Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to in the metro area.
• and crazy liberal areas alike.
• carried out in crazy conservative areas carried out in crazy conservative areas and<03:38:05.600
• they are begging for workforce they are begging for workforce housing<03:40:01.279> because
• housing development program award because of the workforce housing and development program that doesn't

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , impacts a child's brain development, impacts a child's brain development, particularly<00:41:25.839
• <00:41:29.760> adolescent understand about developing adolescent understand about developing
• <00:41:35.119> has communities, their brain development has communities, their brain development
• Blaze Brennan of HPMA in opposition. extend our limited workforce in in in extend our limited workforce
• <01:20:23.840> So the rural areas. So the rural areas.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise. After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye. The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• LOOKING FORWARD, WE DEVELOPED A SERIES OF CRITICAL NEEDS.
• AND THIS BREAKS THAT TOTAL DOWN AMONG THE DIFFERENT POLICY AREAS.
• SO A LOT OF THE ACTIVITY IS COMING FROM TWO DIFFERENT POLICY AREAS.
• CORAL GABLES, HIALEAH, SOUTH MIAMI, ALL OF THOSE AREAS WERE VERY VERY HARD HIT.
• SAT THERE FOR 24 HOURS WITH HURRICANES FORCE WINDS AND STORM SURGE DURING THAT AREA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agency on aging, occasioned by the area agency on aging, occasioned by the resignation<00:28:45.159>
• , occasioned by the resignation workforce, occasioned by the resignation of<00:28:54.560> Barbara<
• professionals of economic development professionals and<00:31:25.720> industry<00:31:26.080><
• <00:31:42.320> of closer cooperation in the development of closer cooperation in the development
• So, it's really just a tiny fix in an area that I think calls for a lot more examination.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:43.200> this<00:34:43.440> workforce this of this developing this workforce
• This bill is relating to the healthcare workforce development.
• This bill is relating to the healthcare workforce development.
• <01:42:41.360> development our larger workforce development our larger workforce development
• and workforce development. and workforce development.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Representative Dave Pinto here calling to order the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance
• <00:31:42.400> These it destabilizes the workforce. These it destabilizes the workforce.
• , Minnesota's private sector workforce, Minnesota's private sector workforce, representing<00:37:
• development fund.
• to see if there's other areas to see if there's other areas um um um to<01:28:55.160> make

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in Orlando and it's a growing metropolitan area.
• So revenue that is generated in those areas may have an excess.
• , making it possible to adjust fees to provide additional support to the areas that need it.
• But there those users and certain areas are using those services more.
• And that is an area where you, you know, your fees you're year enrollment. Pardon me.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:28.399> I their child's development. I their child's development.
• The budget care workforce programs.
• > the catchment areas inside the catchment areas inside the city?
• the child care workforce incentive fund. the child care workforce incentive fund.
• workforce workforce programs,<04:18:14.159> $100<04:18:14.720> million<04:18:15.439>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we have a process that we've developed we have a process that we've developed that<00:10:16.800>
• The board can develop and help work with programs to develop other ways for programs who might just not
• developing a pathway for their program. developing a pathway for their program.
• see here really truly were developed see here really truly were developed from<00:15:59.040>
• . development. development.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The presentation focused on Think Small’s recommendations for Minnesota child care licensing modernization, including a proposed three-tier system for early care and education: unregulated “trusted caregivers,” state-licensed health and safety programs, and “recognized” early care and education programs that would pursue board-approved quality pathways. Dr. Nicole Smarillo said the recommendations came from an extensive engagement process with providers and field experts, and emphasized that the goal is not deregulation but a right-sized system with clearer funding aligned to state expectations, a reduced and more health-and-safety-focused licensing framework, and a profession-led quality system with multiple pathways rather than a single rating model. A major recommendation was creating a Minnesota Board of Early Care and Education with real decision-making power, made up of providers, families, and experts. The board would set quality expectations, approve multiple recognition pathways, address professional qualifications, advise on funding and supports, and monitor policy impacts on child outcomes, supply, and workforce stability. Presenters said the current Parent Aware system would be replaced in this future model, and that programs would have a roadmap from health-and-safety licensing to a time-limited candidate status and then to recognized program status. Several providers testified in support of the framework. Shauna Maranovich said the process welcomed field voices and produced recommendations grounded in proximity expertise. Cindy Cunningham, a licensed family child care provider, said the proposal reflected provider feedback, supported a Minnesota-specific model, and would separate health and safety licensing from quality improvement while reducing fear-based enforcement. Maria Harms, a child care center operator, said current licensing is overly burdensome and that the board and multiple pathways would better reflect day-to-day practice and reduce silos across program types. Candace Yates of Child Care Aware of Minnesota supported aligning supports with quality pathways and said the system needs a shared floor for quality and more continuous, less fragmented support. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• that leads to an important distinction about why infrastructure is essential to these economic development
• <00:03:06.080> And<00:03:06.319> at<00:03:06.560> this research and development
• And at this research and development.
• So, we offer STEM and also workforce.
• About what should be done in this area to add to it and further, which I think is very responsible.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• areas.
• are designated water management areas and areas that are not designated water management areas?
• Like, this all, in my mind, is in the same area of water, and so I'm a developer, so I'm a little bit
• It's about the Lahina area.
• Housing wise future... which is developer, residential developer, which is 10.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So yes, in that area, we're pretty well staffed.
• I can't say that for, like, speech therapists and some other areas, but yes. Thank you. Thank you.
• I am representing Palm Beach County District 89, which is central Palm Beach County area.
• I don't represent a district, but it continues to be an area of concern for the district.
• I've heard some areas that are interesting to you or important to your district.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It expands the duties of the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce by requiring a statewide
• Requiring a statewide workforce analysis every two years and creating strategies to recruit, train, and
• Health Research to lead studies and develop innovative evidence-based solutions for behavioral health
• The center will focus on co-occurring conditions and access issues in underserved areas.
• Telehealth strategies and workforce training, with annual reports to state leaders on its progress and

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It established a pilot program in 2023 for Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation to develop
• Minnesota Community Development Minnesota Community Development Corporation<00:18:50.080> to<
• Corporation to develop a down payment Corporation to develop a down payment assistance<00:18:51.840
• <00:19:01.280> financial development financial development financial institution.<00:19:03.679
• households at or below 60% of the area households at or below 60% of the area median<00:19:42.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a workforce empowerment program.
• storage tank revolving fund for administrative costs and remediation of sewage discharge in border areas
• And just being from a rural area, which is, and I've said it many times, that income is low, unemployment
• And just being from a rural area, which is, and I've said it many times, that income is low, unemployment
• ... ...It continues to declare science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and workforce programs

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So those are the areas that I have been thinking. and outcomes.
• You know, and first of that, we would like shared behavioral health services, workforce development pipelines
• When did you develop that habit? When I came into the system?
• with the workforce that's available.
• It's already legislative in those areas where it's not.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission opened an informal discussion focused on developing recommendations for its September report on correctional consolidation and cooperation. Chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger emphasized that the group is still in an information-gathering phase, but should begin putting ideas on the table, including possible written recommendations, further hearings, and additional facility tours. Members discussed whether the commission should seek more input from frontline stakeholders such as sheriffs, probation, parole, reentry centers, unions, and the judiciary, and whether recommendations should be organized around specific issue areas like medical costs, programming, reentry, and facility operations. A major theme was the need for a more integrated and consistent correctional system. Participants raised concerns about fragmentation across DOC, county sheriffs, probation, and parole, and suggested exploring step-down pathways, minimum security, pre-release, day reporting, and regional reentry hubs to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism. Several speakers stressed the importance of uniform standards, evidence-based programming, better data on outcomes and spending, and clearer alignment between custody conditions and rehabilitation goals. There was also discussion of looking to other states and international models, as well as revisiting older reports and plans, including the 2009 commission report and the 2010 corrections master plan. Facility-specific issues were also raised, including the need to examine women’s facilities such as Framingham, Bridgewater, and restrictive housing practices in light of suicide concerns and mental health needs. Members discussed the relationship between correctional custody and behavioral health, the role of the judiciary in sentencing and reentry planning, and whether judges should be better informed about available programming and step-down options. There was broad agreement that collaboration, transparency, and accountability should be strengthened, with some members urging that recommendations be based on firsthand facts and data rather than opinion alone. The meeting also included presentation of a written set of eight high-level recommendations compiled by advocacy and legal organizations, which focused on clearer and more consistent programming, equitable application of rules, and reducing punitive conditions that function like solitary confinement. The chairs said the document would be shared with members and posted online. No formal votes were taken during the discussion, and the meeting ended with plans to continue the conversation at a future session, including possible follow-up on reentry centers, restrictive housing, and other systemwide reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was on maternity leave while the budget was being developed, and they did a phenomenal job.
• The Governor's full $117.4 billion budget proposal is broken down by policy area.
• just think it's important to note that when you look at it just in terms of general revenue by policy area
• The remaining policy areas that this committee will focus on here is directly beneath the public schools
• From workforce education and teacher quality to school safety and academic progress, Florida remains

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 education budget. Shelby Salmons outlined the overall budget framework, and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis highlighted major education investments, including $486 million for VPK, $30.6 billion for K-12 education, a $761.1 million increase in FEFP funding, the highest per-student funding level to date, and $201 million more for teacher pay flexibility. The presentation also emphasized school safety, mental health, civics education, and the Guardian Program, along with continued funding for TEACH, HIPPY, Help Me Grow, and civics debate and literacy initiatives. Members asked about how the mental health allocation would be used, counselor staffing ratios, school closures and whether the department intervenes, oversight of school choice and voucher-funded schools, and the Guardian Program’s pay structure and effectiveness. Senators also raised concerns about the FISH school capacity report, data collection, teacher pay, professional development, AI and tutoring technology, and whether the budget adequately supports mental health services and school safety. The Commissioner said many funding decisions are left to districts, that the department stands ready to assist, and that the Guardian Program has been successful and expanded over time. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding, and urged the committee to consider full-day VPK funding, arguing it has improved third-grade reading outcomes in Pinellas. Senators followed up on district flexibility and local spending choices. The committee took no substantive vote on the budget presentation and adjourned after thanking the department for its recommendations and partnership.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so you can see that there are areas.
• So it is imperative that especially hard during a workforce especially hard during a workforce shortage
• The rural veterary workforce measure.
• <01:10:20.560> and want to stay in those rural areas and want to stay in those rural areas
• <01:10:30.400> and strengthen the veterinary workforce and strengthen the veterinary workforce

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• assisting with districts um developing assisting with districts um developing and<00:03:52.879><
• The deaf and heart of hearing area.
• resources and professional development. resources and professional development.
• we want the six domains or broad areas. we want the six domains or broad areas.
• Are there areas where we do really well? Are there areas where we need to focus more on?

Bills: HF3421

Keywords: early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers, school-based experience, reading intervention, Minnesota education policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Someone who works at the intersection of AI and workforce development, I can tell you plainly, the energy
• developer fees.
• And I think that funding could also come, Developers and developer fees.
• Developing a consequential master plan to ensure the development and deployment of nuclear reactors and
• We develop and participate in energy projects that promote economic development, energy reliability,

Keywords: 1064, all