Transcript Highlights:

• , and kids come to kindergarten lacking literacy skills, and a lot of that is based on the language,
• Teachers can finish their math curriculum and then use those additional weeks to reinforce skills, reteach
• Our teachers focus on reading, writing, discussion, and other foundational skills.
• in a computer-based test simply because they are still acquiring computer keyboarding and typing skills
• This flexibility is especially important for students who are still building keyboarding skills, students

Bills: HB2020, HB2032, HB2033, HB2249, HB2313, HB2318, HB2378, HCR2003

Keywords: interference, disruption, educational institutions, public order, conduct rules, statewide assessment, student testing, academic standards, third grade reading, reading retention, promotion and retention, school accountability, assessment window, testing window, test scores, school report cards, nontest data, graduation rates, dropout rates, education data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• In our school settings, they need to be learning those traditional skills of pencil holding and scissors
• Many of my clients left school without basic literacy or math skills and with untreated learning My name
• Many of my clients left school without basic literacy or math skills and with untreated learning Many
• The research I've read about shows that my daughter with dyslexia will develop stronger spelling skills
• The research I've read about shows that my daughter with dyslexia will develop stronger spelling skills

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• medical appointments and all the things that we need to do in everyday life with independent living skills
• My computer skills have been very limited, but since I've gone to the school, my computer skills have
• My computer skills have been very limited, but since I've gone to the school, my computer skills have
• This is skilled care.
• your name or MD or PhD, While you might not have RN behind your name or MD or PhD, it is a special skill

Bills: SB1001, SB1011, SB1016, SB1052, SB1072, SB1100, SB1112, SB1113, SB1116, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1122, SB1123, SB1124, SB1125

Keywords: appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, medical examiners, sudden infant death, autopsy protocols, forensic pathology, public health, religious exemption, employment practices, COVID-19 vaccination, accommodation, discrimination, assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent

Transcript Highlights:

• points I want to make is a branch of delivery for workforce training we're going to talk about is skill
• So in 2022, we received an increase in appropriation for skill center service.
• So you'll see at that graph at the bottom of the next slide over our skill centers and how when we receive
• Any questions over skill centers?
• We also have contracts with people with that have really specific skill sets.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're developing certificate programs for re-skilling and up-skilling the existing workforce.
• So it wasn't just... ...about dance; it was about using all our different skills and also giving back
• If we expose people to the arts at a younger age and get those skills together, then they're excited
• my classified or discrete work for the U.S. government, and also CRC Innovation, which applied the skills
• Due to the skills and trade of bootmakers and El Paso companies like Lucchese, Boommaker moved their

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• , critical thinking skills, and employment.
• HB 1941 strengthens peer support. expands Medicaid inclusion, and invests in the leadership skills and
• Probably empowering for building skills and self-advocacy.
• with autism in learning to live independently, navigate public transit, or private. self-advocacy skills
• And it also puts a clarifying statement. that youth who are working full-time and gaining life skills

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• A skilled workforce is one of the top factors businesses consider when deciding where to locate or expand
• When companies know they can route rely on local talent with the right skills.
• These are high-skilled high demand high wage positions, many of which that do not require a four-year
• here, they also understand the importance of shop training, understand the importance of learning skills
• And we take it very serious that we have a responsibility to provide a skilled and well educated workforce

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• differ in the levels of care that they offer, but systemwide these range from independent living to skilled
• independent living veterans wanting to come to our homes in the future, and a greater demand for skilled
• What we're finding in many of our skilled nursing veterans that come to us, they come to us with more
• I know that when we visited just, I think, two weeks ago, that there were some concerns with the skilled
• That there were some concerns with the skilled nursing beds in the sense that it's been hard to recruit

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Feinberg, President Trump has found a deputy who combines cutting-edge private sector skills with a thorough
• Our military, both in uniform and as civilians, are among the most skilled and valuable professionals
• I think you have a sort of a non-traditional skill set to bring to this nomination, but for reasons I
• And I think you have a skill set, again, that's a little bit nontraditional.
• He's very skillful at this, and he'll find the right way to help the United States.

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• So providing counseling services to elementary students could help them develop those essential skills
• So providing counseling services to elementary students could help them develop those essential skills
• </c><00:25:05.159><c> for</c> develop those essential skills for develop those essential skills for socialization
• </c><00:25:17.840><c> as</c> help teach students social skills as help teach students social skills as
• </c> proactive training on in social skills proactive training on in social skills will<00:26:04.640>

Bills: HF984, HF921, HF922

Keywords: education funding, nonpublic schools, counseling services, guidance services, transportation for students, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization

Transcript Highlights:

• release specifically cites the cost of living and affordability and the availability of qualified labor
• release specifically cites the cost of living and affordability and the availability of qualified labor
• We have an army of skilled craftsmen in this state led by qualified builders.
• Labor cost is impacted by that, and having more people on a water and sewer system requires more people
• cost is impacted and sewer systems labor cost is impacted by<01:13:56.159><c> that</c><01:13:56.520>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm really excited to be able to move into a position where I can use skills I have, but also still at
• To be able to move into a position where I can use skills I have, but also still at this point in my
• And I think we'll bring a lot of wisdom and skill to our thoughts about DEI and about the work that we
• And I think we'll bring a lot of wisdom and skill to our thoughts about DEI and about the work that we
• That was a really skillful practice. I appreciate it. You're so welcome.

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming its first full-time director, Alison Bauer, who introduced her background in state government, public health, philanthropy, teaching, and LGBTQ family advocacy. Commissioners approved the December quarterly meeting minutes, then turned to a presentation by Adriana Bullen on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Bullen led an interactive workshop using reflection, anonymous polling, and discussion to connect DEI concepts to the commission’s work, including examples from participants’ personal and professional lives and a brief history of intersectionality rooted in Black feminist scholarship and the DeGraffenreid v. General Motors case. The group then applied the discussion to the commission itself, identifying examples of successful DEI work such as listening sessions across the Commonwealth, targeted recruitment, inclusive trainings, the strategic plan, the commission website, and advocacy that helped pass the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. Participants also named conditions that support the commission’s power, including collaboration, commitment, openness, empowerment, persistence, and strong relationships, while noting barriers such as invisibility of older adults, limited racial and ethnic diversity, and lack of trans elder representation. Several commissioners emphasized the need for more Black, Latino, immigrant, and trans voices, and discussed recruitment challenges, including the difficulty of asking marginalized people to be the only one in the room. Bullen concluded by introducing an equity-lens tool for evaluating decisions and actions, using the commission’s strategic priority on representation as an example. Commissioners discussed whether to expand membership, create an advisory board, or use a broader network of organizations to cultivate future commissioners, noting that some changes would require legislative or procedural action. The meeting ended with appreciation for the workshop and a commitment to continue the work, with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.

Transcript Highlights:

• approved by the Department of Licensing, or DOL, or has been certified by an employer as having the skills
• motor vehicle safely, has been issued a commercial learner's permit, and has passed a knowledge and skills
• With each move, the state loses skilled living wage jobs, vendors lose sales, and the state loses tax
• ... ...loses skilled living wage jobs, vendors lose sales, and the state loses tax revenue.
• Aircraft are being sold or moved out of state while paying skilled jobs are being lost.

Bills: HB2347, HB2410

Keywords: luxury aircraft tax, tax reduction, economic impact, business aviation, state revenue, HB2410, commercial truck safety, commercial vehicle safety, trucking industry, truck driver training, driver education, highway safety, traffic safety commission, Washington State, commercial motor vehicles, vehicle registration fee, IRP fee, state patrol highway account, safety enforcement fee, public-private partnership

Transcript Highlights:

• It would show that you've been working on your language skills.
• That’s not a passing the test is not a skill test. We’re not seeing if you can read English.
• We’re wanting to see” “This is not a skill test, right? We’re not seeing if you can read English.
• I had to demonstrate that I had the skill and ability to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Missouri
• And I think sometimes the lack of communication skills between the officers and the drivers sometimes

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will create a skilled workforce, create job opportunities, and enhance the viability of site infrastructure
• This is especially highlighted in skilled trades.
• of our recommendations was to expand reciprocal licensing for out-of-state professionals to allow skilled
• HB 11 dovetails nicely with what we're seeing in the small business community by welcoming these skilled
• continues to attract over 1,300 new residents every day, many of whom arrive with valuable experience, skills

Bills: HB 11, HB 14, HB 132, HB 1584, HB 1606, HB 5061, HB 1041, HB 2286

Keywords: licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The life skills programs and also the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the changes program is parole voted
• a 5th grade equivalency level in literacy, so it is quite important that individuals have a strong skill
• We offer a variety of life skills programming, whether that be budgeting classes, personal health classes
• smart technology training grant, which is a re-entry initiative where we are teaching technology skills
• to the clients, how to use a computer, how to do a resume, how to do, um, interview job skills, those

Transcript Highlights:

• operating outside of their standard specialty have the opportunity to train and maintain some of those skills
• So those type of opportunities give our partners a chance to develop their skills.
• The dogged persistence of the marines and the skill in working with organizations and listening to people
• Let's talk to you, Admiral Halsey, now about critical language skills because the Department of Defense
• And so I think right now, as I look at the critical skills, language skills in the South Komi ORR, throughout

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assessment of the inmate's skills so that you can appropriately assign them and work assignments.
• About 84% of inmates didn't have a documented workforce or industry skill.
• probation officers, they contact that individual and make efforts to teach those people employability skills
• at that point, they contact that individual and make efforts to teach those people employability skills
• To teach those people employability skills.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these skills sort of cross over in the different courses that the students take in order to help
• ><c> over</c><00:11:50.360><c> in</c><00:11:50.440><c> the</c> skills sort of cross over in the skills
• </c><00:20:50.200><c> and</c> civilian life to use those skills and civilian life to use those skills
• and transition<00:20:51.000><c> those</c><00:20:51.160><c> skills</c><00:20:51.560><c> and</c><00:20
• , they sat in a room and really narrowed down those 10 essential skills.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for an overview of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). After approving the prior meeting minutes, staff from CPE explained that the council was reconstituted in 1997 and serves as Kentucky’s statewide coordinating body for higher education, with responsibilities including advising the General Assembly and governor, coordinating the postsecondary system, supporting budget and performance funding work, and using data to track outcomes. They described Kentucky’s governance structure, including the KCTCS governing board, independent boards at public universities, and CPE’s role in licensing private institutions and overseeing transfer, closed-school records, and tuition approval. CPE staff emphasized statewide strategic planning and the “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of working-age Kentuckians hold a meaningful credential by 2030. They said the agency uses dashboards, KPIs, and peer comparisons to set targets for institutions and monitor enrollment, retention, and graduation. They also highlighted the Kentucky Graduate Profile, a voluntary effort to embed 10 essential workforce skills into general education and major programs, and noted ongoing work on academic program approval, performance funding, and a biennial budget request. The presentation also focused on student support and workforce alignment initiatives. Staff described the Kentucky Advising Academy, the Commonwealth Education Continuum, and the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, which work with K-12 partners and campuses to improve advising, transfer, wraparound supports, and career planning. They also discussed GEAR UP, the Futurity career-planning platform, and efforts to connect education pathways to workforce needs, including healthcare, veterans, and other adult learners. CPE reported that student debt at graduation has fallen to $10,168 at public institutions and that six in ten Kentucky undergraduates graduate debt free.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm very appreciative of the expertise and the skill that lawyers bring to our society and what they
• firms, that literally have told their litigation departments, whether they're litigating family law, labor
• firms, that literally have told their litigation departments, whether they're litigating family law, labor
• She's here normally; she's not here, but this is truly a labor of love for Lauren, and much of it...
• She's not here, but this is truly a labor of love for Lauren, and much of it is not only serving me in

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending. Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.