Transcript Highlights:

• And part of the idea that... And part of the idea is the higher ed is looking at it.
• But right now, I have no idea how loud I'm talking.
• So the idea was, if we're going to make a dramatic change or any change, they shouldn't get punished
• So the idea was, if we're going to make a dramatic change or any change, they shouldn't get punished
• So I'm just kind of questioning, as far as I like the idea, don't get me wrong.

Summary: The Higher Education Funding Review Committee met to continue work on a draft higher education funding formula and related capital building fund changes. Lisa Johnson of the North Dakota University System updated the committee on the board’s developing policy for low-producing academic programs. She said the board is using a five-year rolling window, with thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, and that programs flagged in three consecutive review cycles would go to the board for review. Possible outcomes include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the policy would account for enrollment, program costs, workforce need, and programs that serve students outside their major. Johnson said the board would likely use an accompanying procedure to consider those factors. She also reported that about 200 programs could potentially be reviewed under current guidance, with 135 inactivated and 112 terminated, and said the process is intended to support quality and stewardship rather than simply cut programs. Jamie Wilkie then reported on the Capital Building Fund. He reviewed the fund’s history, matching requirements, and use for extraordinary repairs, deferred maintenance, and some legislatively authorized projects. He said about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with roughly 78.7% going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Committee members pressed for updated information on how much deferred maintenance has actually been reduced, and several members said they wanted clearer reporting on the return on investment from new buildings versus repairs. NDSU representatives said the tier funding has helped significantly reduce deferred maintenance and allowed demolition and renovation work on campus. The committee also discussed the need for updated five-year facility plans and space-utilization information from the institutions. The committee then began a section-by-section review of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and restructure the capital building fund. The draft would fund UND and NDSU differently from the other nine institutions, use fall enrollment rather than completed credits, add performance funding for completions in in-demand fields, create research incentives for UND and NDSU, and combine capital building fund tiers while changing matching requirements and eligible uses. Members raised concerns about the treatment of professional students, the use of CIP codes, incentives for waivers, and whether the formula should rely on more current data. The committee did not take final action on the draft during this meeting, but it continued detailed discussion and indicated more review would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Pinto, this idea literally came forward in just the last week, and that's also part of
• So that's the reason that we're here today with this amendment: the idea is new, it is something that
• I mean, this idea came forward last week.
• this idea, and so let's not do it today.
• this idea, and so let's not do it today.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going to come up with some ideas we're going to come up with some ideas for<00:56:30.160><
• <00:57:34.000> I haven't come up with those ideas yet.
• I haven't come up with those ideas yet.
• So, thank implement some of those ideas.
• Um, and to ideas for two years now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I get the idea of the comparison. I get the idea of the casinos and all that, the model.
• We need to have an idea of what is up... We need to have an idea of what is up there.
• And the idea is to be able to see...
• There's going to be an idea of what are the annual social costs associated with this.
• But, you know, probably it’s a good idea to look...

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about things that um new different ideas about things that um new different ideas about things that
• that are sparked, that those new ideas that are sparked, that those new ideas that are sparked, that
• very idea that is sparked in the that very idea that is sparked in the that very idea that is sparked
• those ideas right here in Alabama.
• That's Innovate Alabama. creative ideas. That's Innovate Alabama. creative ideas.

Bills: SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SB 227, SB 269, SB 330, SB 434, SB 437, SB 438, SB 463, SB 528, SB 584, SB 604, SB 663, SB 668, SB 682, SB 747, SB 841, SB 912, SB 968, SB 1013, SB 1020, SB 1044, SB 1137, SB 1138, SB 1143, SB 1164, SB 1169, SB 1200, SB 1236, SB 1244, SB 1299, SB 1325, SB 1335, SB 1369, SB 1410, SB 1418, SB 1422, SB 1455, SB 1468, SB 1495, SB 1534, SB 1579, SB 1580, SB 1612, SB 1624, SB 1667, SB 1734, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 1760, SB 1784, SB 1860, SB 1862, SB 1864, SB 1896, SB 1898, SB 1920, SB 1940, SB 1952, SB 1998, SB 1999, SB 2004, SB 2032, SB 2052, SB 2068, SB 2073, SB 2121, SB 2127, SB 2141, SB 2145, SB 2161, SB 2167, SB 2196, SB 2207, SB 2216, SB 2246, SB 2323, SB 2332, SB 2395, SB 2429, SB 2431, SB 2439, SB 2443, SB 2581, SB 2601, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 2705, SB 2717, SB 2798, SB 2873, SB 2881, SB 2964, SB 3034, SCR 4, SCR 38, SB 39, SB 227, SB 240, SB 330, SB 401, SB 407, SB 467, SB 506, SB 512, SB 527, SB 584, SB 618, SB 619, SB 636, SB 648, SB 663, SB 715, SB 732, SB 758, SB 801, SB 843, SB 847, SB 870, SB 957, SB 1013, SB 1020, SB 1065, SB 1152, SB 1164, SB 1181, SB 1183, SB 1257, SB 1283, SB 1299, SB 1325, SB 1349, SB 1395, SB 1433, SB 1455, SB 1490, SB 1558, SB 1574, SB 1624, SB 1626, SB 1640, SB 1717, SB 1718, SB 1727, SB 1734, SB 1756, SB 1757, SB 1789, SB 1832, SB 1845, SB 1868, SB 1920, SB 1924, SB 1964, SB 2004, SB 2018, SB 2031, SB 2037, SB 2052, SB 2073, SB 2075, SB 2080, SB 2111, SB 2117, SB 2154, SB 2161, SB 2196, SB 2206, SB 2253, SB 2268, SB 2322, SB 2323, SB 2349, SB 2533, SB 2540, SB 2570, SB 2623, SB 2626, SB 2658, SB 2660, SB 2692, SB 2705, SB 2717, SB 2722, SB 2742, SB 2743, SB 2753, SB 2788, SB 2877, SB 2900, SB 2920, SB 3031, SB 5, SB 260, SB 1786, SB 1, HJR 4, HB 135, HB 1109, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 84, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 38, SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SCR 46, SCR 48, SCR 19, SB 2023, SB 1257, SB 240, SB 1727, SB 870, SB 618, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 1502, SB 507, SB 1026, SB 1349, SB 1433, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1585, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 619, SB 1122, SB 732, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 529, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 1860, SB 2037, SB 1924, SB 2253, SB 2018, SB 2206, SB 1299, SB 841, SB 668, SB 584, SB 1085, SB 2431, SB 1490, SB 1868, SB 2314, SB 434, SB 2046, SB 1667, SB 2127, SB 1975, SB 1760, SB 1734, SB 1335, SB 2246, SB 2439, SB 1624, SB 1244, SB 1468, SB 2717, SB 1612, SB 1262, SB 604, SB 2395, SB 1832, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 2207, SB 1784, SB 1524, SB 528, SB 437, SB 269, SB 1137, SB 968, SB 636, SB 747, SB 1325, SB 1455, SB 2056, SB 1940, SB 2052, SB 1579, SB 2068, SB 3034, SB 1920, SB 1558, SB 1236, SB 1044, SB 884, SB 463, SB 227, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1410, SB 1626, SB 1845, SB 1863, SB 2216, SB 2681, SB 1717, SB 2141, SB 2323, SB 2200, SB 2332, SB 2199, SB 1757, SB 2050, SB 1138, SB 2458, SB 1864, SB 2201, SB 1862, SB 1055, SB 2660, SB 1898, SB 2662, SB 2161, SB 2964, SB 2881, SB 1065, SB 801, SB 2743, SB 2533, SB 2073, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 2702, SB 2629, SB 2443, SB 2349, SB 2167, SB 2145, SB 2121, SB 758, SB 648, SB 647, SB 512, SB 438, SB 1721, SB 2268, SB 1495, SB 2705, SB 2366, SB 1422, SB 1369, SB 1013, SB 682, SB 2692, SB 2570, SB 2797, SB 2111, SB 1896, SB 1164, SB 1020, SB 663, SB 2371, SB 1152, SB 2196, SB 2383, SB 2581, SB 2798, SB 330, SB 646, SB 843, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, SB 1169, SB 2873, SB 1754, SB 1534, SB 1718, SB 2779, SB 2004, SB 1143, SB 1756, SB 912, SB 2119, SB 2032, SB 527, SB 1580, SB 1952, SB 2601, SB 2322, SB 2448, SB 1777, SB 1283, SB 407, SB 2392, SB 2076, SB 2786, SB 3031, SB 2877, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 2225, SB 1540, SB 2920, SB 2929, SB 1395, SB 1972, SB 2540, SB 1183, SB 2742, SB 2595, SB 2217, SB 2117, SB 715, SB 2330, SB 1964, SB 1383, SB 500, SB 1640, SB 39, SB 2001, SB 2080, SB 2722, SB 506, SB 2514, SB 2623, SB 2658, SB 1574, SB 2900, SB 2753, SB 2398, SB 401, SB 1241, SB 2927, SB 2173, SB 2538, SB 898, SB 467, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 1531, SB 2846, SB 2476, SB 2031, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 2075, SB 2154, SB 2864, SB 31, SB 2880, SB 1359, SB 2386, SB 771, SB 2844, SB 2550, SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, SB 2351, SB 410, SB 659, SB 816, SB 2776, SB 2693, SB 2580, SB 1980, SB 1886, SB 1234, SB 739, SB 482, SB 456, SB 127, SB 1666, SB 2843, SB 2801, SB 800, SB 2055, SB 784, SB 2986, SB 735, SB 1012, SB 324, SB 2926, SB 2938, SB 2007, SB 2138, SB 1242, SB 843, SB 1152, SB 1164, SB 1299, SB 1349, SB 1868, SB 2037, SB 2349, SB 2788, SB 39, SB 1183, SB 1717, SB 1832, SB 2743, SR 429, SR 432, SCR 38, SB 39, SB 240, SB 618, SB 870, SB 1183, SB 1257, SB 1717, SB 1727, SB 1832, SB 2743, SB 2, SB 3058, SB 3059, HB 6, HB 14, HB 43, HB 100, HB 136, HB 149, HB 204, HB 206, HB 307, HB 467, HB 685, HB 1130, HB 1393, HB 1644, HB 2027, HB 2118, HB 2176, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2525, HB 2596, HB 2890, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3114, HB 3204, SCR 4, SCR 18, SCR 43, SB 269, SB 330, SB 434, SB 437, SB 438, SB 463, SB 528, SB 604, SB 663, SB 668, SB 682, SB 747, SB 841, SB 912, SB 968, SB 1020, SB 1044, SB 1138, SB 1143, SB 1236, SB 1244, SB 1325, SB 1335, SB 1369, SB 1418, SB 1422, SB 1455, SB 1468, SB 1495, SB 1534, SB 1579, SB 1580, SB 1612, SB 1624, SB 1667, SB 1734, SB 1745, SB 1746, SB 1760, SB 1784, SB 1860, SB 1862, SB 1864, SB 1896, SB 1898, SB 1920, SB 1940, SB 1952, SB 1998, SB 2032, SB 2052, SB 2068, SB 2073, SB 2121, SB 2127, SB 2141, SB 2145, SB 2161, SB 2167, SB 2196, SB 2207, SB 2216, SB 2246, SB 2323, SB 2332, SB 2395, SB 2431, SB 2439, SB 2443, SB 2581, SB 2601, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 2705, SB 2798, SB 2873, SB 2881, SB 2964, SB 3034, SB 227, SB 584, SB 1013, SB 1137, SB 1169, SB 1200, SB 1299, SB 1410, SB 1999, SB 2004, SB 2429, SB 2717, SB 3058, SB 3059, HB 6, HB 14, HB 43, HB 100, HB 136, HB 149, HB 204, HB 206, HB 307, HB 467, HB 685, HB 1130, HB 1393, HB 1644, HB 2027, HB 2118, HB 2176, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2525, HB 2596, HB 2890, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3114, HB 3204

Keywords: Pflugerville, Trail Capital, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, community connectivity, patriotism, town designation, community engagement, Trophy Club, Texas Town of Patriotism, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Fishing Capital of Texas, Texas fishing, coastal tourism, charter fishing, deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing, angling

Transcript Highlights:

• Um because it does build on a few kernels of good ideas.
• <00:13:24.120> would<00:13:24.280> be that the idea would be that the idea would be
• . ideas. ideas.
• This idea was never brought changes.
• We turn local ideas into shovel-ready projects.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy bill, which the author described as a bipartisan agreement. Representative Wolgamott highlighted a $1.5 million appropriation to Minnesota State to create an identification verification system to combat “ghost students,” a one-time $5,000 appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University, and other noncontroversial recommendations from the Office of Higher Education. He urged support for the bill and noted that amendments would be considered. The main debate centered on an amendment by Representative Rarick to change how University of Minnesota regents are selected if the legislature fails to elect them. Rarick argued the amendment would keep the governor from appointing regents outside the legislative vetting process and prevent “pay-to-play” or donor influence, citing recent gubernatorial appointments and campaign contributions. Representative Kotter offered a secondary amendment to require that any fallback appointees meet RCAC eligibility criteria and to bar candidates who had recently contributed to legislative caucuses or leadership; supporters said it would reduce the appearance of pay-to-play while preserving the RCAC process. Opponents of the secondary amendment, including Representatives Robbins and others, argued it did not address the real concern because it did not restrict contributions to the governor and would weaken the legislature’s role in regent selection. Supporters of the secondary amendment said it was a more objective, statute-based approach and raised separation-of-powers concerns with the underlying amendment. After debate, the secondary amendment failed on a 67-67 tie and was not adopted. The House then continued discussion on the underlying Rarick amendment, with members divided over legislative authority, gubernatorial appointment power, and the influence of campaign donations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a creative idea, and I think it’s working out well.
• This is really to help integrate pieces together, get ideas flowing together, and get ideas flowing together
• And the idea is to set our students up with that broad knowledge base.
• So, again, I'm not going to read the slides here, but you can kind of get an idea.
• I have no idea.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's important to exchange ideas.
• I don't important to exchange ideas.
• The idea find that offensive, right?
• idea.
• I think it's bad idea for the idea.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is a very unique idea.
• But the coal-to-product idea is, I think, very valuable for Wyoming to keep in mind, and this idea of
• I do appreciate very uh unique idea.
• But the coal to<00:37:41.440> product<00:37:42.240> um<00:37:42.480> idea<00:37:
• Do we have an idea of what the shift in fiscal policy was when we put coal on?

Bills: HB0120

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, but do you have an idea of what the overall cost is going to be through this program?
• <00:31:37.360> of<00:31:37.519> what mean, but do do you have an idea of what mean,
• >> Just a comment, if you please. >> Yes. >> Senator, I think this is a very good idea.
• So I think this is a very good idea. We need this as we move forward on these types of programs.
• very good idea very good idea we<00:40:52.400> need<00:40:52.560> as<00:40:53.280>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 125, sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, which would create a structure for evaluating and placing juveniles with acute mental illness, including a continuum of care and a process for resolving placement disputes between the Justice Cabinet and Juvenile Justice Cabinet through a judge. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing the bill. Carroll described several changes in the substitute, including removing language that would have made juvenile information nonconfidential in certain lawsuits, requiring public escape information to be removed once a juvenile is returned to custody, clarifying escape charges for juveniles absent without leave, and revising language about when hospitals may discharge high-acuity youth until a new facility is built. Carroll and Justice Cabinet officials Mona Wamik and Dr. Clark Lester argued that Kentucky needs a secure high-acuity mental health facility for violent juveniles because detention centers are not equipped to provide psychiatric treatment, private hospitals often refuse these youth, and current staff cannot administer the level of care needed, including intramuscular medication. They also said the bill would support two new female detention centers to help return DJJ to a regional detention model. Carroll cited prior juvenile detention crises, ongoing lawsuits, and a Department of Justice investigation, saying the bill could affect whether Kentucky faces a consent decree. Wamik said the proposed high-acuity facility would serve youth clinically assessed as needing secure treatment and would be designed to balance security with clinical care. Senators asked about how the bill would apply to a violent 14-year-old, whether the facility would simply isolate dangerous youth, what clinical care DJJ can currently provide, and staffing and cost estimates. Carroll said the bill would not change criminal accountability but would apply only if a youth were found to be severely mentally ill and need treatment placement. Dr. Lester said DJJ currently can provide only oral psychiatric medication and cannot administer intramuscular injections or the physical holds needed for acute psychiatric treatment. Cabinet staff said staffing would need to be higher than in a standard detention setting and estimated annual operating costs for the high-acuity facility at about $12 million, compared with about $8 million for a regular juvenile detention facility. No vote on final passage was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a good idea, in my opinion, and perhaps, you know, along the process, I think the sentiment is
• It was a good idea, in my opinion, and perhaps, you know, along the process, I think the sentiment is
• It was a good idea, in my opinion, and perhaps, you know, along the process, I think the sentiment is
• <00:29:32.640> to perspective and bringing new ideas to perspective and bringing new ideas
• in my opinion and was a good idea in my opinion and perhaps<00:29:54.440> you<00:29:54.559>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on Wednesday, April 2 at 11:05 a.m. and began with housekeeping instructions for Zoom testimony and meeting conduct. The first major item was House Resolution 43, HD1, which urged the City and County of Honolulu to work with stakeholders on an emergency access road on the West Coast. The acting chair proposed a substantial HD2 amendment to add Makakilo language, expanding the resolution to call for two emergency access roads—one on the Ewa coast and one in Makakilo—and to request community meetings and a timeline for an alternative Makakilo access road by early 2026. Testimony on the resolution was strongly supportive overall, with 14 written testimonies in favor and none opposed. The committee then debated whether the proposed HD2 was appropriate without prior concurrence from the original introducer or prior committee chair. Several members objected to the amendment process and said they would vote no because the amendment had not been posted in advance and lacked concurrence, while the acting chair argued the rules did not require concurrence for resolutions and that the amendment was needed to address Makakilo residents’ safety concerns. The discussion also included references to prior conversations with leadership and the Speaker about whether resolution titles could be amended. After debate, the committee first voted on the amended version of HR 43, but the recommendation was not adopted. The acting chair then moved to pass HR 43 HD1 as originally presented, without the new Makakilo amendments. That motion was adopted, with the committee voting to pass the resolution as is. The record notes that members supporting the original measure cited the written testimony and the need for a second access point on the West Coast, while others voted no because they viewed the Makakilo language as duplicative or preferred a separate measure. After HR 43, the committee moved on to HCR 9, and the acting chair indicated that the committee would need to take a reconsideration vote before proceeding to a final vote on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their thoughtful approach to innovation ideas and demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance
• 03:28.040> approach<00:03:28.400> to<00:03:28.879> innovation<00:03:29.400> ideas
• thoughtful approach to innovation ideas thoughtful approach to innovation ideas and<00:03:30.200
• :05:27.560> and<00:05:27.720> their<00:05:27.919> thoughtful<00:05:28.520> ideas
• <00:05:29.160> were forestry and their thoughtful ideas were forestry and their thoughtful

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I just had this idea, gridlocks.
• I have no idea.
• I have no idea.
• I have no idea.
• I really like just a couple of ideas I really like just a couple of ideas that<01:28:51.360>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee continued its hearing on enforcement and compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, first taking additional public testimony from Melissa Zimmerman and Matt Senot of the East Side Corridor residents in Owatonna. They described submitting roughly two dozen data requests across several government entities related to a proposed highway project, saying some agencies responded but others did not, and that even after they substantially prevailed in a data practices complaint and the court imposed a maximum civil penalty, they still did not receive meaningful access to the records. Zimmerman said the lack of access harmed their ability to comment on the project’s environmental review, and both witnesses argued that the law needs stronger enforcement, realistic timelines, better communication, and more accessible remedies for requesters who cannot afford repeated litigation. They also raised practical barriers such as inaccessible file formats, missing software on a county-provided laptop, and the need for electronic delivery options. The committee then heard from Eric Johnson of Anoka County, who testified about Chapter 13 issues involving third-party polygraph data used in probation monitoring. He argued that when the state relies on third-party-generated summaries, the responsible authority’s obligations for access, retention, and correction are unclear, and there is no effective remedy when the third party does not respond. Johnson said the county directed him to seek raw data from the third party, which had not responded, and he warned that short retention periods can make data subject rights unenforceable if the records are destroyed before a request is resolved. Members asked about statutory citations and retention schedules, and several commented that the issue may warrant review of data-retention rules. During member discussion, legislators broadly agreed that the Data Practices Act’s enforcement mechanisms are not working well enough and that many requesters cannot afford to pursue administrative or court remedies. Co-Chair Scott suggested staff compile the testimony into a report to identify possible legislative fixes, while Senator Lucero said there may be some “low-hanging fruit” that could be addressed quickly in the short session. The chair also floated the idea of involving the Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution in a mediation role to improve communication and reduce gridlock, though members noted that any process would still need to produce results consistent with the law. The committee then moved on to its next agenda item, a discussion of the BCA Fusion Center and its annual reporting requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• It might turn out to be a terrible idea.
• I think piggybacking on Peter's idea I think piggybacking on Peter's idea though,<00:31:38.480><
• like that part of the idea. like that part of the idea.
• You have no idea program would cost.
• You have no idea, you from the public.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then reviewed the structure and statutory requirements for its final report. Staff explained that the report must go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and economic development, as well as relevant legislative leaders, and must include a summary of task force activities, adopted findings and recommendations, tort reform recommendations to reduce insurance costs, any draft legislation, and other necessary information. A draft report, likely excluding recommendations and draft legislation, is expected to be circulated before the first January meeting. Most of the meeting focused on the Fair Plan and whether it could be expanded to help homeowners associations, affordable housing, and common interest communities that are struggling to obtain coverage. Supporters said these groups are facing availability problems and often end up in the surplus lines market, which lacks the consumer protections of the admitted market. They argued the Fair Plan could serve as a third-market option with stronger protections and better access, especially for properties that are having difficulty getting quotes. Several members and witnesses raised concerns that the Fair Plan was never intended to be a broad affordability solution and warned against using it to artificially lower prices below risk-based levels. They said doing so could shift losses onto other policyholders through assessments and potentially weaken the broader insurance market. The Fair Plan administrator explained that any expansion would require substantial research, staffing, actuarial and underwriting expertise, reinsurance planning, IT changes, and likely assessments or other capitalization decisions, and that the plan would need to focus on a limited subset of properties rather than the entire market. No votes were taken on policy recommendations, and the discussion ended with agreement that more information and scoping work are needed before any formal recommendation is made.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, as I wrap up this idea, what happens in profitable times in 2021 and '22?
• And finally, as I wrap up this idea, what happens in profitable times in 2021 and '22?
• And finally, as I wrap up this idea, what happens in profitable times in 2021 and '22?
• And finally, as I wrap up this idea, what happens in profitable times in 2021 and '22?
• Farm business management I had no idea Farm business management I had no idea what<00:50:30.440>

Bills: HF711, HF653

Keywords: agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, you know, I'm going to let Superintendent Parker talk most about this bill because this is his idea
• We, you know, necessity is the mother of all invention, and with this situation, this idea was born out
• When he brought it to this is his idea.
• , this idea was born um,<00:10:02.680> out<00:10:02.840> of<00:10:02.960> the<00
• with Senator Higdon initiated the idea with Senator Higdon maybe<00:24:11.280> a<00:24:11.360

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I feel like this bill will at least allow us to assess the idea to know if it is a viable idea, and
• And I feel like this bill will at least allow us to assess the idea to know if it is a viable idea, and
• As far as that data you the idea.
• Several ideas came out of that.
• Again, I think this is a great idea.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children met and heard presentation of Senate Bill 191, a pilot proposal to create the Kentucky Kindergarten Readiness Performance-based Child Care Incentive Program. Senator Danny Carroll explained that the three-year pilot, to be developed with the University of Kentucky College of Education, would reward child care providers or families with a $2,000 payment when a child is found kindergarten-ready, with the award tied to the prior two years of care. He said the program would include child care centers, child care homes, and eligible low-income families, with added supports such as home-visiting resources and curriculum assistance, and would also automatically fund providers caring for children with special needs who cannot be assessed in the same way. Members asked about logistics, eligibility, diversity, and cost. Senator Meredith asked how parents would participate and how many children might be included; Carroll said UK would help define the details and that the pilot would likely use about $2 million in available funds, with a broad enough sample to produce meaningful data. Senator Thomas raised concerns about direct payments to parents and the fiscal implications of scaling the idea; Carroll responded that the pilot would only test the concept, that public pre-K and Head Start would not be included, and that the program would target families eligible for child care assistance. He estimated the broader annual cost, if expanded statewide, could eventually be much higher, but argued the educational and workforce benefits would outweigh the expense. Senator Thomas also asked whether the bill’s reference to diverse providers meant geographic, racial, language, and socioeconomic diversity, and Carroll said that was the intent, with UK given latitude to structure the sample and assessment tool. Another senator supported the bill as a step toward universal pre-K and emphasized that learning begins at birth. The discussion ended with a motion and second on the bill, followed by a roll call vote, but the transcript cuts off before the vote result is stated.

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea, simply the idea of two districts, would be that there would be separate trustees, each administering
• And then the idea would be to cleave off two-thirds of it. What happens?
• I didn't have any idea what the consequences could be. I appreciate that very much.
• For financial reasons, but honestly, whenever we first heard of the idea, it didn't make sense to us.
• Do you have an idea what that is? Me? No, the first witness. No, I didn't.

Bills: HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369, HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: non-human behaviors, education, Texas schools, policy, regulation, funding, teacher salaries, school districts, state budget, non-enrolled students, University Interscholastic League, participation, eligibility standards, school participation, academic standards, Texas education, interscholastic league, extracurricular activities, academic proficiency, AED

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:59.040> I think that would be a great idea. I think that would be a great idea.
• It's a very, very awesome idea.
• I have a little idea, another proposal, which you'll get, that's tied to the idea of the film museum
• <00:58:47.520> you'll idea, another proposal, which you'll idea, another proposal, which you'll
• We can bounce off ideas.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making. The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future. The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So sitting in support of a good idea.
• You know, that matter of policy, is it a good idea, bad idea?
• ,<01:18:50.960> bad<01:18:51.120> idea?
• policy, is it a good idea, bad idea? policy, is it a good idea, bad idea?
• So I endorse that idea. I think it's a good idea.

Bills: SF0102, SF0113

Keywords: energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, hand count audit, ballots, election integrity, transparency, voting system, 916, all