Transcript Highlights:

• And we funded 95 of those 106 at zero dollars, not understanding how the system works.
• And we funded 95 of those 106 at zero dollars, not understanding how the system works.
• So we left the position numbers in, but funded them with zero dollars, knowing we would have enough churn
• that all of those positions would be funded at zero.
• We would have enough churn that all of those positions would be funded at zero.

Bills: SB2015

Keywords: corrections, rehabilitation, prison budget, department of corrections, adult services, youth services, correctional facilities, Heart River correctional center, Missouri River correctional center, James River correctional center, minimum security facility, county jails, regional jails, deferred maintenance, capital construction, strategic investment and improvements fund, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, tasers, body cameras

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division met with all members present and took up several bills, focusing most of the discussion on SB 1577 and SB 1619, along with a detailed review of the HHS budget bill draft. On SB 1577, Senator Magrum explained that the bill was being revised to focus on wastewater rather than raw water, possibly shifting the Washburn project to the Department of Water Resources so it could access matching funds, and potentially converting the bill into a line of credit if federal money is restored later. Members discussed whether to keep an emergency clause or instead use a date-based approach, and agreed the bill would likely be handled through the full committee and possibly reconsidered later. On SB 1619, Senator Davison said amendments were still being worked on, including changes requested by the Bank of North Dakota, and the committee planned to hold it for possible amendment before full committee consideration. The bulk of the meeting was a section-by-section review of the HHS appropriations bill draft. Members discussed one-time funding items such as technology projects, child care programs, housing programs, behavioral health facility grants, infant and toddler care provider support, juvenile justice diversion, medical housing, and other public health and human services projects. Several adjustments were noted, including reductions or changes to IMD-related funding, incarcerated-person treatment funding, the child welfare technology project, and the provider rate increase. The committee also discussed the FTE block grant structure at length, with staff explaining that the apparent increase in positions reflected budgeting mechanics, zero-dollar “phantom” positions, and positions approved previously but not counted in the FTE total. Members raised concerns about transparency and whether the bill should list FTE numbers, but staff said the block grant was intended to give the department flexibility while quarterly reporting would provide oversight. Other topics included Medicaid expansion funding and provider reimbursement rules, the move toward certifying human service centers as certified community behavioral health clinics, a moratorium on new ICF beds, and studies or reports on Medicaid, obesity, disability services, truancy, and behavioral health facility grants. The committee also discussed removing or revising broad intent language in Section 31 so the department would report findings rather than implement changes without further legislative action. No final votes were taken in the transcript; instead, members agreed to make a few technical adjustments, continue reviewing the bill, and likely revisit it the next day before moving it to conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that reaching zero homelessness for veterans in Arizona is within our grasp, and this appropriation
• that's really important to CASS that they do struggle with is that each year their budget starts from zero
• So to be able to keep caseworkers, Their budget starts from zero.
• Back then, we had a thing that was called something, I think it was called something, not Ground Zero
• Back then, we had a, I think it was called something, not Ground Zero, but it was across the street,

Bills: HB2620, HB2960

Keywords: homeless veterans, emergency shelters, state funding, veterans' services, grant distribution, veterans, treatment court, rehabilitation, recidivism, mental health, substance abuse, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ice, Senator Prietto, Senator Wingard, Senator Peterson, Senator Woods, Senator Murdock, two ayes, zero
• Logan, Senator Prietto, Senator Wingard, Senator Woods, Senator Peterson, Senator Murdock, 11 ayes, zero
• nays, having received their a's and Zero nays.
• Senator Peterson, Senator Murdock, 11 ayes, zero nays, having received their eyes and zero nays.

Bills: SB2173, SB2028, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134

Keywords: landowner, energy negotiation, agricultural preservation, orphaned wells, renewable energy, raw milk, unpasteurized milk, milk products, dairy, pasteurization, food safety, consumer warning label, health warning, farm sales, direct-to-consumer sales, ungraded milk, goat milk, raw milk cheese, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, agricultural regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• That is nine ayes and zero nays.
• Having received nine ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1288 has advanced. You're welcome.
• That is nine eyes and zero nays.
• Having received nine eyes and zero nays, I declare Senator Bill 12882 have ed.
• Having received nine eyes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 12882 have advanced. You're welcome.

Bills: SB1288, SB1705, SB1878, SB2019, SB2118

Keywords: emergency management, federal funding, disaster relief, cost sharing, public assistance, bail reform, public funds, nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, injunctive relief, criminal procedure, surety bond, judicial discretion, uniform bond schedule, liability insurance, judgments, insurance fund, Oklahoma, county sheriff, commissary

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance, liability, bail, and jail operations. Senate Bill 1288, by Senator Gillespie, would require the state and political subdivisions to equally share FEMA-related matching costs for federally declared disasters; supporters said it would codify long-standing practice and provide certainty for local governments, with an estimated fiscal impact of just under $4.9 million. After questions about future appropriations and delayed reimbursements, the bill advanced on a 9-0 vote. Senate Bill 2019, by Senator Logan, would create a political subdivision liability insurance guarantee program and fund to help local governments and shared insurance pools manage large federal civil rights judgments. Members questioned the bill’s scope and whether it applied to catastrophic events or civil rights cases; the author said it was intended to spread the burden of large judgments over time and reduce pressure on property taxpayers. The committee adopted a title-off motion and advanced the bill 7-2. Chair Hamilton presented Senate Bills 1705, 1878, and 2118. SB 1705 would bar nonprofits from bailing people out of jail if they receive public funds, with supporters citing public safety and opponents raising concerns about impacts on nonprofit and church-based assistance; it passed 7-2. SB 1878 would establish a uniform bail schedule, limit personal recognizance release for certain repeat or higher-risk offenders, and require court approval to lower certain bonds; it also passed 7-2. SB 2118 would clarify how county sheriffs may use commissary funds for jail-related purposes such as training, equipment, inmate care, and operations; it passed 7-2. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• During negotiated rulemaking in the public comment period, we received zero comments from the public
• During negotiated rulemaking in the public comment period, we received zero comments from the public
• During negotiated rulemaking and the public comment period for the rulemaking, we received zero comments
• During negotiated rulemaking and the public comment period for the rulemaking, we received zero comments
• During negotiated rulemaking and the public comment period, for the rulemaking, we receive zero comments

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• zero zero we have not paid back any of that money so not only do we have a budget deficit we also have
• zero zero we<02:35:51.200><c> have</c><02:35:51.359><c> not</c><02:35:51.520><c> paid</c><02:35:51.680
• With 59 I zero Please close the machine.
• Because then we make zero cuts, zero changes to cover all Coloradans.
• They will have zero caregiver service hours.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So 45% of zero is zero. 30% of a significant amount of revenue is going to be a significant amount of
• So 45% of zero is zero. 30% of a significant amount of revenue is going to be a significant amount of
• So 45% of zero is zero. 30% of a significant amount of revenue is going to be a significant amount of
• zero.
• c> that 45% of zero is zero 30% of that 45% of zero is zero 30% of $675<00:32:30.639><c> million</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Representative Sweeney present and defend the budget amendment legalizing video lottery terminals (VLTs) and setting a 30% tax rate, with 65% of the tax going to the state and 35% to charities. He argued the lower rate was needed to encourage operators of historic horse racing (HHR) machines to convert to VLTs, saying the higher 45% rate would discourage adoption. He walked through revenue projections for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, estimating significant increases in state and charity revenue as machines transition over time, and said the amendment was designed to expand charitable gaming revenue overall. Several members questioned the assumptions behind his projections and the basis for his analysis, including why his independent research differed from the governor’s and Lottery Commission’s estimates. Sweeney said his figures were based on research into other states and conversations over many years, and he maintained that a 45% tax would likely result in no VLT adoption. Members also debated whether the transition costs for operators would be quickly recouped and whether the state’s share should be larger. One member emphasized that the committee was effectively choosing between a lower operator share and a higher state share, while Sweeney argued the 30% structure would produce revenue for everyone. The committee then moved to other revenue items on the tracking sheet. It voted 7-0 to accept the Lottery Commission’s revised base revenue estimates. Members also discussed an amendment to repeal the local option requirement for Kino games, which would expand Kino availability and was estimated to generate additional lottery profit in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. That amendment drew opposition from members who said local control was an important part of the original Kino policy and that removing it would override municipal decisions. The committee also noted that the VLT/HHR revenue item had already been adopted and was being revisited only to confirm the associated revenue estimates.

Transcript Highlights:

• In '23, you established that large zero bracket or effective zero bracket.
• So that's once you add that 48,000 zero bracket plus the $15,000 standard deduction.
• And then you can see in these, after four years, the impact being zero because it expires, absent any
• So our seniors, the low-income seniors, it doesn't matter because our zero bracket zeroes them out anyway
• Our upper-income seniors... ...bracket zeroes them out anyway, so there is no benefit.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Zero. Zero. Zero. We get zero dollars. No dollars.
• And in my profession, as the service officer, I get zero dollars. Zero dollars.
• Right now, we make zero dollars. We get zero from our veterans.
• So I said, it's zero now. Let's go for it. The math worked.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Zero. Zero. Zero. We get zero dollars. No dollars.
• And in my profession, as the service officer, I get zero dollars. Zero dollars.
• Right now, we make zero dollars. We get zero from our veterans.
• So I said, it’s zero now. Let’s go for it. The math worked.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead. Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 34 yeas, zero nays, zero absent, not voting.
• The clerk closed the machine and the results were: 34 yeas, zero nays, zero absent, not voting.
• The clerk closed the machine and the results were: 34 yeas, zero nays, zero absent, not voting.
• The clerk closed the machine, and on this question there were 34 yeas, zero nays, zero absent, not voting
• No, nays, zero absent, not voting, more than the majority of those present voting and voted in affirmative

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to working together to ensure that responsibilities like fleet deployment, zero-emission
• strategies, and state-led planning meet the high standards... ...deployment, zero-emission strategies
• I'm, you know, I'm very concerned when I talk to the operators about, well, what is the plan for a zero-emission
• But I wanted to ask specifically about what is the overall strategy around moving to a zero-emission
• We were trying to be very proactive and see how quickly we can get to zero emissions.

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, there are seven ayes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused. Announce the vote.
• Madam Chair, there are seven ayes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are seven eyes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused. Announce the vote.
• Madam Chair, there are seven eyes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are five ayes, two nays, and zero absent or excused.

Bills: HB2235, HJR4210, HB2520, HB2491, HB2499, HB2408, HB2435

Keywords: public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions, transparency, Constitution amendment, legislative sessions, session duration, state legislature, governance, emergency meetings, public agencies, accountability, open government, HB2491, WaTech, Washington Technology Solutions, public disclosure, public inspection

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, there are seven ayes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused. Announce the vote.
• Madam Chair, there are seven ayes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are seven eyes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused. Announce the vote.
• Madam Chair, there are seven eyes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are five ayes, two nays, and zero absent or excused.

Summary: The committee first heard staff and sponsor testimony on House Joint Resolution 4210, which would remove constitutional limits on the length of regular legislative sessions and instead let the legislature set adjournment dates by statute. Rep. Breonna Thomas and supporters said the measure would give lawmakers flexibility to set a sustainable schedule and improve working conditions, while opponents argued it would concentrate more power in the legislature and could lead to a year-round session. No vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. Members then heard House Bill 2520, which would clarify that county governing bodies may hold emergency special meetings outside the county seat or remotely during true emergencies and may act at such meetings even if the public cannot first listen in. Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the bill was prompted by the Skagit Valley flooding and was meant to help local governments respond quickly in disasters. Testimony was split: counties and some others supported the clarification, while open government advocates urged tighter language defining “emergency” and limiting the bill to state or federally declared emergencies. The hearing was closed without a vote. The committee also took testimony on House Bill 2499, in proposed substitute form, concerning conservation district supervisors. The substitute would let conservation districts opt into the general election system under Title 29A, remove the landowner requirement, keep a farm-operator requirement for some seats, extend terms from three to four years, and require financial disclosure filings in some circumstances. Supporters argued the bill would modernize elections, increase transparency, and improve voter access; opponents warned it could be costly for small districts, reduce participation, and create unintended consequences. No final action was taken in the hearing portion shown. In executive session, the committee voted 7-0 to report House Bill 2408, a cleanup bill removing obsolete references to the Office of Financial Management, with a due pass recommendation. It also voted 5-2 to report House Bill 2435, creating a legislative office of Indian affairs, with a due pass recommendation; some members supported the bill as improving government-to-government relations with tribes, while others wanted a fiscal note before fully supporting it.

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing is clear: they have made zero public attempts to dissuade Trump and his administration from
• One thing is clear: they have made zero public attempts to dissuade Trump and his administration from
• One thing is clear: they have made zero public attempts to dissuade Trump and his administration from
• One thing is clear: they have made zero public attempts to dissuade Trump and his administration from
• But it is not zero.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Declare the vote: fourteen aye, zero nay. [Transcript noise: 'We're 14.9.0. Nay.']
• Declare the vote: 15 aye, zero nay. We would declare your bill to have passed out of committee.
• Declare the vote: 16 aye, zero nay. We would declare your bill out of committee. Thank you.
• With 16 aye, zero nay, and one more follow-up, we will declare your bill out of committee.

Bills: HB3147, HB4453, HB3369, HB3660, HB3498, HB3260, HB3081, HB3127, HB3673, HB2293, HB3545, HB3546, HB2035

Keywords: special license plates, Route 66, Oklahoma, funding, community support, health care, transparency, primary care, cost analysis, insurance, all payer claims database, spending benchmarks, HB3369, food truck, food truck fire suppression, mobile food establishment, mobile food preparation vehicle, mobile food vendor, automatic fire extinguishing system, fire suppression

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> 14 YAYS, ZERO NAYS MADAM CHAIR. >> Chair Michaels: SHOW THE BILL REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• Young: YES. >> 14 YAYS, ZERO NAYS. >> Chair Michaels: SHOW THE BILL REPORTED FAVORABLY AS AMENDED.
• Tramont: YES. >> 15 YAYS, ZERO NAYS. >> 15 YAYS, ZERO NAYS. >> Chair Michaels: SHOW THE BILL REPORTED

Transcript Highlights:

• There being nine ayes and zero nays, the motion prevails.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, the motion prevails.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, the motion prevails. The Chair lays out Senate Bill 1855.
• We are one of those problem children that Doug Shaw spoke of; we are ground zero for groundwater wells

Bills: SB612, SB1855, SB2568, SB3058, HB49

Keywords: SB 612, Texas Water Code, Section 49.2127, conservation and reclamation district, water district, reclamation district, developer fees, pipeline construction, water pipeline, sewer pipeline, associated infrastructure, subdivision infrastructure, cost recovery, fee cap, actual reasonable documented costs, engineering fees, legal fees, inspection fees, infrastructure relocation, utility connections

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the DE2 is a bill that is actually a Representative Hills bill about ALS, and it is a zero-target
• c> and</c><00:01:32.720><c> it</c><00:01:32.960><c> is</c><00:01:33.040><c> a</c><00:01:33.200><c> zero
• </c><00:01:33.680><c> target</c><00:01:34.079><c> bill</c> about ALS and it is a zero target bill about
• ALS and it is a zero target bill that<00:01:34.720><c> matches</c><00:01:35.040><c> our</c><00:01:35.200

Bills: HF2431

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• has a zero on there, and that hurts the school's accountability record.
• So we want to make sure that it's not a zero. It matches where they went.
• We don't want to give these schools zeros when actually they transferred to another school.
• So a zero means dropped out. Yes, yes. Fell out of the system. We don't know where they are.
• Well, it affects, well, they want to make sure it's not a zero, if I'm saying.

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 6 and first welcomed LSU President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton, who outlined LSU’s goals of becoming an elite, accessible flagship university, increasing research expenditures, improving student recruitment and retention, and expanding pathways that keep Louisiana students in-state. Members praised the new leadership and LSU’s workforce and research direction, and a representative from LSU enrollment reported gains in TOPS Excellence commitments for the coming fall. The committee then advanced several education bills. SB 105 by Sen. Kathy, which reinstates TOPS Tech eligibility for honorably discharged veterans, was reported favorably without objection. SB 374, also by Sen. Kathy, creates a uniform framework for college economic development districts; members adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. SB 304 by Sen. Edmonds, which authorizes the Board of Regents to establish a list of eligible accreditors and allows institutions to seek different accreditors, was reported favorably. SB 522 by Sen. Edmonds, allowing vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters with Commerce and Industry support, drew discussion about whether the authority should extend to public schools as well; it ultimately passed 9-1. The committee also approved SB 290 by Sen. Abraham, a cleanup bill requiring school system concurrence before student exit-code changes in the data system, and HCR 81 by Rep. Freiberg, which asks the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment and related financial pressures. HCR 175 by Rep. Larvadain, a study resolution on possible TOPS Tech changes, was deferred by the author because it overlapped with another measure. Several members also used personal privilege to welcome local mayors and community guests to the committee room.