Transcript Highlights:

• sometimes it's a little more replacement sometimes it's a little more complicated<00:04:42.639> than
• ofm has an share is the um kton at the U ofm has an aging<00:54:04.920> um<00:54:05.480> HVAC
• system um aging cool coal aging um HVAC system um aging cool coal burning<00:54:09.920> furnace
• parts for it they're replacement parts for it they're counting<00:54:22.920> on<00:54:23.920>
• it uh they'll lose Minnesota to replace it uh they'll lose their<01:22:11.360> coverage<01:22

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cash requests from Colorado Mesa and Colorado State, as well as Colorado State budget request for an HVAC
• budget<00:29:24.640> request<00:29:24.960> for<00:29:25.120> an<00:29:25.279> HVAC
• <00:29:25.840> project<00:29:26.000> they budget request for an HVAC project they budget
• request for an HVAC project they have<00:29:26.399> for<00:29:26.640> a<00:29:27.120><

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and approved the March 3, 2026 journal as corrected. Committee reports were then read, including finance recommendations to amend and advance Senate Bill 117 to Appropriations and House Bill 1115 to the Committee of the Whole with a consent-calendar recommendation, while Senate Bill 86 was postponed indefinitely. The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee reported several appointments for placement on the consent calendar and confirmation, including members of the Board of Commissioners of Veterans Community Living Centers and the State Personnel Board. The chamber also received committee recommendations to advance Senate Bill 87 and House Bill 1068 with favorable recommendations. Senate Resolution 004, concerning recognition of October 26 as Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado, was introduced and laid over until Friday, March 6, 2026. The general order second reading calendar was also laid over until Thursday, March 5, 2026. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee hearings, including Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation and Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Judiciary, Joint Budget Committee, and Capital Development. The Senate welcomed visiting groups and honored First Tee Colorado and Faith Miller, Miss Southern Colorado, during personal privilege remarks. The body then adopted a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m. later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this provides them training to become a plumber, pipefitter, HVAC.
• They're HVAC. When we know we're either doing it and we're going to do it.
• Most of that reflects the one-time money for the Guardian 2.0 replacement.
• Right, so the Guardian replacement.
• But they had replaced that.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• executive recommendation is centered around using general fund revenue and increases in fee revenue to replace
• And the plumber, and the electrician, and the HVAC—it’s like they can fan out their permits and licensing
• If we want to do sheet metal on a HVAC, drink whatever we’re going to do the exhaust," I mean, it was
• We don't necessarily plug them in, but this construction industry, we try to replace them ten at a whack
• I mean, by the time I get them replaced, they're upwards.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Emily Griffith offers education and apprenticeships in careers such as nursing, HVAC, welding, and more
• as<00:38:01.920> you<00:38:02.079> can<00:38:02.240> see,<00:38:02.880> HVAC
• ,<00:38:03.599> welding, nursing, as you can see, HVAC, welding, nursing, as you can see,
• HVAC, welding, and<00:38:04.400> more.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal from February 17, 2026, and then moved into third reading. Members passed several bills on final passage: HB 1013, concerning landlord use of ratio utility billing systems; HB 1064, modifying the youthful offender system; HB 1076, making transportation-related statutory changes; HB 1067, allowing use of the diseased livestock indemnity fund to address livestock health threats; HB 1042, concerning dry needling by occupational therapists; and HB 1025, exempting auctioneers from certain requirements of the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act. Vote totals were recorded for each, with HB 1042 and HB 1025 passing unanimously and the others passing by varying margins, including HB 1067 at 58-1 and HB 1076 at 40-19. Co-sponsors were then invited to add their names to the adopted bills. During announcements, members highlighted upcoming committee hearings and events. Judiciary, Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Finance, Statutory Revision, and Capital Development committees all announced meetings and bill agendas. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups, including Adams 12 Stargate, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Slavens Elementary fourth graders, as well as a Chaparral High School AP government class. There were also announcements about the Aerospace and Defense Caucus, Aerospace Day at the Capitol, and a Colorado Housing Coalition reception. Several members made brief remarks honoring people and observances, including a detailed tribute to Barbara Shannon Banister for her civil rights and community leadership in Aurora, and a statement marking the first day of Ramadan and encouraging members to visit local mosques and participate in iftar events. At the end of the session, the majority leader moved to lay over the balance of the calendar until February 19, 2026, and the House agreed without objection. The House then stood in recess until later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has to be replaced. officers. And with the current vacancy officers.
• It has to be replaced.<00:10:44.160> And<00:10:44.320> what<00:10:44.480> we<00:
• funding will allow us to replace funding will allow us to replace outdated<03:24:54.880> equipment
• Does that now come out and is replaced by 911 funds? That would be your decision.
• Does that now come out and is replaced by 911 funds? That would be your decision.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And more than anything, we need your help to replace, to modernize, and demolish.
• We need to do that through accommodation of renewal, replacement, renovation, and demolition.
• The other day, I got a feed for a soy product replacing fire protection PFAS.
• So, why not renovate or replace Stillwater?
• When looking at replacement versus closure, the numbers paint a clear picture.

Bills: HF3220

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is $800,000, using facility repair and renovation reserves for the Corley Hall roof replacement
• This is for the Melbourne Administration Building roof replacement.
• This is on-call skilled trade labor, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, boiler, valve controls, welding

Summary: The committee first considered an $88,000 used tire program contract for District 4 with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could worsen cash flow before funding was confirmed. Questions were also raised about procurement language in the RFP that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. After discussion, a motion was made and approved to hold the contract until next month so the tire board could appear and answer questions. Members then reviewed a large slate of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included capital projects at ASU Mid-South, Arkansas Tech, Ozarka, UA Fayetteville, UA Little Rock, UAMS, and UCA; a new UCA multi-purpose arena project estimated at $75.5 million; and DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, and rural hospital quality improvement. All of these items were reviewed without objection. The committee also heard a ratification request from UAMS for a Family and Medical Leave Act outsourcing contract with FMLA Source. UAMS said an amendment had been prepared but never submitted for review, and payments continued after expiration; members expressed frustration and asked UAMS to review whether other contracts had similarly lapsed. The committee then reviewed numerous construction-related, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including airport economic impact study work, parking guidance technology at the University of Arkansas, veteran nursing services, and multiple DHS service contracts. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after reports of routine contract amendments and minor contracts were presented for information.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I also have a theory about just not replacing the jobs that baby boomers currently hold and then
• there were a lot of fears during the Industrial Revolution of, 'Oh, certain machines are going to replace
• Because my assumption is, no, we will replace certain jobs, but... ...is no, we will replace certain
• shingle, and all of my back office is done in a more automated way, and I can deliver the value of HVAC
• Do you have any concern that we're at a point yet where AI is going to replace our job, Skynet-style?

Bills: HB2452, HB2592

Keywords: comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued that AI should be treated as software deployed across many use cases, not just chatbots, and urged the state to identify opportunities proactively, avoid unnecessary agency-level AI rules, use existing procurement structures, and measure outcomes. Members asked about workforce impacts, agency involvement, privacy, and the balance between innovation and regulation; Garrison said AI would likely augment workers first, create new jobs over time, and should be guided by the legislature rather than broad agency rulemaking. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Department of Administration to have budget units identify AI opportunities and streamline implementation, and an amendment adding reporting requirements to state leaders and the Secretary of State. After limited public testimony, the amendment was adopted and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent. The committee next took up HB 2452, which would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning and adjust county land-use planning requirements, including changes related to renewable energy planning in larger counties. Supporters said the bill would help counties plan ahead for data center growth and future energy needs, including SMRs and other emerging technologies. County representatives opposed the measure, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred the line between comprehensive planning and zoning, and reduced local control by altering established public planning processes; they also raised concerns about vague standards and the bill’s treatment of renewable energy. After debate, the committee approved HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote for a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• atoms, not, you know, actually in these AI researchers, and over the long term it's over electricity, HVAC
• HVAC steel and water um and we think you HVAC steel and water um and we think you know<00:46:56.319><
• So, we do think a lot about what does a workforce training program look like for electricians, for HVAC
• So, we do think a lot about what does a workforce training program look like for electricians, for HVAC
• So they are okay with coal as a base load now, thinking that 20 or 30 years from now they'll replace

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:15 Approval of Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Meeting 00:55 Helping Power Kentucky’s Growth – 01:25 Powering and Deploying AI – 41:00 Fueling America’s Intelligence – 56:12 Adjournment – 01:10:37, 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• ongoing repair, renovation, and replacement.
• <00:38:40.760> of or addition to or replacement of or addition to or replacement of buildings
• It can be replaced somewhere else in the state.
• high it is very imperative to replace high it is very imperative to replace this<01:28:06.040>
• <01:32:27.920> those and we would be able to replace those and we would be able to replace

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cause<00:22:14.159> and<00:22:14.400> it<00:22:14.640> was<00:22:14.960> replaced
• <00:22:15.360> with cause and it was replaced with cause and it was replaced with substantial
• interim because of confusion about some of the language, including “approximate cause,” which was replaced
• Representative Duran closing comments. and not once did I call the HVAC guy to and not once did I call
• the HVAC guy to help<00:56:58.640> me.

Bills: HF2358, HF3496, HF3504, HF2169, HF3440

Keywords: public safety, coercion, criminal penalties, law enforcement, victim protection, HF3496, supervision abatement, earned compliance credit, earned compliance credits, conditional release, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, restitution, willful nonpayment, probation-like supervision, release supervision, community supervision, lifetime conditional release, early termination of supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the top programs utilizing funding our nursing Health science programs, welding technology, HVAC
• My question goes to if we're looking at you talked about it, HVAC nursing a whole host of career opportunities
• They had previously gotten an HVAC one certification.
• scholarship opportunity or financial aid opportunity for them to go back if they want to get, you know, HVAC

Transcript Highlights:

• Lopez to get a new water heater, HVAC, solar panels, roofing, doors, flooring, and artificial grass.
• It was this special for $100, and you get your HVAC cleaned. No big deal.
• There was nothing wrong with my HVAC. They came down and said, 'You have a real big problem.
• You need a whole new HVAC.' I was like, 'What?'

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our HVAC, our mechanical, the windows, the roof system — you know, it's one of the poorest-rated buildings
• So it is in need of major reinvestment to replace those systems, and what this plan studied was the cost
• > those<00:12:13.399> systems<00:12:14.320> and<00:12:14.639> what um to replace
• those systems and what um to replace those systems and what this<00:12:15.199> plan<00:12:15.519
• that was brought up was that I believe in 2020 there was a $20 million bonding project to revamp the HVAC

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• members with demonstrated knowledge and/or field experience in mold identification and remediation, HVAC
• as the IICRC S520 standard for professional mold remediation, the IICRC S590 standard for assessing HVAC
• Only two of our 12 schools have central HVAC systems.
• It helped building managers configure their HVAC systems appropriately and quickly.
• It helped building managers configure their HVAC systems appropriately and quickly.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on environmental health, disease prevention, and access to care. Major topics included restricting polystyrene use, creating a pancreatic cancer awareness and early-detection initiative, improving indoor air quality through a task force and new regulations, expanding access to epinephrine in public places, improving access to health care for people with long COVID, creating an OBGYN loan repayment program for underserved areas, expanding access to hygiene products, modernizing licensure for dietitians and nutritionists, updating school postural screening requirements, and restricting harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Several legislators also testified in support of their own bills, including measures on menstrual product access and ingredient disclosure, and surgical smoke protections. Testimony on the polystyrene bill emphasized local municipal bans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. Pancreatic cancer advocates and patients described the disease’s low survival rate, the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the need for an awareness campaign and implementation of commission recommendations. Indoor air quality supporters from environmental justice groups, public health organizations, and residents described asthma, mold, pollution, and the need for a task force with technical expertise; some witnesses urged adding remediation professionals to the task force. On epinephrine access, family members of a man who died after a bee sting and an allergy organization stressed that anaphylaxis can be sudden and fatal and that stock epinephrine in public venues could save lives. Long COVID advocates said the condition affects hundreds of thousands of residents and called for better surveillance and access to care, with a request to include MECFS in the bills’ scope. Other testimony focused on workforce and equity issues. Supporters of the OBGYN loan repayment bill said it would help address maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Hope and Comfort described widespread hygiene insecurity and a long waiting list for basic products, urging a task force to study statewide solutions. Dietitians and nutritionists supported modernization of licensure to clarify standards for medical nutrition therapy while allowing broader wellness counseling. School nurses backed reducing mandatory postural screenings, arguing the current law is not evidence-based, is not reimbursed by MassHealth, and takes time from other student health needs. On the supplement bill, the industry trade group opposed restrictions as overbroad and burdensome, while a public health expert cited research linking weight-loss and muscle-building supplements to serious harms and urged passage. The committee also heard support for menstrual product access and surgical smoke protections, with legislators and advocates describing those bills as longstanding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Board of Higher Education to become the new president and leader at Lake Region State College, replacing
• and please don't hold me to anything I say except this part, but like a welding or an electrician or HVAC
• , whatever those things are, HVAC, whatever it is, I think we need to get in that business.
• And my 18-year-old, he's at Bismarck within HVAC right now. And I'll tie in the dual credit thing.

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard an extensive campus update from Dean Corey Gorder and other DCB leaders. Gorder described the college’s affiliation with Minot State and its growing use of shared services, including business office functions, HR, institutional research, Title IX, printing, financial aid support through UND, and payroll support through NDSU. He said the arrangement lets DCB focus on its core mission while relying on system partners for specialized administrative work, and noted that accreditation concerns were not believed to limit those shared-service arrangements. He also highlighted DCB’s mission, enrollment growth, dual-credit reach across rural schools, and the college’s emphasis on nursing, dental, paramedic, farm management, and other workforce-oriented programs. Committee members asked detailed questions about dual credit, program delivery, and whether DCB’s partnerships were exclusive. Gorder said the relationships are generally collaborative rather than exclusive, that schools can choose other providers, and that many partnerships began through personal outreach and ongoing relationships with rural schools. Lisa Johnson of the university system added that transfer complaints are rare and that dual credit generally transfers well within North Dakota, though highly selective out-of-state institutions may treat credits differently. Members also asked about stipends for high school instructors, the share of K-12 versus DCB instructors, and the capacity limits in dental hygiene and other programs. Gorder said dental hygiene is capped by space and staffing, that there were more applicants than seats, and that expansion is being considered; he also said he would provide follow-up information on the paramedic program and instructor breakdowns. Gorder closed by identifying long-term challenges, including aging residence halls, recruiting faculty and staff, and the need to review low-enrollment programs. He said DCB should consider expanding into more high-demand trades such as welding, HVAC, and electrical work, and should streamline dual credit and strengthen its Minot programming. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose leaders outlined student priorities from the last session and the interim. Their main concerns included campus housing quality and affordability, food insecurity and food pantries, mental and physical health resources, student-led research funding, academic and career readiness, internships, and campus collaboration. They also discussed dual credit, saying it is valuable but uneven across the state, and raised questions about how to better retain students in North Dakota through the system. Members asked follow-up questions about housing, transferability of dual credit, and whether incentives could be used to encourage students to stay in-state for higher education.

Transcript Highlights:

• training to make a high-quality craftsman in their trade, whether it's plumbing, pipe fitting, or HVAC
• Many of those are state licenses, the Kentucky State Plumbing license, the HVAC license.
• Many of those are state licenses, the Kentucky State Plumbing license and the HVAC license.
• Um, if a HVAC, plumbing, pipe fitting.
• or HVAC, that is an option for them. or HVAC, that is an option for them.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:29 Approval of Minutes: 00:01:50 Kentucky Buy American Act: 00:02:08 Earn As You Learn: KY Building Trades Apprenticeship: 00:30:42 Worker Misclassification in the Construction Industry: 01:02:00 Investing in KY’s Future Workforce Through the Good Business Initiative: 01:20:44 Adjournment: 01:28:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September minutes, and heard testimony on a proposed “Kentucky by America” procurement preference bill. Representative Patrick Flannery described the concept as giving preference in public construction and public works contracts to iron, steel, aluminum, and other manufactured goods made in the United States, while emphasizing he wanted to avoid excessive taxpayer costs and was open to changes. Chad Connley of the United Steelworkers and Dustin Reinsteller of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO supported the idea, arguing it would strengthen domestic manufacturing, keep tax dollars in the local economy, and support jobs; Connley said the bill would include waivers for items not made domestically and noted Kentucky has opted out of the GPA trade agreement. Mike Buckington of Metals Innovation Initiative, testifying virtually, also supported the concept and said Kentucky’s metals sector has seen significant investment and can supply most construction needs, while stressing supply-chain reliability and national security concerns. Members generally expressed support but raised questions about implementation. Representative Branscum asked who would grant waivers and how contractors would know the rules during bidding; Flannery said he was open to revising the language and process. Representative Gentry supported the concept but said the bill would likely need editing to avoid harming businesses or markets. Senator Nun suggested aligning the bill’s definition of a U.S. good with industry country-of-origin standards to make compliance easier. Representative KC Carney asked for data on the impact of similar laws in other states, and Connley said he could provide numbers later but did not have them on hand. Senator Boswell supported the concept and asked about the cost threshold for waivers; Connley said the federal standard is a 25% cost increase, while the prior Kentucky version used 10%, and that the threshold is a key detail. The committee then shifted to an informational presentation on building trade apprenticeships. Eric Elie of the Kentucky State Pipe Trades Association, Nick Brown of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 502, and retired IBEW training director Steve Willinghurst explained how union apprenticeship programs work. Brown described earn-while-you-learn training, with apprentices placed on jobs by signatory contractors and attending classes two nights a week for five years. He outlined the work of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVACR technicians, emphasizing that these trades support construction, industrial facilities, distilleries, and other critical infrastructure. No votes or formal actions were taken on the policy topics beyond approval of the prior minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one is for the college of business roof replacement.
• Number two is for the admin cooling tower replacement for their administration building.
• five, with U of A Hope-Texarkana, this is an original MOF for the Student Center Boiler Chiller Replacement
• This is Amendment 1 to an existing contract for HVAC services on call and as needed.

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you can make a lot of money as a plumber or electrician, HVAC person, and whatever we can do
• You know, you can make a lot of money as a plumber or electrician, HVAC person, and whatever we can do
• You know, you can make a lot of money as a plumber or electrician, HVAC person, and whatever we can do
• You know, you can make a lot of money as a plumber or electrician, HVAC person, and whatever we can do

Keywords: Economic and Workforce Development - Room 409, 31 March, 2026; 9:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee considered the Lieutenant Governor’s appointment of Charles Tyler Norman to the board of MAG Core, formerly the Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation, to fill a vacancy for a term ending June 30, 2028. Members described the board’s role in prison-based workforce training and noted that most of its membership is made up of state officials, with only a few outside appointees. Norman said he has a long business background, has served on other state boards, and supports public service and workforce development, including prison work programs. Several senators used the nomination to raise broader concerns about the effectiveness of prison workforce training and whether MAG Core should continue as a separate entity or be folded under Accelerate Mississippi. The chair said he was frustrated with workforce outcomes for incarcerated people, including the implementation of presumptive parole and the value of some training credentials, and stressed that any program should be profitable and not burden taxpayers. Norman agreed that workforce training should be practical and tied to real trades, said he has hired felons and believes in second chances, and said he would bring committee suggestions back to the board. A senator asked about a 2008 derogatory incident in Norman’s background report; Norman acknowledged it as a college misdemeanor and said it was the only such issue. Another senator asked about the board’s composition and diversity, and staff said one remaining outside member is a governor’s appointee, later identified as Ronnie McNeil from the faith-based community. The committee then adopted a motion to report the nomination out with a do advise and consent recommendation, and Norman was reminded to keep his statement of economic interest current.