Transcript Highlights:

• And then for our detention officers, going from $14 an hour, up to $19 an hour, you can already see just
• We contract with the Florida Network for Chapter 984, which is CINS/FINS, which stands for children in
• We contract with the Florida Network for Chapter 984, which is CINS/FINS, which stands for children in
• that's sentenced to supervision in the Florida Department of Corrections, they're bound to the same 14
• I'm the president of the state correctional officers' chapter of Florida PBA, and I represent the rank

Summary: The Justice Budget Committee heard detailed presentations from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on staffing, services, and budget needs. DJJ Secretary Hall emphasized that the agency’s main public safety strategy is education, along with prevention and recidivism reduction. He described major staffing improvements after pay increases for probation, detention, residential care, and prevention workers, and outlined DJJ’s mental health, aftercare, and education continuum, including the Florida Scholars Academy and Florida Youth College. He said the new statewide education model is showing early gains in progress monitoring, high school graduation, and postsecondary enrollment, while also noting ongoing operational issues such as IT connectivity, rural staffing gaps, and the need for geographic pay adjustments for teachers. He also discussed detention center replacement plans in Hillsborough, Broward, and Palm Beach, and said DJJ would transition the Broward JAC to a security contractor after the sheriff’s office pulls sworn officers from the site. Members asked about campus performance differences, teacher pay, detention education quality, and concerns about the rollout and leadership of the Scholars Academy. Hall said some campuses face rural access and infrastructure problems, but the blended learning model provides continuity when internet or staffing issues arise. He defended the superintendent’s qualifications and said early problems with inappropriate online content were addressed. Representative Porras raised concerns about educational quality and the superintendent’s past disciplinary history, while Representative Barrera urged more mentorship and fatherhood-focused programming in juvenile facilities. DOC Secretary Dixon said the prison system is under pressure from rising inmate populations, staffing shortages, and overtime costs. He argued that the system needs funded posts for every functioning housing unit, noting that the department has added housing units without enough staff and now relies heavily on overtime, mobile officer deployments, and shift conversions to keep facilities operating safely. He highlighted that many officers are new, that outside-hospital transports have risen sharply, and that mental health units require additional staffing. DOC’s mental health chief described a large and growing treatment system with outpatient, inpatient, intensive outpatient, and court-ordered services, saying about a quarter of the prison population has a diagnosed mental illness. Community corrections staff described treatment programs, employment specialists, mobile probation and reentry units, and a new mental health first aid training initiative. Reentry staff reported expanded substance abuse, education, CTE, chaplaincy, and digital learning programs, including Edovo and a forthcoming Work Bay platform. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:02.560> Speaker<00:14:03.519> Albbright,<00:14:04.560> Baker,<00:14:05.680
• ,<00:14:55.760> Nelson,<00:14:56.560> Oliver,<00:14:57.199> Paramore,<00:14:57.839
• Okay.<01:14:38.000> And<01:14:38.400> where<01:14:38.640> that<01:14:38.880>
• <01:14:46.159> It's<01:14:46.400> it's<01:14:46.640> it's<01:14:46.960> it's
• >> So<05:14:46.638> are<05:14:46.878> Alabama's<05:14:47.440> being<05:14:

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the tax should probably be relocated into the Tax Administration Act instead of currently as it is chaptered
• It's a pack of 14 dogs running. We had a gun with us. We got up on the side of the hill.
• And this Thursday, it will be provided by the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter.
• Arding County until they tell us what their status is in their respective chapters. In your name?

Bills: SB38, SB46, SB18

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, SB46, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, compost feedstock, waste characterization study

Transcript Highlights:

• This<01:14:33.320> is<01:14:33.480> a<01:14:33.560> rendering<01:14:34.000> of
• <01:14:35.560> Last<01:14:36.000> year,<01:14:36.320> you<01:14:36.440> did
• > purchase<01:14:39.280> a<01:14:39.400> piece<01:14:39.720> of<01:14:39.840
• <01:14:41.560> now<01:14:41.800> from<01:14:42.040> the<01:14:42.120> city
• hand<01:14:46.680> of<01:14:46.880> that<01:14:47.200> slide<01:14:47.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:14:41.839> judge<00:14:42.079> parked<00:14:42.480> outside<00:14
• The<00:14:46.480> judge<00:14:46.800> didn't<00:14:47.040> want<00:14:47.199>
• > home<00:14:48.959> alone<00:14:49.279> in<00:14:49.519> the<00:14:49.680
• And because<00:14:53.279> of<00:14:53.519> the<00:14:53.760> concerning<00:14:54.240
• :24.159> the<01:14:24.400> costs<01:14:24.880> and<01:14:25.360> uh<01:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.079> open<00:14:01.480> seats<00:14:02.360> um<00:14:02.560> I<00:14:
• :14:03.639> want<00:14:03.759> to<00:14:03.839> unao<00:14:04.279> me<00:
• 14:04.440> you<00:14:04.600> can<00:14:05.240> um<00:14:05.560> I<00:14:05.720
• ><00:14:10.040> there<00:14:10.240> is<00:14:10.399> an<00:14:10.600> opening
• <00:14:25.880> do<00:14:26.079> have<00:14:26.279> one<00:14:26.480> seat

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill formally codifies site plan review in Chapter 40A by aligning statute with case law and best
• This bill formally codifies site plan review in Chapter 40A by aligning statute with case law and best
• These dissolution projects generate anywhere from $14 million to $20 million.
• First, we strongly support the sections that would formally codify site plan review into Chapter 40A.
• 40A, ...strength by including in prior economic bills targeted amendments to Chapter 40A in an effort

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H. 5386, also referred to as the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz described the bill as a response to federal uncertainty and global competition, building on the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They highlighted proposed investments in a Global Mass initiative, including a $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for sites to help international companies locate or expand in Massachusetts, along with support for AI, quantum, robotics, defense innovation, climate tech, downtown revitalization, and creative/cultural economy projects. They also emphasized measures to lower business costs, including reducing the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, and streamlining housing and development rules. Committee members questioned the administration about non-compete reform, AI and data-center infrastructure, housing affordability, and whether the bill would help retain workers and companies in Massachusetts. The governor and secretaries argued that the non-compete changes would restore the original compromise by requiring any alternative to garden leave to be negotiated at separation, and they said the bill’s housing and workforce provisions are intended to help young workers stay in the state. They also said Massachusetts is already investing in AI training, an AI hub, and energy-related planning, while acknowledging that data-center growth will require careful attention to water, electricity, and ratepayer impacts. Several witnesses testified on specific sections. Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, saying experiential learning helps students gain jobs and remain in Massachusetts. The Latino Empowerment Advisory Council supported the waiver of redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, saying it would speed entry into the workforce without lowering clinical standards. Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, arguing they would undermine the 2018 compromise and could reduce other forms of employee compensation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, citing revenue loss and fraud concerns. Municipal and regional groups, including the MMA and the Metro Mayors Coalition, supported site plan review codification and downtown/arts investments, while urging continued municipal input. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor protections if federal law changes, and business and industry witnesses generally supported the bill’s competitiveness and global investment provisions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with written testimony invited after the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Muslim Student Association has chapters all over American universities.
• Today, the Muslim Students Association has chapters on just about every major college campus in America
• Among its alumni, via the chapter at North Carolina A&T, Among its alumni via the chapter at North Carolina
• chapter of CAIR, and I’m not testifying on the Arizona chapter of CAIR.
• For example, currently the United States has 127 billion in holdings of SDRs and 14 billion... ...of

Bills: HB2009, HB2022, HCM2001, HCM2002, HCM2004, HCR2001, HM2001, HM2004

Keywords: campaign contributions, foreign contributions, constitutional amendments, public disclosure, Arizona Revised Statutes, elections, voter registration, provisional ballots, primary election, voter participation, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress, Arizona, domestic security, CAIR, terrorist organization

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:15.839> um<00:34:16.000> so attorney familiar with the chapter um so attorney
• familiar with the chapter um so that<00:34:16.399> you<00:34:16.639> could<00:34:16.800
• <01:14:00.560> And<01:14:00.719> we'll that, close public hearing.
• And we'll start<01:14:01.120> the<01:14:01.360> next<01:14:01.600> hearing<01:14
• :01.920> in<01:14:02.159> just<01:14:02.400> a<01:14:02.560> minute.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To clean up some of the statistics we just heard: We just heard that 14% last time we measured of sales
• Dylan got 14 A's on his last report card. He loves computers and tech.
• The budget also provides $14 million for transportation stipends, which provides a $750 transportation
• includes $195 million for petroleum storage tank cleanup, $12 million for dry cleaning cleanup, and $14
• records within 14 days of a request and allow inspection of records within 10 days.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then adopted the special order report and moved into a series of budget-related bills. The chamber first took up HB 5011/SB 2506 on environmental resource management and natural resources funding, where Democrats argued the bill would reduce recurring support for the Resilient Florida program, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. Supporters said the change would shift money from recurring to nonrecurring funding so the Legislature could reassess priorities each year and rely more on private-sector stewardship. After a strike-all amendment and conference posture change, SB 2506 passed 97-12. HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves, passed 108-0, and HB 5501, redirecting documentary stamp tax distributions from housing and transportation trust funds into general revenue, passed 82-26 after extended debate over its impact on affordable housing and transportation funding. The House also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, which requires DMS to develop a formulary management system and was described as producing significant savings; members raised concerns about prescription access and implementation, but the bill passed 109-0. HB 5201 on state financial accounting and HB 5203 on the Capitol Center both passed unanimously, as did HB 5009, which creates a Florida Accountability Office and reorganizes audit functions. The chamber then passed HB 7031, a major sales tax reduction bill lowering the state sales tax rate and several related rates; supporters framed it as permanent relief for all Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more meaningful and that the sales tax cut would also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. HB 7031 passed 112-0. The House then began consideration of HB 501, the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget, totaling $112.9 billion and emphasizing reduced recurring spending and large reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined their budget silos: K-12 education at $20.6 billion with teacher raises, school hardening, literacy, transportation stipends, and security funding for Jewish day schools; health care at $47 billion with full Medicaid and KidCare funding, opioid settlement spending, mental health beds, and senior services; transportation/economic development at $18.5 billion; agriculture and natural resources at $5.8 billion with reduced Everglades spending but continued water, resiliency, and land management funding; higher education at $8.7 billion; state administration at $2.9 billion; justice at $7.3 billion; and IT at $529 million for Florida PALM, FX, and other systems. Members then began questioning the K-12 budget, focusing on FEFP funding, proration, voucher growth, stabilization dollars, mental health and school safety funding, and whether districts would be held harmless under the proposed allocations.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.120> we<00:14:00.279> will<00:14:00.440> be<00:14:00.639> in<00:14:01.320
• to<01:14:43.719> the<01:14:43.920> plaintiff<01:14:44.520> if<01:14:44.639>
• > um<01:14:46.080> of<01:14:46.280> that<01:14:46.560> they<01:14:46.880>
• 01:14:53.199> this<01:14:53.360> is<01:14:53.639> what<01:14:54.080> uh<01
• > is<01:14:58.239> the<01:14:58.360> appeal<01:14:58.960> process<01:14:59.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• take<01:14:13.239> a<01:14:13.400> critical<01:14:13.800> step<01:14:14.120
• 01:14:29.960> is<01:14:30.080> there<01:14:30.199> anyone<01:14:30.480> else<
• :14:40.600> signed<01:14:41.159> up<01:14:41.400> but<01:14:42.040> chose
• not to<01:14:42.679> speak<01:14:43.040> all<01:14:43.320> in<01:14:43.600>
• support<01:14:44.600> and<01:14:44.760> with<01:14:44.920> that<01:14:45.120

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :20.360> so<00:14:20.600> we<00:14:20.720> are<00:14:20.959> exempt<00:14
• ><00:14:28.480> sort<00:14:28.720> of<00:14:29.440> awkward<00:14:29.959> so<
• <00:14:34.320> to<00:14:34.560> be<00:14:34.959> clear<00:14:35.639> that
• :52.440> and<00:14:52.600> reach<00:14:52.959> out<00:14:53.440> to<00:14
• to<00:14:58.240> sort<00:14:58.440> of<00:14:59.040> conduct<00:14:59.320><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you<00:14:44.440> want<00:14:44.519> to<00:14:44.600> stick<00:14:44.759>
• :45.120> a<00:14:45.199> second<00:14:45.399> in<00:14:45.560> case<00:14
• c> I<00:14:50.560> guess<00:14:50.720> you're<00:14:50.920> way<00:14:51.079
• > thanks<00:14:52.600> a<00:14:52.759> lot<00:14:53.639> uh<00:14:53.800>
• 14:55.920> um<00:14:56.320> I<00:14:56.399> just<00:14:56.519> want<00:14

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 4, as amended, was heard in committee. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a Minnesota tax relief account that would capture projected general fund revenues exceeding 105% of projected expenditures and return those funds to taxpayers, primarily through property tax relief or income tax relief. The committee adopted an amendment to put the bill in the author’s preferred shape, and later adopted a technical amendment from Representative Smith to insert the word “projected” before “expenditures” on line 2.2. Representative Johnson presented the bill as an affordability measure meant to return surplus money to the people rather than create new spending, arguing it would help homeowners and taxpayers if a surplus occurs. Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity supported the concept of returning surplus funds to taxpayers but also urged broader tax and budget reforms, including triggers for rate reductions and changes to budgeting practices. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota opposed the proposal, warning that embedding budget and tax rules in the Constitution would reduce legislative flexibility, weaken public investment, shift costs to local governments, and make it harder to respond to recessions or emergencies. Members raised questions about how the formula would work, who would qualify for refunds, whether corporations with property tax liability could benefit, and how the proposal would handle forecast-based calculations and unexpected events such as pandemics or federal policy changes. House research and committee staff clarified that the bill would need to go to Ways and Means and then Rules to satisfy House requirements for constitutional amendments, and that a fiscal note had been requested and was in process. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the transcript provided, but the motion before it was to recommend passage and send House File 4 to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:07.920> with<00:14:08.240> a<00:14:08.720> roadside<00:14:09.360> stop.
• So the<00:14:10.800> move<00:14:11.120> over<00:14:11.360> law<00:14:12.399>
• <00:14:14.800> had<00:14:15.040> to<00:14:15.199> move<00:14:15.440> over
• > in<00:14:23.680> the<00:14:23.839> mind<00:14:24.000> of<00:14:24.240><
• :14:42.480> the<00:14:42.639> opposing<00:14:43.519> lane<00:14:43.760> of

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in total,<00:14:04.880> it<00:14:05.199> would<00:14:05.360> be<00:14:05.519>
• But<00:14:10.880> then<00:14:11.120> down<00:14:11.360> on<00:14:11.519>
• > the<00:14:13.120> reduction<00:14:13.519> is<00:14:13.920> $9<00:14:14.160
• <00:14:15.839> So<00:14:16.160> on<00:14:16.399> net,<00:14:16.800> this<
• This is $6 million<00:14:29.920> in<00:14:30.160> the<00:14:30.240> fiscal<00:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.480> of<00:14:00.720> who<00:14:01.000> has<00:14:01.240> moose<00:14
• 00:14:04.120> the<00:14:04.240> Loon<00:14:04.519> plat<00:14:04.759> so<
• <00:14:16.399> to<00:14:17.079> um<00:14:17.440> but<00:14:17.759> we<00:
• receive<00:14:19.240> uh<00:14:19.399> 319<00:14:20.040> grants<00:14:20.399>
• <00:14:22.199> monies<00:14:22.560> that<00:14:22.720> can<00:14:22.839> come

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And God, I thank You for salvation, Lord, most of all, Lord, that as a 14-year-old boy that I was able
• Lord, that as a 14-year-old boy, that I was able to put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, in Christ
• the Secretary of State authority to grant additional time for compliance, not to exceed an additional 14
• the Secretary of State authority to grant additional time for compliance, not to exceed an additional 14
• the Secretary of State authority to grant additional time for compliance, not to exceed an additional 14

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and spent much of the day recognizing pages, guests, school groups, and civic organizations visiting the chamber. Several communications from the House and committee reports were received, and a petition on support for new electric transmission lines was referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. Senate Resolution 61, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell, was referred to the Committee on Rules, while other resolutions and bills were held over or referred as required. The chamber then acted on a large number of measures, including concurrence in House amendments to Senate Bill 137 on parole eligibility for second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, and a conference committee was appointed on House Bill 4026 regarding integrated resource plans. Numerous House bills were advanced or passed after committee reports, covering topics such as industrial access roads, local airport hangar financing, college campus safety, youth and handicapped hunting, missing persons records, driver’s licenses, adjudicatory alternative dispositions, chronic absenteeism, party-switching deadlines for candidates, teacher/school personnel/state police pay raises, election official trainees, political committee filing notices, security personnel for the State Treasurer, post-secondary financial aid, legal practice rules, overseas voting, public officials’ residential information, homestead exemption, military juvenile jurisdiction, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, statewide prevention planning, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment taxation, microgrid and data center certification, transcript acceptance for students, emeritus medical licenses, higher education rule authorizations, board and commission reforms, managed care organization taxes, and deputy sheriff vacation carryover. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, and several received title amendments. The Senate also passed a series of supplemental appropriations, many with immediate-effect motions adopted by the required two-thirds vote. These included funding for the Department of Commerce, Workforce West Virginia, Homeland Security divisions, Health Facilities, Administration, Human Services, the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Senior Services. Votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with only a few measures drawing one or more dissenting votes. One bill on tourism appropriations was referred to the Committee on Rules, and several second-reading bills were advanced, including measures on the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites, volunteer fire companies, religious organization eminent domain restrictions, electric load forecasting, and funeral service licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So after school, we have been able to connect the Seattle Sea Scout chapter to our Mount Sai Metal Fab
• We have Sea Scout chapters located on all our commercial waterways in Washington, and we hope to pair
• and OSPI to conduct a longitudinal study looking at access, participation, and outcomes between 2013-14
• We focused on a workforce between 2013-14 and 2023-24.
• the state level, we see that the provision of CTE across the state has been fairly steady since 2013-14

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