Transcript Highlights:

• Take action to try to improve this system.
• The program evaluation, yes, we are working on program evaluation in close collaboration with LFC and
• in summer programs, Mr.
• We have to get at who's, where are we seeing improvements and where are we not seeing improvements, because
• I'm one of your program evaluators at the LFC.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to try to focus this even more, we, about three years ago, started a program, a capital campaign,
• ,<00:15:40.320> a years ago started a uh program, a years ago started a uh program, a capital
• Uh programs must fully programs do.
• supports and improvement as well. supports and improvement as well.
• schoolwide programs. schoolwide programs.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:04 Approval of Minutes – 0:03:57 United Way of Southern Kentucky –0:04:30 Preschool Education – 0:36:46 School Safety Updates – 1:01:41 Kentucky Association of School Superintendents – 1:41:47 Educational Cooperatives – 1:55:18 Adjournment – 2:07:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth meeting of the 2025 Interim Joint Committee on Education, confirmed a quorum, recorded attendance votes, and approved the minutes. Chair Lewis reminded presenters to keep remarks brief because of the full agenda and limited time. The first presentation was from United Way of Southern Kentucky, with Anne Puckett, Craig Browning, and Warren County Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton introducing a regional early childhood initiative. The presenters argued that kindergarten readiness and early childhood support are critical to later academic and life outcomes. They cited research and statistics about brain development in the first five years, the effects of unprepared kindergarten entry, and links between low literacy, school discipline, dropout rates, and incarceration. They said their region’s readiness scores fell during COVID and after a tornado, and that the most effective response was in-home parent education to help families support children from birth to age five. They described the model as voluntary, community-based, and not requiring new buildings, and said similar programs have been successful in Missouri. The group said it had already raised more than $1 million in private donations and committed three years of funding for four additional staff, expanding service in Allen, Logan, and Warren counties. They requested $600,000 per year for the next two-year budget cycle to add 12 more educators, serve about 360 families and 660 additional children, and build evidence for a possible statewide model. Members generally expressed support for the concept, with Representative Tipton and Representative Jackson discussing a prior home-based preschool pilot and the importance of starting early. Representative Calloway questioned whether increased family chaos and government involvement justified the approach; presenters responded that the program uses community educators, not a government-run organization, and is aimed at helping overwhelmed families. Representative Stalker asked about eligibility and early intervention, and presenters said the program serves children from birth to age five and can help identify needs early enough to connect families with services such as First Steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Schools of Hope program, Of 422, the Schools of Hope program that falls below $25 million.
• So we did include pre-K programs in here as a result of many conversations we had because those are programs
• , rural access to primary care and preventative care program, Obstetric response and education program
• , rural access to primary care and preventative care programs, rural hospital capital improvement grant
• program expansion, the expansion of the frame loan repayment program to make physicians working in rural

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum established, and several recognitions, including a legislative intern, a guest in the gallery, and Representative Bruce Antone’s upcoming induction into the Tuskegee Athletic Hall of Fame. The Speaker also gave brief remarks about the end of session and the freshman class. The chamber then took up a series of Senate-returned messages and concurred or insisted on several amendments while moving bills toward final passage. The House unanimously approved CS/CS/HB 1299 on Department of Health matters, CS/HB 1549 on financial institutions after adopting a House amendment to remove the IOTA-related provision, and CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign ties and business interests after a House concurrence motion. It also insisted on its amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 184 on housing. CS/CS/HB 875 on educator preparation was amended to restore House provisions on teacher-prep courses, the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence at Miami-Dade College, and related testing and mentor-qualification changes; it passed 91-22 after debate over teacher certification, testing, and “identity politics” language. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers was amended to keep the House’s original notice and referral framework with a good-cause exemption; it passed 87-27 despite objections that it placed too much responsibility on doctors. After recess, the House took up CS/CS/SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response. Members described changes including removal of some homestead-assessment and debris-removal provisions, a study requirement for a post-hurricane county restriction concept, and a Florida Keys evacuation-time change paired with a 10-year cap of 900 permit allocations; the bill passed 116-0. The House also refused to concur in a Senate amendment to HB 1609 on waste incineration and requested the Senate recede. Later, the House returned to HB 1101 and insisted on its amendment after the Senate refused to concur. The longest debate came on CS/CS/HB 1115 on education, where the House amendment replaced the Senate version with the substance of HB 1267, including Schools of Hope, higher education governance, and course transparency. Members questioned provisions expanding Schools of Hope co-location and sponsorship authority beyond traditional opportunity zones, the role of the Department of Education versus school districts, transportation and facility-cost issues, and performance-based agreements. Supporters said the changes would expand options for students and use vacant or underutilized facilities; opponents argued the language was added late, lacked transportation funding, and could allow charter operators to enter high-performing schools. The bill remained under debate at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:02.400> and focus on high-risisk grant programs and focus on high-risisk grant programs
• Um I think some programs there. Um I think some >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure.
• Hortman Community Solar Garden Program Hortman Community Solar Garden Program are<00:41:19.119><
• It appeared he was struggling to give up his long-term habit of improving their land.
• <01:41:29.040> their his long-term habit of improving their his long-term habit of improving

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is designed that Georgia by the use of this program.
• It's a pilot program.
• Tell me under this program, is it program technician?
• You have a $76 million capital improvement appropriation on page 7.
• Yes, I think the previous was for capital improvement projects in general, which it still could be used

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the same time, from a policy perspective, we've also seen Latinas struggle to access capital,
• struggle to access technical assistance programs, and understand what kind of grants are... ...access
• technical assistance programs and understand what kind of grants are available to them.
• Building mentorship, We do that through our HOPE College Leadership Program, which is national.
• And so that program has really grown this year in an effort to protect folks as they vend.

Summary: The Select Committee on Latina Inequities met at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, hosted by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and joined by Assemblymember Mia Bonta. Rodriguez opened by framing the committee’s work around the economic status of Latinas and the effects of federal policies on the economy and social safety net, while the college president welcomed the committee and described campus services for undocumented and housing-insecure students. Rodriguez also emphasized the local impact of immigration enforcement in the San Fernando Valley and said the hearing would focus on Latinas’ economic conditions, immigration enforcement impacts on the workforce and safety, and H.R. 1’s effects on the safety net. The first panel featured HOPE’s Maria Morales and Dr. Elsa Macias, who presented findings from HOPE’s National Economic Status of Latinas report. They said Latinas are a major and growing part of California’s population and workforce, but face persistent inequities, including a large wage gap, higher unemployment, high uninsured rates, student debt, and affordability pressures around child care, housing, and education. They also discussed entrepreneurship, noting both the growth of Latina-owned businesses and barriers such as limited access to capital, technical assistance, and retirement and health coverage. In response to committee questions, they said higher education can still offer a strong return on investment, but only if students can complete degrees without being overwhelmed by debt and care costs; they also pointed to policy solutions such as SB 642, mentorship, financial literacy, CalSavers access, and support for community development financial institutions. The second panel focused on immigration enforcement and Latina safety in the workforce. Luis Nolasco of the ACLU described arrests tied to apparent ethnicity and Spanish-speaking, the chilling effect on families, and the loss of wages, school attendance, and mobility. Dr. Amada Armenta said immigration enforcement harms California’s economy, public health, and mixed-status families, and noted that undocumented workers are concentrated in agriculture, construction, and child care. SEIU’s Jen Baca Beltran said raids and school-based enforcement traumatize children and families and highlighted the need for Know Your Rights trainings. Megan Ortiz of IDEPSCA described repeated Border Patrol raids on day labor centers, injuries to staff, and the need to protect worker centers, domestic workers, and street vendors. Inclusive Action’s Shannon Camacho said raids have forced many informal workers to stop working, prompted emergency cash assistance and rent relief efforts, and strengthened advocacy for vendor protections and CDFI support. CHIRLA’s Jeanette Zanipatine said the rapid response network has expanded, documented widespread arrests and detention conditions, and is providing direct support and legal referrals; committee members asked about detention, maternal health, and what the state can do, and panelists urged stronger oversight, more legal representation, and protections for pregnant and detained people.

Transcript Highlights:

• to<00:04:53.919> counties<00:04:54.280> and<00:04:54.479> school State programs
• on to counties and school State programs on to counties and school districts<00:04:55.520> I<
• <00:09:26.519> school disparities and look to improve school disparities and look to improve
• and um what we can do to make capital and um what we can do to make sure<00:15:26.839> we're<
• I'm looking through federal programs I'm looking through this<00:18:16.360> list<00:18:16.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republican leaders held a press conference to roll out their “Minnesotans First” agenda, framing it as a response to Democratic control and arguing that recent budgets and policies have increased costs for families and businesses. They said the agenda centers on balancing the budget without tax increases, reducing mandates, lowering costs, and limiting government growth. Specific proposals mentioned included addressing inflation and energy costs, reinsurance and housing issues, child care tax changes, repealing or reducing certain taxes and fees, and creating a government efficiency board. Several senators outlined issue-specific priorities. On spending and taxes, Karin Housley criticized the state’s budget growth, said Republicans would not support a budget that raises taxes, and objected to shifting costs to counties and school districts. On fraud and accountability, Jordan Rasmusson said Minnesota has a fraud problem and backed a statewide Office of Inspector General, stronger legislative auditor powers, and tighter anti-fraud oversight of grants and agencies. On public safety, Michael Kreun called for repealing what he described as soft-on-crime laws and for tougher penalties on violent and repeat offenders. On education, Julia Coleman said Republicans want to pause mandates, increase local control, adjust funding to address disparities, and improve school safety. In the question-and-answer portion, leaders said some items could attract bipartisan support, especially anti-fraud measures such as an Inspector General office and strengthening the legislative auditor. They also discussed concerns about the governor’s budget, including proposed shifts in human services costs, nursing home and disability waiver funding, and benefits for undocumented immigrants. The group said it would continue working under the Senate’s power-sharing agreement for now, though they acknowledged uncertainty about whether it would remain in place for the rest of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• through his message of faith and goodwill, it is with great privilege that we commend the state of capital
• to pay more attention to their wishes than the people that work under the pink dome in the corrupt capital
• Members, it is my great honor to welcome Chambers County to their Texas capital as we celebrate Chambers
• Leadership Bernie has been shaping our future of our community through its rigorous year-long program
• to life saving initiatives, including the establishment of a hospital-based violence intervention program

Transcript Highlights:

• to pay more attention to their wishes than the people that work under the pink dome in the corrupt capital
• Members, it is my great honor to welcome Chambers County to their Texas capital as we celebrate Chambers
• to becoming informed, engaged. and active, and we are so grateful that they are here in our Texas capital
• and lifelong dedication. and recognizing these organizations for their unwavering commitment to improving
• to life-saving initiatives, including the establishment of a hospital. based violence intervention program

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:31.120> investments capital is I sit on capital investments capital is I sit on capital
• improvements and construction.
• improvements and construction.
• That the arts and culture funds cannot be used for capital improvements and construction.
• There's also a program at Hennepin County Medical Center called the NextStep Program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:32.720> at is the hospitality Management program at is the hospitality Management program
• <01:12:54.840> for of working capital for of working capital for Builders<01:12:57.320>
• One of the improvements they wanted to do was to improve the access to the property, and you can see
• <01:36:43.360> is Senator Reen the the word Improvement is Senator Reen the the word Improvement
• <01:36:54.800> what's Improvement what's Improvement what's expansion<01:36:56.800> um<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Respectful reinlistment bonus program.
• <00:44:39.440> the that's your other the other program the that's your other the other program
• district hasn't improved district hasn't improved three<01:08:53.839> years<01:08:54.000>
• voluntary water conservation program. voluntary water conservation program.
• E301<01:56:49.679> and 27th at 8 a.m. in capital room E301 and 27th at 8 a.m. in capital room

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lenders see nonprofits as capital.
• And interest rates are after capital.
• <00:21:07.679> costs regulatory compliance and capital costs regulatory compliance and capital
• restricts our ability to secure capital restricts our ability to secure capital in<00:23:34.480>
• It simply of the program in any way.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is intended for those qualifying businesses that are involved in the capital program or other federal
• This is to pay personnel costs at the Law Enforcement Safety Office program and is supported by program
• or the crime victims program.
• It's a once-a-year grant program.
• And then we manage that program.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from this program take me.
• I think you would, in capital improvements, make sure you would strike every single line of their requests
• It doesn’t go to capital improvements. Yes. Okay. All right.
• This is an existing program.
• This is an existing program.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• greatness of the entire coastal Bend region, we're proud to welcome the delegation to your... state capital
• The Society Student Visionaries Program is a philanthropic leadership development program for high school
• Please join me in welcoming the distinguished members of the student visionaries program including my
• In the capital of the country, the Panhandle produces the majority of Texas beef supply.
• Welcome to the capital. Pasadena is the home. Y'all may recall of Gilly's.

Bills: SJR2, SB4, SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SR42, SR74, SR76, HCR5, SB710, SB710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:41.040> under in undergraduate degree program under in undergraduate degree program
• , can't take it from our social programs, can't take it from our social programs, our<00:32:33.679
• We stand on our written program.
• Um, apparently the working group and the Grant College Program, didn't you start a program previously
• , didn't you start a the cran program, didn't you start a program<01:08:16.719> previously<01:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon. The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass. Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:17.799> Improvement<00:20:18.360> projects<00:20:19.159> for Capital Improvement
• projects for Capital Improvement projects for irrigation<00:20:20.480> systems<00:20:21.480><
• <00:38:23.760> um to is the irrigation system program um to is the irrigation system program
• The appropriation of these funds, $3 to $4 million, should be allocated to healthier programs to improve
• <01:01:54.039> to allocated to healthier programs to allocated to healthier programs to improve

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . program. program.
• <00:32:52.720> And species capital of the world. And species capital of the world.
• Thank you. renovations and improvement of our Koi renovations and improvement of our Koi station.<00:
• So I sort of know how programs, uh, academic and, uh, programs and student services programs work there
• So I sort of know how programs, uh, academic and, uh, programs and student services programs work there

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding. The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• His new job title is deputy administrator for farm programs with USDA in the nation's capital.
• His new job title is deputy administrator for farm programs with USDA in the nation's capital.
• Chairman, the last fund listed is the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund.
• And that was anticipated that the program would grow for a couple of reasons.
• So we're wanting to always look at how do we improve some of that.

Summary: The Government Finance Committee met with new leadership, approved the December 11 minutes, and received a series of informational updates on the state’s finances and related policy issues. The Office of Management and Budget reported the general fund is tracking very close to forecast, with revenues about $2 million above forecast and an estimated ending balance of about $397 million, higher than previously expected. OMB also reviewed balances in major funds, including the budget stabilization fund, legacy fund, foundation aid stabilization fund, social services fund, and strategic investment and improvements fund, and answered questions about oil tax revenues and fund management. The Tax Department provided updates on taxable sales and purchases by county and industry, noting Cass County as the largest county by taxable sales and that retail trade remains the largest industry sector. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus also discussed the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its estimated effects on North Dakota income tax collections, explaining that the projected revenue impacts are measured against a 2025 baseline and that some provisions are temporary while others are permanent. He also reported that primary residence tax credit applications were running ahead of last year, with more than 154,000 received so far and an expectation of roughly 160,000-plus applications. The committee also heard fee-study presentations from the Department of Transportation and the Information Technology Department. DOT explained that driver’s license fees cover only about half of program costs and that the shortfall is subsidized by the highway fund, while also noting recent changes such as the blackout plate and motor vehicle excise tax distribution changes. NDIT described its internal service fund model, current billing structure, and possible future changes to simplify invoices and billing frequency. Legislative staff also updated the committee on office space needs in Bismarck-Mandan and on legislative branch space planning, and subcommittees reported progress on fixed-route transit funding and regional jail capacity, including a visit to the Burleigh-Morton detention facility and discussion of future prison bed needs. No formal votes or legislative actions beyond approving the minutes were taken, and the committee adjourned with its next meeting set for June 25.