Video & Transcript Research : 'degree programs'
Page 215 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas Lorelai received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies with a minor in History
- University of New Mexico and received a teaching certification through the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program
- adding members and duties to the **Fire Planning Task Force**, creating the wildfire... ...Prepared Program
- limitations on the expulsion or suspension of children in early pre-kindergarten. ...or pre-kindergarten program
- Federal equitable sharing programs, providing that forfeiture proceeds seized by law enforcement go to
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judicial Retention - 2026-03-25 - 10:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She received her law degree at Georgetown University in 2010 and her bachelor's degree from Case Western
- She received her law degree at Georgetown University in 2010 and her bachelor's degree from Case Western
- <00:25:23.520>
at She received her law degree at She received her law degree at Georgetown - <00:25:27.560>
from <00:25:27.800>Case <00:25:28.480>Western bachelor's degree - from Case Western bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve<00:25:29.440>
University <00:25:
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- was happening to different degrees was happening to different degrees there<00:15:02.120>
um< - programs, refugees, and humanitarian parole programs, that could be at risk if something like this were
- is part of their program.
- You mentioned that the school uses the data to improve programs or to work with programs.
- You mentioned that the school uses the data to improve programs or to work with programs.
Summary:
The House Education Policy and Administration Committee heard testimony on House Bill 71, which would bar public elementary and secondary schools and higher education facilities from being used as shelters for certain non-citizens, with a stated exception for short-term emergency sheltering of up to 72 hours and for community-wide emergency use. Prime sponsor Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia said the bill was modeled on federal and out-of-state proposals and was prompted by examples in New York and Massachusetts where schools or other facilities were used as shelters, causing disruption. She argued the bill does not truly “ban” anything, but instead places a condition on receipt of state funds, and said the fiscal note’s projected loss of federal funding was unsupported and should have been described as undeterminable.
Committee members questioned the bill’s scope and practical effects, including whether it would apply to vacant school-owned buildings, schools used during summer, charter schools, and situations where other states send people without advance notice. Harvey-Bolia said vacant buildings not functioning as schools would not be covered, and that the bill would still allow short-term emergency sheltering and community-wide use during weather events. She also said the bill would not prevent remote learning, and that its purpose was to avoid displacing students. Several members pressed her on the fiscal note and whether any federal or state program would actually be at risk; she said she found no evidence that funding would be lost and that DHHS had not identified a real threat.
A witness from the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators, Jerry FW, raised practical concerns about who would determine eligibility at a shelter site, how the 72-hour limit would be enforced, and whether the bill would apply to charter schools. He also noted that remote learning is no longer an option in New Hampshire, making one of the bill’s stated concerns less relevant. The discussion also included clarification of the terms “refugee” and “asylum seeker,” with members and the sponsor debating the distinction and whether refugees are vetted. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, it's just a tweak on how they calculate the amount, the degree of partial dissolution, rather
- House Bill 42 provides relative to the phased retirement program within the Teacher Retirement System
- One of the neat programs they came up with, kind of following a recommendation and following in the footsteps
- Representative Brole on HB 1134, create the backdrop retirement option program within the Louisiana State
Keywords:
HB 17, District Attorneys' Retirement System, retirement system, reemployed retiree, reemployment, supplemental retirement benefit, service credit, benefit suspension, public retirement, district attorney, assistant district attorney, Louisiana District Attorneys' Association, employer reporting, annual report, retirement benefits, state employees, local funds, state funds, Municipal Employees' Retirement System, part-time retirees
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, it's just... ...a tweak on how they calculate the amount, the degree of partial dissolution, rather
- House Bill 42 provides relative to the phased retirement program within the Teacher Retirement System
- One of the neat programs they came up with, kind of following a recommendation and following in the footsteps
- Representative Brole on HB 1134, create the backdrop retirement option program within the Louisiana State
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Retirement met on May 5 with four members present. HB 41 was deferred until the following week, and the committee approved the April 20, 2026 minutes. The committee then took up several retirement-system bills, many of them negotiated measures involving municipal police, firefighters, teachers, district attorneys, and judges.
HB 45, by Rep. Bacallat, was amended and reported favorably. It makes changes to the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System, including retention bonuses, recognition of out-of-state police service, benefits for three officers killed in the line of duty before full enrollment, a DROP fix, and more competitive accrual rates. Testimony from the Louisiana Municipal Association, MEPERS, police representatives, and Mayor Helena Marino was strongly supportive, emphasizing that the bill resolves longstanding disputes and litigation. HB 1237, also by Rep. Bacallat, was reported favorably after testimony that it eliminates partial dissolution penalties for municipal police and adjusts related firefighter provisions; witnesses said it was a negotiated fix supported by municipal and fire stakeholders.
HB 42, concerning phased retirement in the Teacher Retirement System, was reported favorably as a permissive framework allowing universities to offer phased retirement options. HB 17, by the District Attorneys’ Retirement System director, was reported favorably to add the Louisiana District Attorneys Association to the definition of employer and require annual reporting on the rehire statute. HB 21, a cleanup bill for the Municipal Employees Retirement System, was also reported favorably. HB 1134, creating a backdrop retirement option for certain judges whose positions are abolished, was amended and reported favorably after LASERS raised questions about early retirement eligibility and the need to bar future judicial candidacy.
HB 24, by Rep. Owen, drew the most discussion. It would allow retired or certified teachers to return to work through contracts with school systems, with a three-year sunset. The sponsor argued it would help keep qualified teachers in classrooms and avoid midyear departures, while TRSL, the Louisiana School Board Association, and committee members raised concerns about fiscal impact, contractor status, workers’ compensation, leave rules, and overlap with a separate bill being worked on by the chairman. After an amendment clarifying the independent-contractor definition was adopted, the committee chose to hold the bill in committee for further work rather than advance it immediately. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He deliberately prepared to become a Navy SEAL and earned a degree in kinesiology from Texas.
- was his favorite show, she did the research for him and signed him up for the Junior Texas Ranger program
- Come Monday, when it was a walk week in through BUD/S program, if you know anything about that, Gage
- There are pictures of all the SEALs that we have lost for as long as the program has been in existence
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 5th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Local connections that this bill could strengthen and empower, such as the WIT program for tutoring and
- I am currently the Director of Operations for the WIT Program in San Angelo, Texas, where we provide
- What I found was when I started implementing some different programs to clean up properties and to help
- Degrees, Americans for Prosperity, they're all on this letter. So the business community is united.
Keywords:
SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (05/13/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- this option under RSA, there's only ever been one city that elected, I believe, Portsmith to some degree
- I believe I believe Portsmith<00:31:03.520>
to <00:31:03.760>some <00:31:03.919>degree - ><00:31:04.159>
but <00:31:04.399>there's <00:31:04.640>is Portsmith to some degree - , but there's is Portsmith to some degree, but there's is almost<00:31:05.120>
modified <00:31: - <00:55:16.240>
that <00:55:16.480>they voters and previous programs that they voters
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- weeks ago—times ephemeral—I was at the Virginia 250th Commission, which has been holding since 2023 a program
- I think these are all relevant to any 250th program because this is a source of quite a lot of federal
- And then we fund and train local organizations to do programming that relates to the theme.
- It's been some programs. A lot of people have done the work, right?
- To ask the full commission to add the potluck to the programs that it's promoting.
Summary:
The DEIA subcommittee of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met with a quorum and discussed planning for the upcoming Patriots Day period, grant opportunities, and ways to make 250th programming more inclusive. Dr. Trent reported on a Virginia 250 conference and shared examples such as the Made by Us youth engagement toolkit and a Smithsonian-related traveling exhibition. Brian also updated the group on Mass Humanities’ grant programs, including Museum on Main Street, Reading Project Douglas Together, and the Promises of Revolution grants, noting that the latter has $600,000 available and is expected to fund roughly 30 to 40 projects through letters of intent due in June. The committee also noted that state tourism 250th grants are open with an April 11 deadline.
A major discussion focused on ensuring respect for Indigenous sovereignty and improving representation in marketing. Members raised concerns that Indigenous leaders were not being treated with sufficient respect in state-level engagement, and they discussed whether the full commission should hear from tribal leaders and whether the subcommittee should recommend a broader conversation at the next commission meeting. On marketing, members criticized recent promotional materials as too formulaic and insufficiently reflective of Massachusetts’ diversity, especially in their limited inclusion of Indigenous people, Black patriots, women, and other communities. The group agreed that the commission should push for more inclusive visuals and narratives, and that there is still time to influence digital and future materials. The subcommittee also discussed possibly inviting the marketing and education committees, or commission staff and the outside marketing agency, to explain the rollout and scope of possible changes.
The committee then considered a Utah 250 idea for a July 5, 2026 “America’s potluck” style community event and agreed it could be adapted for Massachusetts as a foodways-focused, culturally diverse statewide activity. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to recommend that the full commission and MOTT promote the potluck concept. The meeting ended with agreement to continue developing recommendations on representation, Indigenous engagement, and public outreach, and then adjourned by unanimous vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 9 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- passage, 10% after 3 years, and then a full 15% in the fourth year, giving contractors, training programs
- , By recognizing the importance of using state-certified apprenticeship programs on public work projects
- Successfully completing apprenticeship programs is an evidence-based approach.
- In Massachusetts, individuals who complete a registered apprenticeship program commonly can make as much
- not only serve those entering the workforce for the first time, but also many people with college degrees
Summary:
The House began with routine procedural business, including adoption of resolutions congratulating Yolanda Kruger on her 100th birthday and two orders extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadline on House documents 4984 and 4988. The chamber then moved through a series of local bills and calendar items, passing to engrossment measures including authorization for the town of Hudson to grant an additional wine and malt beverage license, authorization for Cohasset to grant five additional liquor licenses, and an amendment to the Plymouth town charter. It also advanced several other bills on second reading, including a land conveyance for Barnstable County and Bourne, a bill requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events, and a bill preparing apprentices through training and hiring in Massachusetts.
The House took up House 3417, designating June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day. Representative Sousa spoke in support, describing domestic workers as essential but often invisible workers and arguing that the designation would raise awareness of rights and protections under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill passed to engrossment by roll call, 156-0. The House also passed House 4992, authorizing Barnstable County and Bourne to convey certain parcels of land, and later passed House 4994, the Paths Act, which would require a phased-in apprentice-hours requirement on large public construction projects, condition bidding on participation in approved apprenticeship programs, and create a commission to study apprenticeship participation.
The chamber then debated House 4993, the Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act, requiring AEDs and trained personnel at sporting facilities and events. Representative Decker urged passage, citing the death of a young athlete and the need to close safety gaps outside schools. Representative Frost offered amendments to create a state fund to help communities pay for AEDs and to allow exemptions for remote fields without permanent power, arguing the bill could otherwise burden municipalities; both amendments were defeated on roll call. The bill itself then passed to engrossment by roll call, 154-1. The House also enacted a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and the session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjournment.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee REVISED: Meeting room changed to House rm 450 May 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee (LEAD)
Transcript Highlights:
- We have one of the programs that you helped stand up, our P3 program, that allows us to capture state
- It's an incentive game, to a degree.
- You referenced the P3 program, which is truly one of Oklahoma's best programs.
- I know the programs you're talking about.
- I think you know, you mentioned earlier the drone program that's going on at OSU.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Reentry Committee Mar 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, because a lot of times what we found is there'll be some amazing programs out there and people just
- A lot of the individuals have come through our program that we have with our career centers that are
- I would think that is having standards for each of these programs that exist.
- What program is that? There's more than one for an. is that? There's more than one for an example.
- They might be willing to add a program if they don't have a particular program there.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Task Force on Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance 9/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Cochen pointed out, we did pass the Strengthen Minnesota Homes program.
- Um we received Minnesota homes program.
- and Industry about the the program and Industry about the the program generally.<00:45:32.960>
- <00:45:44.960>
Uh state that has established a program.- Uh state that has established a program.
- <00:45:44.960>
Summary:
The task force held its first meeting on the insurance affordability crisis affecting single-family housing, common interest communities, and multifamily rental housing. Members and staff introduced themselves, including representatives from insurers, the Department of Commerce, housing advocates, affordable housing developers, and HOA/community association interests. Representative Steve Elkins was elected chair by roll call vote with 10 members in favor, after discussion that the Senate appointee’s formal appointment had not yet arrived; the group noted the intent to later move to co-chair leadership once that appointment is finalized.
Staff reviewed the task force’s enabling statute and open meeting law requirements. The task force is charged with studying homeowners and commercial property insurance, property resilience and risk mitigation, liability laws and possible tort reform, notice and oversight issues, public reporting, and the state-supported insurance program, including possible expansion to a catastrophic reinsurance fund or self-insured pool. The final report is due February 15 and will go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and employment and economic development, as well as relevant legislative committees. Members were also briefed on meeting logistics, a draft charter to be voted on at the second meeting, a resource page for shared materials, and the schedule of future meetings.
The Department of Commerce then gave an overview of Minnesota’s property and casualty insurance market. Commerce described its regulatory role, the state’s competitiveness test, and how homeowners insurance is often filed under a “file and use” process rather than prior approval. The presentation emphasized that homeowners coverage has been under pressure for years: insurers have lost money in many recent years, premiums have risen, some consumers are taking on more risk through higher deductibles or reduced coverage, and some are moving into the surplus market. Commerce also highlighted the impact of severe weather losses, the growth in premiums since 2014, and gaps in oversight for homeowners associations and related policies.
The meeting then shifted to brainstorming the problems the task force should address. Early discussion focused on climate and construction-related resilience, including hail and wind-driven rain damage, discontinued building materials, and whether stronger materials are reflected in insurance pricing. Members also raised the need to study programs like Alabama’s fortified roof model and Minnesota’s own Strengthen Minnesota Homes effort, along with questions about whether the construction industry is prepared to support broader resilience measures. No additional votes were taken during the discussion segment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Under his leadership, the Fresno Center grew to operate 14 programs with an annual budget of 6. 6.8 million
- Leadership Torrance is a great program where they send a delegation from the Los Angeles South Bay, sponsored
- In 1979, he earned a master's degree. Biochemistry from St.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- , what is the purpose of the program?
- Number two, what specific services are provided by the program? purpose of the program?
- Non-FEFP programs: so you have some other pre-K through 12 programs that are not the FEFP, New Worlds
- Non-FEFP programs: so you have some other pre-K through 12 programs that are not the FEFP, New Worlds
- Non-FEFP programs: so you have some other pre-K through 12 programs that are not the FEFP, New Worlds
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process.
The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data.
The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation May 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- program to reflect the upstream and downstream investment this program encourages through its market-based
- We have an opportunity to extend that program to an all-offender program, and in doing so, we actually
- like the farmer program.
- , specifically the two transit programs and the active transportation program.
- , specifically the two transit programs and the active transportation program.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the governor’s May Revision, especially the proposed extension of the cap-and-trade program to 2045 as “cap-and-invest,” the related greenhouse gas reduction fund (GGRF) spending framework, and several trailer bill proposals. Department of Finance staff outlined budget solutions including a $1.5 billion annual General Fund-to-GGRF shift for Cal Fire that would grow to $1.9 billion by 2029-30, continued support for high-speed rail, climate bond implementation, and various environmental and water-related statutory changes. The administration also described proposals affecting the Delta Conveyance Project, water quality planning, groundwater bulletin timing, Exide cleanup funding, and other agency-specific items, though the chair repeatedly asked staff to keep the presentation high-level and save details for the next hearing.
Members from both parties raised strong concerns about the cap-and-invest proposal, arguing that it could reduce or displace funding for transit, affordable housing, active transportation, wildfire prevention, zero-emission vehicles, and other previously committed programs. Several members questioned whether the administration was effectively shifting essential ongoing services like Cal Fire onto a temporary carbon market fund, how the General Fund backstop would work if auction revenues fall short, and whether the proposal would leave enough money for continuous appropriations and future awards. Members also criticized the inclusion of cap-and-invest reauthorization in the budget process and asked for clearer information on the impact to high-speed rail, transit, and other GGRF priorities.
The Delta Conveyance Project and related trailer bill language drew significant opposition from members and public commenters, who argued the proposal would fast-track the project, weaken CEQA-related review, and authorize revenue bond financing without sufficient legislative oversight. Public testimony also included support for maintaining or expanding funding for transit, affordable housing, AB 617 community air protection, offshore wind infrastructure, and ignition interlock programs, while environmental and community groups opposed cuts to wildfire prevention, housing, and school climate-related programs. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion and receive more detailed responses at the follow-up hearing on Tuesday.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- establishes the Kamaya Homes program establishes the Kamaya Homes program within<01:48:34.880>
- And what the Kamaya Homes program does is it offers a creative solution that is modeled after other programs
- Um, there is more information about this program in my testimony.
- David Penn, program specialist for legacy land conservation...
- <02:35:46.800>
be we, uh, I recommend that this program be we, uh, I recommend that this program
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1768, which would prohibit state and county law enforcement agencies and officials from entering into federal immigration-enforcement agreements under 8 U.S.C. 1357(g) and from assisting in certain immigration enforcement actions except in limited circumstances. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi all testified in strong support, arguing the bill would protect due process, reduce fear in immigrant communities, preserve trust in local police, and keep local resources focused on public safety. Testifiers said cooperation with immigration enforcement can chill court attendance, crime reporting, and cooperation with police, and they emphasized that the bill would not stop federal enforcement or affect other deputization agreements for environmental or other criminal matters. Committee members asked whether any 287(g) agreements currently exist in Hawaiʻi; testifiers said they were unaware of any and believed the bill would maintain the status quo. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up House Bill 1548, which would reduce the maximum sentence for misdemeanors from one year to 364 days and allow people previously sentenced to one year to seek sentence modification. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and the William S. Richardson School of Law immigration clinic all supported the measure, saying the one-day change could prevent severe immigration consequences such as detention, removal, and bars to relief that can be triggered by a sentence of 365 days or more. Testifiers stressed that the bill would not change criminal liability or public safety, but would align Hawaiʻi law with similar reforms adopted in other states. Members questioned whether the change would affect citizens or create an automatic immigration process; witnesses responded that the issue is the federal immigration consequence tied to the maximum sentence, not actual time served, and that citizens would not face that consequence. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HB 1548, with no final vote shown.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- APPLICATION ANOTHER PERSON'S PROPERTY WITHOUT THAT PERSON'S CONSENT A CRIME PUNISHABLE AS A THIRD-DEGREE
- HAVE THE CRIME OF AGGRAVATED USE RELATION INSTALLATION OR SECTION 934.425 PUNISHABLE AS A SECOND-DEGREE
- SECOND-DEGREE FELONY 15 YEARS IN PRISON.
- OFFENSES RANGE FROM A THIRD-DEGREE FELONY DUE TO A MISDEMEANOR THE RAIL FELONY FOR THOSE UNDER A LIFE
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Power Sharing Agreement Jan 29th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This agreement only enhances that because it forces you to, some degree, you know, work on these things
- forces<00:03:27.959>
you <00:03:28.159>to <00:03:28.319>some <00:03:28.560>degree - <00:03:29.439>
uh because it forces you to some degree uh because it forces you to some degree
Summary:
The discussion focused on Minnesota Senate power-sharing after the chamber split evenly between DFLers and Republicans, leading to a temporary arrangement with two co-presiding officers instead of a single Senate President. Senator Bobby Joe Champion described the arrangement as historic but practical, noting that he and Senator Jeremy Miller both have prior leadership experience and mutual respect, which helps the Senate operate smoothly at the start of session. He said the agreement is intended to keep the Senate functioning while the seat in Senate District 60 remains vacant and until the 34th vote is restored.
Champion said the power-sharing agreement will end once the tie is broken and the Senate regains a majority, after which one of the co-presiding officers will become Senate President. He expressed hope that he would hold that role, but emphasized that the broader goal is to keep the chamber focused on people-centered policymaking rather than partisan numbers. He also said some elements of the agreement, especially those that encourage closer collaboration, may continue even after the tie is resolved.
The senator highlighted bipartisanship, committee balance, and working relationships across party lines as key features of the arrangement. He pointed to his role as co-chair of jobs and economic development and said he expects continued cooperation with Republican lead Senator Draheim on issues affecting Minnesotans. Throughout the interview, Champion framed the moment as an opportunity to “meet the moment” with leadership, citing the importance of how the Senate handles challenge and controversy.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- turn it about three degrees. turn it about three degrees.
- <01:25:12.239>
Let's Let's turn it three degrees. Let's Let's turn it three degrees. - paraprofessionals in title one programs. paraprofessionals in title one programs.
- We definitely don't want this degree of nanny state. Vote no.
- So, the program that we in my community.
Summary:
The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies.
A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33.
The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery.
After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.