Transcript Highlights:

• So just kind of a lesson learned, and we got that cleaned up and learned some things from that.
• So just kind of a lesson learned, and got that cleaned up and learned some things from that moving forward
• So we've talked quite a bit about the Higher Learning Commission.
• The rigor is at college learning.
• This is what I was surprised to learn.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 23, 22, changing the distance in terms of electioneering on Election Day.
• The distance is one issue, and expanding the no-excuse absentee to four weeks.
• It's hard to get back in the saddle and learn how things operate, and it takes a few weeks to get acclimated
• constituents come to the Capitol, you have a space around you that you want to keep a little bit of distance
• It's all bothered me ever since I've learned about it.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schools Commission on Colleges, the accreditor of virtually all state public institutions of higher learning
• Specialists force children to travel great distances and endure prolonged delays.
• Senate Bill 646 does that, plus I've learned that the Higher Education Coordinating Board needs the ability
• For example, the Higher Learning Commission is a good one.
• The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is another good one.

Bills: SB1998, SB646, SB2786, SB2076, SB2615, SB1961, SB1418, SB2647, SB1322, SB2788

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• The studies I have seen have reported no downsides outside of a 2 km distance.
• <00:52:56.559> 2 downsides outside of a 2 km distance. 2 downsides outside of a 2 km distance
• for energy companies, a distance for energy companies, a compromise<00:54:57.040> could<00:54
• One of the issues with this distance and siting is that many of the turbines are sited on land owned
• And I learned quickly that that won't work.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, oftentimes what we find in northern Minnesota, given the distance and some of the restrictions on
• Um, oftentimes what we find in northern Minnesota, given the distance and some of the restrictions on
• find in northern Minnesota<00:02:41.879> given<00:02:42.159> the<00:02:42.360> distance
• and some of Minnesota given the distance and some of the<00:02:43.440> restrictions<00:02:43.879
• intermediate school and the Learning intermediate school and the Learning Center<00:52:22.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• elevation distances.
• <00:49:52.319> from stick with the current distances from stick with the current distances
• the only elevation elevation distances the only elevation distance<00:49:56.400> we<00:49:56.480
• we have is when they can't distance we have is when they can't maintain<00:49:58.119> 3<00:49
• 400% distance-wise is that worth<00:50:41.960> you<00:50:42.079> know<00:50:42.559>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• You learn and come back, session hires.
• , and first responders in the distance, and first responders in the distance, and<00:36:25.840>
• Um a lot of some kind of lesson learned.
• Uh but thank you still learning that.
• the process with learning. the process with learning.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our communities face provider shortages, have long distances to travel, allowing pharmacists
• Many of our communities face provider shortages, have long distances to travel, allowing pharmacists
• Many of our communities face provider shortages, have long distances to travel, allowing pharmacists
• Many of our communities face provider shortages, have long distances to travel, allowing pharmacists
• Many of our communities face provider shortages, have long distances to travel, allowing pharmacists

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows peace officers and first responders to travel limited distances, up to five miles, on
• This bill allows peace officers and first responders to travel limited distances up to five miles on
• major investments in commercial vehicles, and who have spent decades building relationships and learning

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several measures, with eight bills and resolutions placed on the consent calendar and three items heard separately. AB 1944 by Assembly Member Alex Lee would delay the implementation timeline for axle weight limits on zero-emission buses, keeping the existing final cap in place while giving transit agencies and manufacturers more time to meet the limits. Supporters, including the California Transit Association and several transit districts, said the bill would help agencies procure longer-range zero-emission buses; the League of California Cities opposed it, warning that heavier buses would accelerate pavement damage and increase local maintenance costs. Senators raised questions about infrastructure impacts and environmental tradeoffs, and the bill ultimately advanced on a 10-3 vote. AB 2453 by Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez would clarify authority for first responders and peace officers to use off-highway vehicles in official duties, including limited travel on public roads to reach remote areas. The author and a Carlsbad Fire Department witness said the bill would reduce response times and remove operational barriers for fire, police, lifeguard, and search-and-rescue use of UTVs; the measure had support from local agencies and no opposition testimony. It passed the committee 13-0 and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water. SJR 16 by Senator Caballero urged Congress to restore commercial driver credentials affected by federal enforcement actions tied to English-language proficiency and non-domiciled commercial licenses, arguing that the actions harmed experienced immigrant drivers and the supply chain. Teamsters California testified in support, and there was no opposition in the room. The resolution advanced on a 9-3 vote. The consent calendar, which included AB 431, AB 1614, AB 1625, ACR 126, ACR 137, ACR 142, ACR 169, and SCR 155, was approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Something seldom mentioned in the connection between the products and is something that I've learned
• dare anyone in this committee or in this room that you can go to any service station within walking distance
• This is not tested, and some of the tests that I have learned from my friends with Aaliyah, as they've
• I'm learning so much from this discussion. ...bringing this bill, and I'm learning so much listening
• with paraphernalia that's presented at many of these service stations, which are within walking distance

Bills: HB441, HB445, HB477, HB441, HB445

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax

Transcript Highlights:

• It affects crash severity, stopping distance, and compatibility with infrastructure.
• They said this is related to some of the conversations they had previously and that they are learning
• more from their colleagues. ...of the conversations you and I had previously, and so I'm learning more
• Micromobility is an affordable option to go long distance.
• I thought Class 3s were legal so long as I stayed... ...today I learned that possibly what I'm doing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on the governor’s Ride Safe Act, S. 3077, and related micromobility bills. Chairs and administration officials described the bill as a statewide, speed-based framework for e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, intended to replace outdated device categories with clearer rules for age limits, helmets, equipment, operating locations, registration, insurance for higher-speed devices, and restrictions on tampering. They also emphasized improved crash-data collection, a working group for future updates, and battery safety standards such as UL certification to reduce fire risk. Committee members asked about enforcement, shared-use paths, commuter rail accommodations, battery storage, and how the bill would apply to other vehicles like quads; the administration said some issues would need further study or follow-up. Testimony from advocates, municipal officials, and commission members was mixed but generally supportive of clearer statewide rules. Transportation and safety advocates backed the speed-based tier system but urged additional measures, including a default speed limit on shared-use paths, automated enforcement, and more funding for Complete Streets and Shared Streets programs. Bike shop and police representatives said current laws are confusing for riders and law enforcement and that better definitions and data reporting are needed. Several speakers stressed that enforcement and education will be critical, and that local patchwork rules are difficult to apply consistently. Medical testimony strongly supported tighter protections for young riders. Pediatric emergency and trauma doctors described a sharp rise in serious injuries and deaths involving e-bikes and scooters, including severe pediatric cases, and urged amendments adding a minimum age for faster devices and a universal helmet requirement. They argued that the force and weight of these devices make crashes more dangerous than conventional bicycles and pointed to past Massachusetts safety laws as evidence that age and equipment restrictions can reduce injuries. Some public testimony opposed the bill as written, especially from moped commuters who argued that gas-powered mopeds are being treated differently from comparable electric devices and should be included in the framework. They called for clearer rules on bike-lane access, insurance, parking, and statewide standards for mopeds as vulnerable road users. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and over time what they learned was that just those treatments were unnecessary for their farmers
• c><02:53:35.279> they<02:53:35.600> what<02:53:35.840> they<02:53:36.000> learned
• over time what they what they learned over time what they what they learned was<02:53:36.560>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a long distance.
• a long time ago when I learned to be a nurse.
• Then, I said, The galleries—how do galleries contribute to student learning?
• We take them out for 10 days in the field, and they learn what you can do in paleontology.
• These are Zoom classes or long-distance classes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Executive Officer, Early Learning, and support. Thank you, Vice Chair, talking. Okay.
• And they are now saying there's a lot of student learning loss. And that is a problem.
• Additional testimony in support from the Executive Office on Early Learning.
• Techniques is integral for our learning, youth, and our future economy.
• I learned, and it's like a lot of people again, hunters us, and we have to walk that line.

Bills: HCR93, HCR14, HR85

Keywords: image-based sexual abuse, working group, gender-based violence, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women, prevention efforts, survivor protections, new technologies, legal reform, HCR14, House Concurrent Resolution, perpetual easement, non-exclusive easement, state submerged lands, submerged lands, shoreline easement, drainage outfall, stormwater outfall, lagoon outfall, pipelines, Kahala Hotel & Resort

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, do we need to balance out hauling that timber off to a distance?
• <00:16:06.720> And that timber off to a to a distance?
• And that timber off to a to a distance?
• But what I've come to learn over the last few decades is the forest can also be a liability.
• But what I've come<00:48:30.640> to<00:48:30.800> learn<00:48:31.440> over<00:48

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• Heidi State, to learn more about the legislative process. They've been here on campus all day long.
• As I think about this, we learn a lot more about each other when we start...
• Does not increase learning. Does not increase. 1098 Safety is just a meaningless bureaucratic.
• Again, when I learned about this apparent as a whole, that would never happen to me.
• When I learned about this apparent as a whole, 1117 that would never happen to me.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, beginning with HB 423 on school elopement plans for students with autism or other elopement risks. The sponsors described the bill as a statewide framework for school elopement response plans, immediate parent notification, campus search procedures, and staff training. Public testimony from parents, disability advocates, and a teacher emphasized the dangers of elopement and the need for standardized procedures; members from both parties spoke strongly in support. The bill was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. The committee next considered HB 1253, which allows coaches to use limited personal funds, up to $15,000 per athletic team per year, to support student-athletes with food, transportation, and physical rehabilitation services. An amendment added guardrails, including that the coach be a school employee, clarified the scope of athletic associations covered, and refined the rehabilitation language. Members discussed the bill as a way to help students in need while avoiding recruiting concerns, and the bill passed favorably 14-0 after the amendment was adopted. HB 1091 addressed dental screenings for K-12 students in districts that voluntarily offer them. The bill requires advance written notice to parents and an opt-out process, and clarifies that screenings are informational only, with any findings sent to parents rather than compelling treatment. An amendment added the language to student welfare provisions as well as school health services. Public testimony from dental and health advocates supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably 14-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 765 on child care and early learning services. The bill expands before- and after-care options for certain school-based preschool programs without requiring a child care facility license, removes a flu brochure inspection requirement, bars insurance cancellation based on providing child care, creates a professional recognition program, and establishes a child care tuition fund. Two amendments broadened the bill to public and nonpublic elementary schools and created the Brighter Futures fund concept. After debate, the bill passed favorably 13-1, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the committee knows, Florida Virtual Schools is Florida's online distance education for our citizens
• Smith: Florida Virtual Schools is Florida's online distance education for our citizens.
• may feel overwhelming for them, especially if they have limited communication skills or are still learning
• to go to these particular small schools, these environments for whatever reason it may be—maybe learning

Summary: The House Education Employment Committee heard seven bills and reported each favorably. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School would remove a priority system, confirm access for all Florida students and eligible military dependents overseas, clarify teacher retirement status, allow local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct-support organizations; it passed unanimously after brief questions about audit-related updates and waitlists. HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Rep. Eskamani and Rep. Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and prevention plans for students who may leave supervised areas; testimony from autism advocates emphasized drowning and other safety risks, and the bill passed 16-0 with strong bipartisan support. The committee also approved CS for CS HB 753 on school counselors, which removes certain certification barriers while keeping the master’s degree requirement and sets evaluation criteria based on state counseling standards. Supporters said the bill would help address counselor shortages and align evaluations with the profession’s actual duties. CS HB 1253 on coach support for student-athletes, as amended, allows coaches to use personal funds up to a capped amount for student needs with written parental consent; members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and the need for clear guardrails, but the bill passed 15-0. CS HB 833 on private school facilities would make small private schools of 100 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of existing buildings if fire and code standards are met; supporters said it would reduce local barriers while preserving safety, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS HB 1325 would update the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund by clarifying matching contributions, allowing expansion or modernization of existing space but not new construction, and streamlining awards; it passed unanimously with broad college and health system support. Finally, CS HB 1437 on conversion charter schools would create clearer dispute-resolution options for facility maintenance issues and, via amendment, allow capital outlay funds for repairs if the charter assumes full responsibility; after debate over whether the amendment was premature, the bill passed 13-3. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have an opportunity to learn about the plan and have a comprehensive discussion with some of the
• It's essential that we develop solutions to further support these efforts and the longer distance travel
• But to the difference for us is the distance you have to fly and hopefully, you know, you have a decent
• position to to be a leader in this and you already attract people from all over the country to come to learn

Transcript Highlights:

• more about this forward to learning more about this group's<00:04:44.320> charge.
• <00:36:33.599> from things that we've certainly learned from things that we've certainly learned
• And we know that our rural areas are a priority for long-distance charging.
• And we know that our rural areas are a priority for long-distance charging.
• And we know that our rural areas are a priority for long-distance charging.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Electricity as a Vehicle Fuel Working Group. Commissioner Nancy Doenberger opened with introductions from members representing state agencies, legislators, utilities, local governments, industry groups, advocacy organizations, and others. The group then elected its leadership: Senator Anne Johnson Stewart was nominated and unanimously elected chair, and Representative Steve Elkins was nominated and unanimously elected vice chair. Senator Johnson Stewart said she would ensure all viewpoints are heard and asked MnDOT to continue running the meeting for practical reasons. Austin Turman of the Legislative Coordinating Commission reviewed the authorizing legislation. He explained that the working group must analyze electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, develop a roadmap with policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding consistent with the Minnesota Constitution, and study other states’ approaches to equitable fuel assessment methods for electric vehicles. The group’s report is due February 13 and will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. Turman also briefly reviewed open meeting law requirements, noting the group must operate publicly when a quorum discusses official business, though public comment is not required. Members then discussed the purpose of the group and the need to find a fair replacement or supplement for declining gas tax revenue as EVs increase. Senator Johnson Stewart emphasized balancing system funding needs with user-based fairness, including differences in vehicle weight and road use. Representative Murphy stressed the need to consider rural Minnesota, taxpayer impacts, and current science, including climate and CO2 issues. Drive Electric Minnesota said EV drivers should pay their fair share and not be overburdened, while the Department of Revenue said it wants to administer the new EV charging-station tax fairly. A trucking representative highlighted that passenger vehicles and freight vehicles have very different operating and charging needs, suggesting the group consider those differences in any fee structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And everything I learned about green burial I learned sitting in a chair right here.
• And everything I learned about green burial I learned sitting in a chair right here.
• And everything I learned about green burial I learned sitting in a chair right here.
• And everything I learned about green burial I learned sitting in a chair right here.
• And everything I learned about green burial I learned sitting in a chair right here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all