 7–12 and direct the Department of Education to align with the California Healthy Youth Act. Supporters argued the bill would help address high STI rates among youth and remove barriers to access, while opponents raised concerns about parental authority, local control, and encouraging early sexual activity. The bill was approved on a 6-1 vote and sent to the Health Committee. SB 965 by Sen. Blakespear would prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16- or 17-year-old to obtain a library card, while still allowing libraries to require parental consent or signature. Supporters said the current rule creates unnecessary barriers for teens and school research projects, and the California Library Association said it was now neutral after amendments. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 998 by Sen. Gonzalez would define and expand the duties of discrimination prevention coordinators in the state’s Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability coordinator and deputy coordinators focused on anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Latino, and anti-Native American discrimination. Testimony emphasized the need to address rising hate incidents and discrimination in schools, especially for Black, LGBTQ+, AAPI, and other marginalized students. The bill was approved and sent to Judiciary with amendments to be processed there. SB 845 by Sen. Perez, which expands work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities, also received broad support from education, workforce, and industry groups and passed unanimously to Labor and Employment. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills and adjourned after all items were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• development.
• <00:16:32.160> development<00:16:33.199> and education and workforce development and
• education and workforce development and I<00:16:33.759> am<00:16:33.920> happy<00:16:34.079
• One being workforce development and making sure we're working alongside the different colleges and universities
• so helping make sure that those funds so helping make sure that those funds are<00:18:04.080>

Keywords: 923, senate, all

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• Our primary workforce, our core mission set, it's workforce, our core mission set, it's workforce, our
• Uh, this updates funding opportunities to better serve funding opportunities to better serve funding
• Roughly 20% of these funds remains with the state of these funds remains with the state of these funds
• The cost recovery fund recovery fund. The cost recovery fund recovery fund.
• can be how those funds can be how those funds can be utilized.

Bills: HB 10, HB 12, HB 147, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• of a rainy day fund.
• fund.
• , and workforce readiness.
• CTEDs are supposed to provide professional development, but the funding is generated by the kid at that
• As districts roll back investments in their workforce because of funding cuts, unions have stepped up

Keywords: 1182, all

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• development.
• We have other grantees that are still in the process of developing projects that would look for funding
• Fund.
• What are we doing to support this workforce development? Well, we've had outreach programs.
• funding.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• from state funds.
• Who is funding it?
• We get federal funds.
• As we are charged to do, enterprise funds are treated the same as the city's funds.
• The economic development—enterprise funds.

Bills: HB26, HB73, SB 14, HB46

Keywords: HB26, law enforcement contracts, sheriff, constable, county commissioners court, commissioners court, private security, special law enforcement district, property owners association, POA, municipal utility district, school district, junior college district, local government, contract policing, supplemental police services, large counties, population over 3.3 million, Texas Local Government Code, Harris County