Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:03.200><c> I</c> the evidence evidence-based model. I the evidence evidence-based model.
• </c> Recall in October, your base motion was to forward the evidence-based model, and then you modified
• the evidence-based model.
• the evidence-based models Under the evidence-based models recommendations,<00:09:21.600><c> uh</c><00
• And I think it was the last game or next to the last game, Alice finally made her first basket.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• discover a love of reading, where students find the tools to succeed, where job seekers gain new skills
• been involved in a lot of those conversations to deserve a lot of the credit because it is a team game
• I guess, based on their financial situation, they can decide what they can do to entice this.
• The bill is effectively eliminating intoxicating hemp-based marijuana being sold in our state.
• floor leader's conference room, this page told us when asked how many kids in her school use hemp-based

Bills: HR1055 , SB2170 , SB1833 , SB1198 , HR1056 , SB1730 , SB563 , SB1379 , SB1645 , SB2155 , SB1280 , SB1455 , SB1456 , SB1461 , SB1457 , SB1463 , SB1465 , SB1466 , SB1344 , SB1309 , HR1054 , SB2159 , SB1948 , HB1371 , SB1365 , SB1976 , SB1975 , SB2026 , SB1565 , SB1621 , SB237 , SB933 , SB1427 , SB1642 , SB171 , SB1873 , SB2067 , SB1623 , SB1771 , SB1805 , SB1826 , SB2072 , SB444 , SB2184 , SB1966 , SB1812 , SB2117 , SB2135 , SB330 , SB1239 , SB1428 , SB1531 , SB1484 , SB1405 , SB3

Keywords: Oklahoma Agriculture Day, agriculture, farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, food production, wheat, cattle, beef, dairy, soybeans, cotton, poultry, pork, rye, rural economy, urban-rural, trade, commodity production, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• new apprenticeship opportunities, and allowing more Kentuckians to earn a living through supervised skill-based
• </c><00:37:42.520><c> on</c> as some reform recommendations based on as some reform recommendations based
• And give Kentucky it's a more based on.
• </c><00:53:18.200><c> trade</c> practical pathway into skilled trade practical pathway into skilled trade
• Barbering is a skill.

Committee: Joint Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 02:45 Roll Call 05:25 Cosmetologists 13:48 Barbers 01:16:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Through CTSOs, students gain leadership, experience, professional skills, and real-world applications
• The students participate in competitions, service learning, and work-based learning leadership roles
• ,</c><00:04:04.879><c> and</c> experience, professional skills, and experience, professional skills,
• learning leadership roles as work-based learning leadership roles as they<00:04:14.560><c> prepare</
• </c><00:09:36.240><c> and</c> professionals, technically skilled and professionals, technically skilled

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Salton Sea restoration and skilled and trained workforce standards.
• We put skilled and trained in there because oftentimes those projects are complex.
• We make sure those first responders are trained and have the specific skills to operate safely.
• I talk about having skilled and trained there. We've got to do that.
• So I'm in favor, definitely in favor of having our skilled and trained workforce there.

Summary: The committee heard several water- and environment-related bills. SB 72, by Senator Caballero, would modernize the California Water Plan and set long-term water supply targets, including an interim goal of 9 million acre-feet of additional water by 2040. Supporters from water districts, local governments, business groups, and agricultural interests argued the bill is needed to address climate-driven shortages, protect the economy, and improve planning for droughts, flooding, recharge, recycling, storage, and conveyance. Opponents, including environmental and conservation groups, argued the bill could overstate demand, increase costs, and make it harder to protect instream flows and ecosystems. The committee discussed the science behind the 9 million acre-feet target and the need to balance water supply planning with fish and ecological needs. SB 72 passed on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 369, by Senator Padilla, would require a local skilled and trained workforce for all Salton Sea restoration work. The author and sponsors said the bill would protect workers exposed to hazardous conditions at the Salton Sea, create good local jobs in Imperial County, and ensure long-term workforce standards for publicly funded restoration projects. Support came from labor organizations, contractors, and other regional stakeholders; no opposition testified. Members emphasized the region’s high unemployment and the importance of workforce development. The bill passed on a do-pass motion to Labor and Employment. SB 697, by Senator Laird, would update the stream system adjudication process by allowing the State Water Board to use modern technology, such as stream gauges and digitized records, when investigating water rights claims, while still allowing field investigations when needed. The author said the process has not been updated since 1976 and should be streamlined. After amendments addressed stakeholder concerns, there was no opposition testimony. The committee asked whether the bill would affect pre-1914 water rights, and the author said it would not. SB 697 passed as amended to Judiciary. The committee also approved consent calendar items SB 599, SB 609, and SB 765 earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a skill that can be developed with the right support at the right time.
• We are entering a data-driven AI economy where math skills are more important than ever.
• That first leg about the research-based diagnostic, that's where a lot of our conversation began.
• It made me feel valued for my skills and what I might bring to this world.
• For a classroom or course-based exam to use end-to-end encryption.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a long slate of education bills, beginning with SB 685 on nonpublic schools for students with disabilities. Senator Cortese and the California Department of Education described the bill as a response to the Ninth Circuit’s Laughman decision, removing the obsolete “non-sectarian” requirement while preserving secular use of public funds, nondiscrimination protections, background checks, credentialing, and incident reporting. There was no opposition, and the bill later passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1181, a pilot grant program for violence prevention, student wellness, and school safety in Central Valley and other schools. Supporters framed it as a prevention measure, while opponents from EFF, ACLU Cal Action, and community advocates warned it could increase law enforcement involvement, surveillance, and use of fusion centers; despite those concerns, it ultimately passed 5-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1067, which would create a statewide framework for annual K-2 math assessments starting in 2028-29 to identify students needing early intervention. The author and supporters argued California faces a serious math achievement crisis and that early assessment would help close gaps, while CTA and several educators and administrators sought additional clarity and amendments to ensure alignment with existing diagnostic practices and limits on high-stakes use. The bill drew broad support from educators, parents, and advocacy groups and passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1107, a school shade-structure bill, would expand eligible shade projects and allow bundling through design-build to reduce costs; it received support from LAUSD, school boards, and climate-focused groups and passed 7-0. SB 1128, on take-home devices and screen time for kindergarteners, was presented as a modest first step to give families more flexibility and reduce early screen exposure, with support from early childhood advocates and no opposition, and it passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1048, creating a voluntary State Seal of Climate Literacy for students who complete climate coursework and hands-on projects. Supporters, including Ten Strands, students, teachers, and county offices, said it would recognize real-world climate learning and green career readiness; it passed 7-0. SB 1140, sponsored by CFT, would require LEA construction contractors to follow campus security provisions during school projects to reduce unauthorized access; it drew support from labor and gun violence prevention groups and passed 7-0. SB 930, requiring end-to-end encryption for proctoring companies handling K-12 exam data, was presented as a student privacy measure in response to cybersecurity risks and passed 6-0. Finally, SB 1083 was introduced by Senator Perez as a follow-up to last year’s Safe Learning Environments Act, with extensive committee amendments to refine the statewide misconduct data system, disclosure rules, contractor fingerprinting, and access requirements; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full hearing and vote are shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:46.560><c> through</c> showcase their skills through showcase their skills through competitive
• It gives them extra years if they need extra years for those foundational skills.
• It gives them extra years if they need extra years for those foundational skills.
• It gives them extra years if they need extra years for those foundational skills.
• </c><01:05:23.279><c> at</c> reinforce those foundational skills at reinforce those foundational skills

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations. Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• A compact that requires a hand skills exam is very, very important to this state.
• It's about recognizing the knowledge and skills we already use every day.
• Their work in oral health is highly skilled and essential to patient care.
• Their work in oral health is highly skilled and essential to patient care.
• I think that's more than enough to demonstrate our skills.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• commission developed 40 hours of training curriculum that included 16 hours of mostly online, self-based
• Some officers were resistant to taking these community and cultural awareness training courses based
• Some officers were resistant to taking these community and cultural awareness training courses based
• I'm going to reorder a couple of questions I have based on just continuing.
• Access to the internet and the skills to use it are essential in modern life.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our work is based on progression of actual competencies and actual skills acquired by their learners.
• Yeah, just highlighting the fact that we're a skills-based program, so the seat-time model doesn't really
• education board, which is really focused on high-quality, skills-based outcomes, as well as the Institute
• Yeah, just highlighting the fact that, you know, we're a skills-based program.
• education board, which is really focused on high-quality, skills-based outcomes, as well as the institution

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> learn and practice team-based learn and practice team-based care<00:34:56.639><c> um</c><00:34:56.919
• </c><00:43:23.599><c> therapies</c> ultimately novel cell-based therapies ultimately novel cell-based
• decreases to that base based on how much money we have available and other revenues and the process
• decreases to that base based on how much money we have available and other revenues and the process
• </c> decreases to that base based on how much decreases to that base based on how much money<01:14:23.880

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Wide array of conversations and skill sets.
• So that's why we supported a more risk-based approach.
• So that's why we supported a more risk-based approach.
• So that's why we supported a more risk-based approach.
• So that's why we supported a more risk-based approach.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Speed Task Force met on December 15, 2025, with members participating in person and via Zoom. After roll call and introductions, the chair filed the previous meeting minutes without objection. The chair then gave a report on outreach presentations statewide about the task force’s permitting-simplification work, noting appearances before groups such as the Chinese Chamber, Small Business Regulatory Review Board, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Chamber, and the Land Use Commission. He also introduced the new task force coordinator, Reginald K. T. King, and outlined a January 6, 2026 process for member-submitted recommendations, including first-come consideration and structured debate. No public testimony or member questions were offered on these items. The task force heard a presentation from the Building Permit PIG. The presenter said the group reviewed 79 SWAT recommendation forms over seven meetings, with participation from 15 disciplines and about 270 hours of work. The group’s findings emphasized workforce shortages, inconsistent plan quality, limited departmental resources, and a lack of centralized tools for applicants to self-resolve issues. Recommendations focused on building a workforce pipeline, expanding training on codes and technology, and developing a universal platform, including AI-assisted review tools. The presenter also raised offsite construction, including factory-built, modular, tiny homes, and ADUs, as an area needing clearer state and county alignment to speed permit review and support housing needs. No public testimony or Q&A followed, and discussion and voting were deferred to the January 6, 2026 meeting. The task force then began the Chapter 6E Historic Preservation PIG presentation. The chair described historic preservation as a broad process covering research, protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and interpretation of significant properties, including burial sites and iwi kūpuna, and said Chapter 6E is intended to guide responsible development rather than stop it. The presentation explained SHPD’s role and the complexity of 6E review, including archaeological surveys, monitoring, and preservation plans. Early findings highlighted uncertainty in sensitivity determinations for iwi kūpuna and subsurface resources, repeated review of the same projects, and staffing and technical capacity shortages among SHPD and consultants. Public testimony was closed and no immediate Q&A was allowed; further discussion and voting on recommendations were scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and great communication skills.
• , and great communication skills.
• </c><00:18:48.679><c> program</c> and S SMP is a volunteer-based program and S SMP is a volunteer-based
• thinking skills and great communication<00:19:13.280><c> skills</c><00:19:14.280><c> uh</c><00:19:14.400
• ><c> with</c><00:19:14.559><c> her</c> communication skills uh with her communication skills uh with

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard a series of gubernatorial nominations and board appointments, mostly to health-related advisory councils and commissions. Nominees testified briefly about their backgrounds and reasons for serving, including Melanie Lao for the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee; Asana Saragosa Torres and Jessica Stevens for the State Council on Mental Health; several nominees for the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee, including S. Brian, Jacob Pelo, Patrick Winfield Lougher, Dr. An Young, Marin Anka, and Kenneth Faria; Roxanne Row for the Hawaii County Health Planning Council; Lewis Johnson and Susie Schulberg for the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs; Mariah Nicholls and Evan Nakatsuka for the State Rehabilitation Council; and Co Woly for the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health, the Executive Office on Aging, the Department of Human Services, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and other individuals and organizations, with several nominees emphasizing lived experience, rural health access, mental health advocacy, EMS experience, or community service. One nomination, GM 522 for Melanie Lao, drew favorable comments about her qualifications and written responses. GM 572, Roxanne Row’s nomination to the Hawaii County Health Planning Council, was the only item that raised concern because the committee had not received her questionnaire answers directly; after questioning, the chair deferred decision-making on that nomination until March 5 pending receipt of the answers. The committee also noted a title correction for GM 548, changing the reference from an advisory board to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to advise and consent on all nominations except GM 572, which was deferred. The adopted recommendations covered GM 522, 523, 525, 526, 540, 541, 548, 575, 576, 577, 579, 629, 630, 631, and 633. The meeting then adjourned after congratulating the nominees and inviting them to remain for a group photo.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> restaurants businesses hospitals based restaurants businesses hospitals based on<00:47:55.960><c
• </c> activity as everyone else these skills activity as everyone else these skills are<01:29:59.639><
• </c><01:54:47.159><c> on</c> organizations to discriminate based on organizations to discriminate based
• </c> Pathways to other discrimination based Pathways to other discrimination based on<02:01:08.880><c
• </c> hole pretty darn hard this bill is based hole pretty darn hard this bill is based on<02:37:59.720

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, which Rep. Jim Kofalt said is the same language as last year’s HB 396, vetoed by the governor. He described the bill as allowing, but not requiring, separation by biological sex in three areas: bathrooms and locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions. Kofalt argued the bill would give local school boards and other policymakers discretion to set practical rules, citing concerns about safety, privacy, and a Milford incident involving a biological male in girls’ locker rooms. Committee members pressed him on the lack of a definition of “biological sex,” and he said he did not think one was necessary because males and females are commonly understood. He also said the bill was meant to address situations where outside groups threaten lawsuits and leave local boards with no latitude. Testimony then split sharply. Supporters, including Executive Counselor Karen Hill and several others, said HB 148 would roll back anti-discrimination protections, contradict New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” values, and harm transgender and non-binary people. Opponents described the bill as discriminatory and unnecessary, arguing that existing bathroom and sports policies already work and that the bill would invite harassment, invasive enforcement, and legal conflict. Several speakers, including trans residents and parents of trans children, said they had used public restrooms without incident and warned that enforcement would be impractical or abusive. One supporter argued the bill was needed to protect girls’ privacy and safety and cited school sports disputes and a concern about a sex offender at a game as examples of why sex-segregated rules should be restored. Committee members asked questions about how biological sex would be defined, whether the bill was responding to real incidents in New Hampshire, and how any restrictions would be enforced. Kofalt said he was aware of issues in several school districts and at the State House, but did not have detailed documentation for every case. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the chair instead moved through public testimony under a strict two-minute limit and noted that follow-up questions would be limited so the committee could hear multiple bills that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may need someone helping you at first until you develop the motor skills to do it.
• </c> develop the the motor skills to do it. develop the the motor skills to do it.
• I've been a judge based, of course, on the GIO investigative report.
• I just wanted to note a few aspects based on my reading of the proposed legislation.
• distress um based off the language<05:37:56.080><c> in</c><05:37:56.320><c> that.

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And since that basic life skill was never taught, she is now experiencing... Education.
• Crucial understanding of these important life skills.
• We identified that students lack the skills necessary to...
• Based on what schools are able to do and adding more on to teachers to do, right?
• And these are lifelong skills that we teach that last forever.

Summary: The Senate and Assembly Education Committees held their annual joint hearing with the California Association of Student Councils and SABLE, where student delegates presented policy ideas developed over two days. Committee members repeatedly praised student voice and noted that several past student proposals had become law. The hearing began with opening remarks from legislators and student organizers, who emphasized the importance of civic participation and the value of hearing directly from students. The chair also reviewed hearing rules and explained that the panels would be treated as peers in a formal policy discussion. The first panel proposed an annual civic engagement day for grades 7-12, with flexible activities such as mock elections, civic fairs, Socratic seminars, and public comment practice. Members asked about costs, grade-level flexibility, voter registration, and how the proposal would fit within existing curriculum time. The second panel proposed amending Education Code Section 35012 to require at least one student board member in every unified and high school district, with expanded training and motion rights. Legislators supported the concept but raised technical concerns about fiscal impact, the need for odd-numbered boards, the scope of motioning authority, and whether districts would need reimbursement if the mandate became statewide. A third panel proposed adding middle school financial literacy instruction by embedding it into existing classes, with curriculum and teacher training developed over time by state agencies. Members questioned how it would fit into adopted materials and whether the state should wait until the new high school financial literacy course is fully implemented before designing middle school instruction. The fourth panel proposed expanding restorative justice by creating a CDE task force and authorizing PPS-certified staff to use restorative justice training materials in discipline processes. Senators discussed prior legislation, confidentiality concerns in closed-session hearings, and the fiscal cost of a state task force, while expressing support for stronger restorative practices. The final panel proposed more active mental health education through short, twice-semester classroom sessions for grades 7-12 focused on coping skills, time management, and awareness of resources. Assemblymember Castillo and Senator Cortese questioned whether teachers and counselors could effectively deliver the program, whether it would duplicate or overburden existing efforts, and whether wellness centers or student-led awareness efforts might be more effective. Committee members generally agreed the topic was important but were skeptical that another curriculum mandate was the best solution, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and then technical skills.
• So, um those soft skills and uh barrier.
• So, um, those soft skills and then it moves into the technical skills that folks have.
• </c> uh skills. uh skills.
• </c><01:31:45.120><c> first</c> We're seeing a growing skills first We're seeing a growing skills first

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Since gained many professional skills.
• 36.720><c> that</c><00:15:36.880><c> are</c> career readiness skills that are career readiness skills
• </c><00:58:29.599><c> building</c> One is the foundation skill building One is the foundation skill building
• And so can you tell me, out of the 2,300 that you've said applied, based on your history and based on
• </c> opportunity for skilled trades. opportunity for skilled trades.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So under the statute currently, based on the 2012-2013 timeframe, quote-unquote, Based on the 2012-2013
• It is a grant program that will provide assistance, short-term training grants for specialized skill
• And they will need a very specific type of welding skill to do the thick metal that they use on those
• It’s based on a model of a program that they did in Michigan, where they have been very successful in
• upon the greatest need in terms of the skill set?

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no. The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have skills that we need at the state. have skills that we need at the state.
• </c><00:14:16.959><c> that</c> skilled technical people within that skilled technical people within that
• </c><00:43:44.319><c> on</c> costs to the state would be uh based on costs to the state would be uh based
• So, when you're saying that we need to increase, and it's based on salary, how does that work?
• So, when you're saying that we need to increase, and it's based on salary, how does that work?

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.