Transcript Highlights:

• I've got a certificate for you.
• I've got a certificate here, come on up. I've got a certificate for<00:06:15.440> you.
• Transformation Program Fund, sponsored by Appropriations.
• Judges are covered under a different portion of the state retirement program.
• > quite<01:02:04.480> good retirement program is in quite good retirement program is in

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what kind of programs there are that show an endorsement.
• This act creates the aerospace development program within the Department of Commerce and requires the
• The second new article creates the West Virginia Job Development Grant Program to be administered by
• program.
• Funds available for the program would be subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also the warrant service officer program, which allows training, certification, authorization
• It's called the CAP program, the criminal aliens program.
• on any of these programs.
• So, I would of these programs.
• talked about McGomery Countyy's program. talked about McGomery Countyy's program.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 29, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in short, revenue is up a bit, and new certifications are down a bit, and the trend of quicker decertifications
• are down a bit, and uh we certifications are down a bit, and uh we have<00:01:47.360> um have
• And I think what's interesting here is certifications are down a little bit over the last 3 years.
• This chart shows both new certifications This chart shows both new certifications in<00:09:44.360>
• are down a little bit certifications are down a little bit over<00:09:56.400> the<00:09:56.520

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• providing continued update for the rate schedule, and establishing a commission on all payer model programs
• <00:10:17.519> for<00:10:17.839> ground player model programs for ground player model
• programs for ground ambulance<00:10:19.600> services.
• been<01:21:05.440> enough certificate, but they've been enough certificate, but they've been
• New Hampshire, however, during that time period, did pass certificate of need law.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• to the one-time program.
• About 80% of the TK programs are full day programs, 20% are not.
• to those specific program.
• health program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Arizona residents who pay to visit the parks are supporting the outdoor recreation, the programming
• True, but I know that there are exact, I mean, there are better sort of software programs.
• ; they're in an alternative program.
• You can't get into a school without presenting a birth certificate.
• And one of the boxes on the birth certificate is your biological sex.

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2129, HB2170, HB2210, HB2228, HB2352, HB2460, HB2533, SB1019, SB1045, SB1050, SB1078, SB1083, SB1167, SB1184, SCR1006

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology

Transcript Highlights:

• This program is a great incentive program that unfortunately has been completely defunded, but the housing
• towns that want to use this program. towns that want to use this program. this<00:10:11.200>
• of that number because the program of that number because the program doesn't<00:15:08.320> have
• Um, so that's the current program.
• Um, so that's the current program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• degree programs.
• You have a program already, the Cal Grant C program, that could be reimagined.
• Achievement Program.
• Chair Fong, it's also our Umoja programs, our men programs, our LGBTQ centers.
• programs.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Automakers have to proactively opt in by notifying the arbitration certification program within the Department

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee setting to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “Lemon Law” process. Senator Umberg explained that the measure is intended to preserve the compromise reached last year while allowing automakers to opt out of the new framework and return to the prior law, with the goal of speeding up discovery and helping consumers resolve claims more quickly. Committee members and the author also noted the bill’s connection to concerns about court congestion and the need to revisit the law as vehicle technology evolves. Support came from Consumer Attorneys of California, Toyota, and several automakers and manufacturers, including General Motors, Rivian, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen Group, and Mercedes. Toyota said the bill gives automakers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the negotiated deal. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it preferred more manufacturers opt out, but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader impact on consumers with defective vehicles. After quorum was established, the committee took up the motion and passed SB 26 on a roll call vote, with all members present voting aye. The chair thanked the stakeholders for reaching a compromise and indicated the bill would move forward, with immediate referral anticipated after floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year we started a lactation consultant certificate program.
• From the power sports program to automotive. Our automotive program is blown up.
• For example, in Fargo, we're going to offer some certificate programs in Fargo for HVAC, plumbing, and
• We are at capacity in most of our programs and starting new programs.
• We are at capacity in most of our programs and starting new programs.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• That program was in 2008, and that program has been operating successfully ever since.
• <00:46:51.480> plan program they will develop a program plan program they will develop a program
• c> the our program programs ac across the our program programs ac across the country<00:50:58.599
• I believe the Oregon program, the Connecticut program, and our Colorado program, I'm not sure that they
• the Connecticut program and our program the Connecticut program and our Colorado<00:59:55.359> program

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs. Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled. Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are a few of the programs, not all, but a few of the programs that we've added: Fire Science.
• Last year we started a lactation consultant certificate program.
• For example, in Fargo, we're going to offer some certificate programs in Fargo for HVAC, plumbing, and
• We are at capacity in most of our programs and starting new programs.
• We are at capacity in most of our programs and starting new programs.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are a few of the programs, not all, but a few of the programs that we’ve added: Fire Science.
• Last year we started a lactation consultant certificate program.
• For example, in Fargo, we're going to offer some certificate programs in Fargo for HVAC, plumbing, and
• We are at capacity in most of our programs and starting new programs.
• We are at capacity in most of our programs and starting new programs.

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• and to the rural and underserved clinical rotations grant program. training expansion grant program
• And these sections make changes to the rural primary care residency training program. program.
• They make technical changes to the state's hospital directed payment program, which was a program that
• They make technical changes to the state's hospital directed payment program, which was a program that
• c><00:36:12.480> the health economics program at the health economics program at the Department

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm actually really surprised that we would be considering such a bill, even as a pilot program.
• programs work as intended, not just on paper but in the lives of the people that we all represent.
• One of the bright spots, however, has been the Wildfire County Coordinator Program.
• This bill will codify the County Wildfire Coordinator Program.
• This bill will codify the County Wildfire Coordinator Program.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• betterment of buildings program. betterment of buildings program.
• Uh the governor's Grant Program.
• And TED is a statewide program. infrastructure program or TED we're also infrastructure program or TED
• uh on this program. uh on this program.
• . program. program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Its lawsuit after lawsuit has led to the critical loss of federal certifications, decrepit buildings,
• other chamber made a modest adjustment to allow some additional flexibility in the first year of this program
• It will end a program that I think is very vital to citizens in the state of Washington.
• It gives an opportunity for another pathway to personal wealth through this employee ownership program

Summary: The House considered Substitute Senate Bill 5393, relating to closing Rainier School by June 30, 2027. After many withdrawn amendments, the House adopted striking Amendment 1455, which changed the bill to allow current residents to remain at Rainier School as long as they choose and can live there, while also creating opportunities for community care transitions, return to Rainier if needed, and regular reporting from DHS on transition outcomes, mortality, and related data. Members speaking in favor emphasized the need to move away from institutional care, protect vulnerable residents, and improve accountability; some noted the emotional and personal significance of the issue. The bill then passed the House 76-22 and was immediately transmitted to the Senate. The House also took up several Senate-amended bills and concurred in the Senate changes before final passage. Second Substitute House Bill 1207 passed 54-44 after debate over a fee increase and whether the revenue would benefit local jurisdictions enough. Substitute House Bill 1498 passed 70-28 after a modest Senate adjustment giving more first-year flexibility. House Bill 2003 passed 53-45 despite concerns that it would reduce fishing opportunities. Substitute House Bill 2047 passed 58-40; supporters praised the Senate changes, while opponents argued it still ended a valuable employee ownership program and remained subject to appropriations. House Bill 2050 passed 56-42 after the Senate removed an apportionment shift from the bill, though some members still objected to the remaining ALE enrollment cap. The House also received messages from the Senate indicating passage of a gross substitute House Bill 249 and that the President had signed gross substitute Senate Bill 5041. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27.

Transcript Highlights:

• I I would say this is essentially a<04:25:04.880> self-certification, a self-certification, a
• self-certification, >> right?
• annual for three years of the program. annual for three years of the program.
• every every year of the program. Yeah. every every year of the program. Yeah.
• So in programs where there is an >> right?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:21.039> within Um, with regards to the programs within Um, with regards to the programs
• It would not collection pro program.
• FTEES uh to implement the program FTEES uh to implement the program currently<01:36:50.560> as
• <01:37:50.400> But have an election certificate or not.
• But have an election certificate or not.

Bills: HF3965, HF3704, HF3260, HF3718

Keywords: pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology