Transcript Highlights:

• This bill establishes the nuclear energy development grant program within NEITA.
• This bill establishes the nuclear energy development grant program within NEITA.
• The hope is that we will establish this grant program, and then in future budget years we will invest
• The grant program would go through NEITA entirely, and the max grant that an entity could receive would
• Again, the total is $10 million, and the hope is that we will establish this grant program, and then

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 SJR 28 Discussion 01:44 SJR 28 Roll Call Vote 03:32 SB 179 Discussion 04:08 SB 179 Roll Call Vote 07:33, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the minutes. After no special guests were recognized, members took up a joint resolution carried by Senator Nemes for Senator Adams concerning reformulated gasoline requirements in Jefferson County and parts of Oldham and Bullitt counties. The resolution would direct the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to revise the state air quality implementation plan to remove the reformulated gas mandate. Senator Nemes argued the requirement is outdated and has little practical effect given modern vehicles and fuel standards, and members voted to pass the resolution unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Bill 179 from Senator Danny Carroll, which would create a nuclear energy development grant program within the Nuclear Energy Development Authority. Carroll explained that the bill would set aside $10 million from the previously appropriated $40 million investment for grants supporting nuclear energy development in Kentucky, with grants capped at $2 million and administered entirely by NEITA rather than through Economic Development. He and several members emphasized the need for Kentucky to invest in nuclear energy to keep pace with states like Tennessee, which was cited as having invested heavily and attracting business activity around small modular reactors. Members expressed strong support for the bill, with Senator West and others praising the initiative and calling it important for Kentucky’s energy future. The committee voted the bill out favorably with an expression that it shall pass. Before adjournment, the chair encouraged members to review the other energy bills that had been heard recently and stressed the importance of moving quickly on energy policy measures. A motion was then requested to close the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and two competitive grant programs, as well as a newer program.
• , and two competitive grant programs, as well as a newer program.
• will</c><00:59:45.960><c> see</c><00:59:46.240><c> as</c> fund Grant programs as you will see as fund
• administered through the non-residential commercial industrial competitive grant program.
• </c><01:10:38.640><c> program</c><01:10:39.640><c> uh</c> industrial competitive grant program uh industrial

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is actually the first hardship request we have had in the history of the grants program.
• I would make the motion to approve this grant. A motion from Ashley, a second from Josh.
• I would make The motion to approve this grant application.
• Please visit our website under the programs tab. Ok.g go/91.
• So, it's it's a really great program.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another big change is the fact that grants won't revert.
• So, most grants don't allow for construction.
• The point is, how do we create programs in our communities?
• What can we do to move these programs forward?
• program. The other issue is accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the future, because right now, as it stands, you're running grant programs to schools who apply.
• in the future, because right now, as it stands, you're running grant programs to schools who apply.
• That typically is what we're funding is, you know, our robotics programs, our art programs, programs
• program necessarily?
• So the land grant is currently... So the land grant is currently...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because we didn't get the grant. >> Well, what programming was occurring before that you won't be able
• Yeah, are those programs, the federal free and reduced lunch program and our state farm to school program
• school snacks program.
• snacks program.
• vegetable program?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in general, we want programs to have access to all the information they need, irrespective of a program
• So from 2023 to 2025, the state did invest in skill center nursing program grants for simulation laboratory
• So in general, we want programs to have access to all the information they need irrespective of a program
• programs.
• And we don't always have that in every single grant program, so high use to support implementation.

Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, speaking of which, we do have a grant program, our James Metson Mighty Ducks Ice Arena grant program
• Uh, the program provides financial assistance in the form of grants, uh, to either help eliminate the
• Murphy Library Construction Grant program has been funded 15 times from 1994 to 2025.
• program has been funded 15 times G grant program has been funded 15 times from<01:00:22.799><c> 1994
• The 2025 grant program launched in October of 2025 with seven awardees announced just last week.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections 12A and 12B make changes to the Rural Industrial Development Grant Program.
• </c> Rural Industrial Development Grant Rural Industrial Development Grant Program.<00:26:37.480><c>
• , a modification to a grant program, the introduction of rules around rounding financial transactions
• under the Rural Industry Grant Program.
• </c><00:36:48.360><c> program</c><00:36:48.960><c> will</c> industry development grant program will industry

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Operations of the program.
• And so that's what this does; it's a debt program.
• We, the 22, it took us a while to get Our program together. This is a complex program.
• The finance authority is a lender and oversees grants.
• Chair, these are all loans, they're not grants, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• The challenges that we have faced: I'd say navigating the grant system, the EGMS system.
• The use of our grant funds: first, universal training.
• We are in the third year as a pilot site for this grant and have benefited greatly from it.
• I'll just narrate this, how we've benefited from the grant.
• It's just after so many years, staff took it for granted.

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on reducing restraint and eliminating isolation in schools, then moved into a public hearing on House Bill 1795 and its proposed substitute. Chair Sharon Santos reviewed committee procedures and emphasized the short session timeline, then framed the discussion as part of a longer-running effort to address student restraint and isolation. Representative Callan, the bill sponsor, said the committee’s pilot and demonstration sites would help identify both benefits and implementation challenges for legislation. OSPI Acting Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Misha Cherniski presented an update on the state’s demonstration project, saying it is in its third year and has $2 million per year in the current budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. He described intensive, targeted, and universal supports, including grants to pilot and demonstration districts, a technical assistance manual, and statewide professional learning. He reported that 68% of project sites saw reductions in restraint and isolation compared with the prior year, and said OSPI’s immediate policy recommendations are to extend prohibitions on dangerous restraints such as prone, supine, wall, mechanical, chemical, and noxious spray restraints, and to clarify the definition of “imminent likelihood of serious harm.” Committee members asked for more detailed disaggregated data by race, ethnicity, grade level, incident type, and sample size, and raised questions about authorized entities, student movement, and whether data captures incidents in nonpublic settings. Representatives from Auburn, Bainbridge Island, and Concrete school districts described how the grant-funded work has affected their districts. Auburn reported major reductions in isolation after removing its last isolation room, expanding behavior supports, and training staff through multiple professional development options; the district said the biggest challenge has been shifting staff mindset and navigating delayed access to vendors and grant systems. Bainbridge Island said it has used grant funds for universal staff training, administrator training, social-emotional MTSS work, and partnerships with multiple providers; it reported zero isolations and sharply reduced restraints, while noting the need to monitor nonpublic agencies closely. Concrete, a much smaller district, said the grant allowed it to hire a part-time BCBA, adopt Safety-Care training, and use OSPI’s manual and tracking tools, but staffing shortages and limited substitute coverage make it hard to attend demonstration sites or training in person. During the public hearing, the substitute bill was summarized as prohibiting certain restraints, banning isolation as a planned intervention, narrowing the definition of serious harm, and extending requirements to other providers of public educational services, while preserving lawful duties of school resource officers. Proponents included disability advocates, the Washington Education Association, and public school employees, who said the bill would reduce trauma and align practice with student safety and dignity. A parent testified about a child harmed by a room that was later used for involuntary confinement. A representative from a specialized learning center testified in opposition, arguing that a complete elimination of isolation for younger students could increase danger in some settings, that medical-provider requirements could be difficult to meet, and that specialized providers need broader exemptions. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• school discipline improvement program by making targeted updates to a longstanding program that supports
• Well, apparently there was a grant.
• This is a grant program, but it hasn't been funded in a long time, but if it ever were to be funded in
• process for the program that we funded in JFC and the budget was a pilot program that was a grant but
• process for the program that we funded in JFC and the budget was a pilot program that was a grant but

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with enough members present to conduct business and approved the June 17 minutes. It first heard HB 459 with House Amendment 1, which would prohibit the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or school events. The sponsor and Department of Education explained that the bill targets beverages containing caffeine and marketed as energy drinks, not ordinary soft drinks or coffee/tea products. Public testimony from the Medical Society supported the bill on health grounds, while the beverage industry said its companies already voluntarily limit school offerings and that the bill does not reflect current practice. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 461, a follow-up to prior legislation on New Castle County property reassessment and school tax rates. Senator Cruz said the bill would let New Castle County school districts adjust and reset tax rates to reflect reassessment changes without increasing projected operating revenue, and that it includes a sunset. DSEA supported the measure, saying fair property values are important to public education funding. The committee also heard HB 452, which would require additional background checks and training for DIAA sports officials and strengthen DIAA enforcement procedures. Members questioned how checks would be handled, who would see the results, and who would provide training; the DIAA compliance coordinator said the checks would be maintained through the state process and that associations would verify eligibility. The bill’s sponsor and DIAA said the goal was to align officials with existing child-safety standards. Next, the committee considered HS1 for HB 425, which raises the salary supplement from 6% to 12% for nationally certified school counselors, nurses, and school social workers, and allows DOE to identify additional qualifying positions by regulation. Supporters, including school social workers, nurses, and DSEA, argued the change would improve retention and recognize advanced credentials. Senator Hansen raised concerns that school psychologists were not included; sponsors said a broader study and possible future legislation or budget language would address other nationally certified school-based professionals. The committee then heard HS1 for HB 358 on student elopement notifications, inspired by Ace’s Law, but administrators and the chair raised concerns that the bill may be too prescriptive and difficult to implement in practice, especially when schools may not immediately know a student has left campus. Finally, the committee discussed HB 379 on the comprehensive school discipline improvement program; DOE said the substitute was intended to consolidate prevention and intervention supports and avoid competition for funding, while DASA asked that the bill be paused or tabled. The meeting ended before action on the remaining bill, and HB 443 was deferred to a future executive meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's the goal with this program.
• Granted, you can ask for the moon and it's irrelevant as to whether that is granted.
• of Education on the waivers that have been granted.
• of Education of the waivers that have been granted.
• To provide some background, ECEAP is the state's voluntary preschool program.

Bills: SB6052, SB6051, SB5907, SB5860, SB5574

Keywords: digital transcript, transcript sharing, student records, education data exchange, K-12, higher education, community colleges, universities, school districts, charter schools, state-tribal education compact schools, educational service districts, data interoperability, secure platform, student consent, FERPA, privacy, education technology, records management, transcript standard

Transcript Highlights:

• welfare programs.
• So the money that you're getting through the New Mexico Nursing Expansion Grant, that's just for programming
• Regarding our STEM CMA program is a year-long extensive program.
• We started this teacher education program as a result of the the Yazzie Martinez grant from the lawsuit
• in the program.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:59.800><c> funds</c> 33045 funded 100% from USDA Grant funds 33045 funded 100% from USDA Grant
• </c><00:13:12.399><c> for</c> does have six loans and one grant for does have six loans and one grant
• </c> meeting next under our fund a program meeting next under our fund a program the<00:15:45.040><c>
• Next up is our infrastructure revolving fund program, Fund B.
• This grant was approved at the February 6 KIA board meeting, and that concludes my report today.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the January minutes and then received several informational reports on school district tax levies, revenue bonds, lease advertisements, and previously rejected lease transactions. Members were told that one rejected lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Hardin County would be canceled and rebid, while a Perry County lease modification for the Energy and Environment Cabinet would proceed. The Kentucky Communications Network Authority also submitted its quarterly capital projects report, and Eastern Kentucky University reported revisions to asset preservation projects. Janice Thomas, Deputy State Budget Director, presented four capital project action items. These included a Kentucky State University Betty White Building renovation funded by USDA grant money, a Department of Education state schools dormitory and cottage renovation appropriation increase because bids exceeded estimates, a restricted-funds scope increase for the Elizabethtown CTC science building expansion, and a pool project report for the Department of Corrections’ KCIW kitchen drain line repair and replacement. Representative Petrie asked about how often the statutory authority for midstream project increases is used and whether bids are typically competitive; Thomas said the increases are used often when bids come in above estimates and that bids are generally competitive, though construction costs have been difficult to gauge. The committee unanimously approved the first three action items, and the KCIW project was reported with no action required. H. Sandy Williams of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority then presented six loans and one emergency grant. The items included loans for Frankfort’s East Frankfort Interceptor wet weather facility project, Sturgis wastewater improvements, Scottsville inflow and infiltration work, Morganfield wastewater treatment plant planning and design, Western Pulaski County Water District transmission improvements, and Springfield water system planning and replacement work, plus an emergency Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville following a sewer treatment plant failure and local emergency declarations. After no questions, the committee unanimously approved the seven KIA transactions. Chelsea Couch then presented a Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for $38.4 million to finance a multifamily rental project in Jefferson County; members asked how the committee participates and were told it was a conduit issuance rather than state debt. The committee approved that item. Finally, the committee heard an informational Turnpike Authority refunding issuance of about $53 million for present value savings, then approved four SFCC debt issues for Henderson, Pulaski, Scott, and Trimble counties to finance school renovations and construction. The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting date and location.

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs like the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Florida Forever grant help, but they rely on willing
• Innovation Initiative grant.
• The arterial highway and arterial widening programs are both statewide programs.
• The ARTW program, the arterial widening program, directs FDOT to identify and fund at least $20 million
• The County Incentive Grant Program, CIGP, assists counties with funding for improvements to transportation

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• We use several grant programs to expand and strengthen workforce education and career pathways.
• So first and foremost, that happened like to talk about the open door grant and this program ensures
• this multi-year grant supports capital in front of a shuns and program expansion for CTE programs, aligned
• Grant this grant supports, but generally program can grow your own initiatives.
• It's 60% of our program.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:57.440><c> area's</c> that states that it's the program area's that states that it's the program
• </c> for testing came from that pre-program for testing came from that pre-program report<00:15:46.120
• </c> routine part of of handling the program routine part of of handling the program right<00:20:08.679
• And we do see a lot of that, especially related to grants and grants management, where we'll go out and
• look to see if a grant program has been executed properly, and we'll go and try to measure it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• successfully</c> The program has been successfully The program has been successfully running<00:04:06.080
• </c> granting authority to give scholarships. granting authority to give scholarships.
• </c><03:15:02.239><c> programs.
• </c> attend graduate library programs. attend graduate library programs.
• </c> ready to go and a shovel ready program. ready to go and a shovel ready program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Granted.
• Granted.
• Granted.
• It also eliminates the recycling grants and low-interest loan program and repurposes the Delaware Recycling
• It also eliminates the recycling grants and low-interest loan program and repurposes the Delaware Recycling

Keywords: 1064, all