Transcript Highlights:

• opposed to a national test option.
• As homeschoolers, I don't necessarily create a test, especially for co-curricular things.
• test.
• We want our test scores up. We want our reading levels up.
• We want our test scores up. We want our reading. for them to succeed. We want our test scores up.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a long agenda of agency rule changes, beginning with housekeeping on the order of business and then taking up rules from multiple state agencies. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s odometer disclosure rule allowing electronic signatures and disclosures, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and recreational parks, lead-based paint, counseling licensure, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental specialties and compacts, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, medical compacts, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these were described as technical updates, conformity with recent acts, federal standards, or compact participation, and nearly all were approved without objection after brief questions and, in many cases, no public comment. The committee also reviewed Department of Labor and Licensing rules on minimum wage/independent contractor standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements for ATV/LSV dealers, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting and retention programs. Testimony generally emphasized that the rules implemented recent legislation, updated fees or licensing standards, or streamlined existing processes. Members asked a few questions about fee structures, the rationale for regulating professional wrestling, and how the National Guard’s public-private partnership and incentive programs would work; the department said the recruiting incentives would be funded from existing appropriations and were intended to improve retention and force strength. These rules were also approved without objection. The most extensive discussion came on the Department of Education’s Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program rule. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify allowable expenses, and speed approval of core educational purchases. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting certain sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting phone purchases except for disability-related needs, setting a $1,000 threshold for additional review of technology purchases, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about safeguards, appeals, sports equipment, provider credentialing, rural vendor access, and whether the department would be flexible or overly restrictive. The department said it would review every request, provide written explanations for denials, allow appeals up to the State Board, and refer suspected fraud to prosecutors if necessary. After hearing from 13 members of the public, the committee continued to discuss the rule, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the EFA rule is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Test, test, test, test. There.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Test<00:42:32.520><c> test</c><00:42:32.840><c> test</c><00:42:33.160><c> test.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Test test test test. &gt;&gt; Test test test test. &gt;&gt; There. &gt;&gt; There.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For prenatal screening, for our CFDNA tests, for fiscal year 2025-26, we expect the number of tests to
• It's a cell-free DNA test, and so we do two types of testing. So there's cell-free DNA.
• And then we have neural tube defect testing, which we do in-house.
• So there's two different types of tests.
• The neural tube defect testing private labs really don't want to do.

Summary: The hearing began with testimony from Let California Kids Hear and supporters urging action on pediatric hearing aid coverage. Advocates said California has repeatedly failed to enact a workable solution over the past eight years and argued that children need early access to sound to support development. The proposal discussed would limit the coverage mandate to the large-group market, which advocates said would cover roughly 70% to 80% of affected children and avoid the exchange-related cost issue that contributed to prior vetoes. Supporters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s health groups, backed the proposal, and the chair expressed sympathy and support while noting hope for a federal solution for exchange plans. The Department of Finance then gave opening remarks about the state’s structural deficit and the need to balance new investments against projected out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with a broad overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone initiatives, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, hospital seismic compliance, workforce programs, and the diaper access initiative. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, which HCAI said had reverted funds. The committee also discussed a proposed transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate to HCAI, new reporting on long-term care staffing and health coverage waiting periods, and a Behavioral Health Services Act workforce proposal that would use BHSA funds to support training, stipends, and technical assistance while offsetting $100 million in General Fund spending; members and LAO questioned the offset and asked for more detail, and the item was held open. HCAI also presented the Rural Health Transformation Program, explaining that California received $233.6 million in federal funds for the first year and had to revise its proposal so that $35 million in provider payments would be tied to specific transformative activities rather than general financial relief. The program will fund rural care model redesign, workforce development, and technology/infrastructure improvements, with grants to be rolled out on a tight timeline and subject to CMS approval. Members asked about the size of California’s award, the use of funds for maternity care, labor and delivery access, dialysis, tribal set-asides, and the role of a technical assistance contractor. The department said the program will use supply-and-demand workforce modeling to target funding and that all funds must be obligated by October 30. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined its budget and two major bill-related proposals: SB 41 on PBM reform and SB 306 on prior authorization transparency. DMHC said SB 41 would require PBM licensure, ban spread pricing, require rebate pass-through, and regulate pharmacy network practices, while SB 306 would require reporting on prior authorization and create a list of services exempt from prior authorization. DMHC requested additional positions and funding to implement both measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We may be likely to have this entire policy and all of its procedures tested.
• We may be likely to have this entire policy and all of its procedures tested.
• We may be likely to have this entire policy and all of its procedures tested.
• We may be likely to have this entire policy and all of its procedures tested.
• We may be likely to have this entire policy and all of its procedures tested.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have to test that in some manner.
• I didn't do the test.
• </c> that it's working I didn't do the test that it's working I didn't do the test and<04:57:29.080><
• </c> question but I don't do the test question but I don't do the test personally<04:57:38.718><c> as
• </c><04:58:12.920><c> the</c><04:58:13.080><c> parent</c> their test the parent their test the parent

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• GRD 5173 is funded by revenues generated from forensic analyst licensing. testing fees, which occurs
• the commission's programs to fees and revenues generated through the collection of registration of test
• fees and test fees.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have more test...
• They have more test...
• </c> parents have to pay for genetic testing parents have to pay for genetic testing or<01:15:49.159>
• Could the high school league use these tests when evaluating a girl's eligibility?
• They would be subject to a test of some kind.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> $175 per meter per annual uh testing $175 per meter per annual uh testing that's<00:01:46.799><c
• We are currently already testing through our agents.
• </c> fact we are currently already testing fact we are currently already testing through<00:07:08.639
• </c><00:07:12.400><c> ourselves</c> Staffing to do all the testing ourselves Staffing to do all the testing
• </c> and New York who are doing testing and New York who are doing testing currently<00:10:15.000><c>

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• North Dakota continues to lead the nation in the development, testing, and deployment of advanced UAS
• I am the executive director of the Northern Plains UAS test site. Yes, there are some slides.
• I am the executive director of the Northern Plains UAS test site. Yes, there are some slides.
• We call this a pathfinder, which is a testing period that will now extend through June 2027 with the

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we have drug testing.
• If they fail that test, it's not automatic; it just depends on their plan.
• I worked at DITRA, and then I worked at the Space Test Program.
• We actually did a pilot test specifically focusing on that.
• Pilot test specifically focusing on that.

Transcript Highlights:

• Testing. Testing. Testing.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• educational material costs college educational material costs college application<00:32:57.080><c> test
• test costs educational therapies<00:32:59.440><c> for</c><00:32:59.679><c> students</c><00:33:00.080
• </c><00:43:50.040><c> prep</c> connectivity or or uh uh SAT test prep connectivity or or uh uh SAT test
• When it's, when they're from, uh, wealthier families, they have high test scores.
• </c> show um results in schools you know test show um results in schools you know test scores<03:58:25.479

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're not even up to our full tests.
• So, they're applying new tests to it.
• On we're not even up to our full tests.
• </c><02:04:19.119><c> You're</c> always applying new tests. You're always applying new tests.
• Is that accurate, test for.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> consistently on international tests consistently on international tests before<00:16:10.720><c>
• I guess presently we have students taking tests.
• But at eighth grade, if they take a test, it's required they take the test, and if they don't pass the
• I guess presently we have students taking tests.
• But at eighth grade, if they take a test, it's required they take the test, and if they don't pass the

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will test, and that group that I talked about earlier of the elected officials and practitioners,
• they'll also help us test.
• We will test and that configuration.
• </c><01:08:20.880><c> So,</c><01:08:21.120><c> we'll</c> they'll also help us test.
• So, we'll they'll also help us test.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transit buses worldwide must comply with anti-pinch regulations and past testing conformance.
• A one-half-inch test specimen is about the size of a human finger and would detect a child's body part
• that any future regulation in Massachusetts provide a clear, enforceable, and standardized safety test
• our written testimony is a diagram of what the anti-drag looks like in the different planes and the test
• The regulation most used for anti-drag is EN 14752, and the test specimen is a 0.8 millimeter rubber

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing with opening remarks from Senate Chair John Cronin and House Chair Dan Cahill, followed by member introductions and instructions on testimony time limits. The committee heard testimony on several bills, including S. 2743 addressing staged suicides, S. 2861 creating a special commission on school bus safety, and S. 3021 updating Massachusetts student transportation rules. On S. 2743, advocates and family members described cases in which domestic violence deaths were allegedly misclassified as accidents or suicides, arguing the bill would improve training and require more careful investigation when there is a known history of abuse. Testimony emphasized the need for law enforcement, district attorneys, and medical examiners to recognize signs of coercive control and staged scenes. Committee members asked about current investigative practices and noted that sudden deaths are already reviewed by medical examiners and prosecutors, but that better training and awareness may still be needed. On S. 2861, Amanda Taylor testified emotionally about her daughter Summer Steel, who died after being trapped in a school bus door, and urged adoption of anti-pinch sensor technology on future buses. Representative Sabadosa and a company representative said the technology already exists, is used in other transportation sectors, and could prevent similar tragedies; they noted estimated retrofit and prospective costs and pointed to Maine’s similar action. On S. 3021, Ever Driven and Chamber of Progress supported modernizing vehicle requirements for alternative student transportation, arguing that current rules are designed for full-size buses and make it harder for districts to serve homeless students, foster youth, and students with disabilities. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Researchers quietly planned to test dimming the sunlight.
• Researchers quietly planned to test dimming the sunlight. They wanted to avoid scaring the public.
• I also run an independent analytical laboratory that specializes in testing for heavy metals and other
• Since then, snow and rainwater from our ranch and others in the area has tested positive for aluminum
• Then foot pain, foot block, handicap sticker, nerve tests, diagnosis: neuropathy of unknown origin.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we doing genetic testing in any way, shape, or form when at birth, in order to make certain that
• four million people who are going to live with something unconstitutional until we can find another test
• And the state of California didn't believe him take the test three times, alternative certified, Jaime
• They still have to pass the tests.
• They still have to pass the tests.

Bills: HB4319 , HB4317 , HB1225 , HB3076 , HB3081 , HB4226 , SCR17 , HB4432 , HB3304 , HB3411 , HB3435 , HB4339 , HB4331 , HB4341 , HB4342 , HB1770 , HB1016 , HB4113 , HB2950 , HB4141 , HB3277 , HB2988 , HB3029 , HB3338 , HB1889 , HB3834 , HB3831 , HB2939 , HB3045 , HB3657 , HB1739 , HB3759 , HB3755 , HB4484 , HB4486 , HB4108 , HB1250 , HB2961 , HB1219 , HB3025 , HB1782 , HB1907 , HB3718 , HB4459 , HB2976 , HB3548 , HB3545 , HB2952 , HB2929 , HB2956 , HB2973 , HB3055 , HB3086 , HB3040 , HB3794 , HB4336 , HB3151 , HB1590 , HB3581 , HB3313 , HB3429 , HB3448 , HB1752 , HB2650 , HB3584 , HB4202 , HB3586 , HB4321 , HB4280 , HB3650 , HCR1020 , HB2116 , HB2206 , HB4301 , HB3625 , HB3147 , HB3403 , HB3498 , HB3970 , HB3975 , HB3976 , HB3980 , HB4265 , HB4266 , HB3638 , HB3880 , HB3930 , HB3942 , HB3944 , HB4191 , HB3242 , HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Summary: The House convened, took the roll, offered the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and introduced Dr. Zachary Fowler as Doctor of the Day. The chamber also received several visitor introductions, including CPA representatives, Ms. Oklahoma 2025 Tessa Dorrell, Osage County elected officials, and retired firefighters. The floor leader noted a lengthy agenda and moved through second- and third-reading business. Members debated and passed House Bill 437, which updates Oklahoma CPA licensure pathways to align with the 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act and create three structured routes to licensure; it passed 73-0. House Bill 1225, dealing with vital records and birth certificate sex designation language, drew extended debate over self-determination, accuracy of records, and constitutional concerns; it passed 73-18. House Bill 3076 created a new alternative teacher certification pathway and passed 76-17, with debate centered on whether alternative routes help fill shortages or weaken traditional preparation programs. House Bill 381 lowered the age to become a licensed fire extinguisher technician from 21 to 18 and passed 90-0. During debate on the education bill, supporters argued alternative certification can improve recruitment and retention and cited out-of-state programs and retention data, while opponents said it could disincentivize traditional teacher preparation and worsen long-term retention. On the vital records bill, supporters described it as a transparency and accuracy measure, while opponents argued it would impose government judgments on identity and conflict with prior court rulings. After completing the listed business, the House recessed until 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• service program clients from arrest and prosecution for taking samples of substances and using drug testing
• offered by Senator Fortunato, which would permit health care facilities to distribute and use drug testing
• It would exempt health care facility staff using drug testing equipment from arrest and prosecution under
• You know, I understand that providing access for drug testing equipment and all that stuff, but we should
• The amendment provides for the distribution of testing equipment to prevent overdoses, but we draw the

Summary: The committee took executive action on a series of bills, beginning with Engrossed House Bill 2445 on heir finder services and probate. Members adopted Striking Amendment Alpha, which added definitions and guardrails for heir finder agreements, including written filing and court oversight requirements, and then advanced the bill as amended to the Rules Committee. A second proposed striker, Bravo, was rendered out of order after Alpha was adopted. On Engrossed House Bill 1574 concerning access to life-saving care and substance use services, the committee considered several competing amendments. Amendment Charlie was rejected, while Amendment Delta was adopted to narrow protections and add public health and syringe service program provisions. Amendment Echo, which would have limited distribution of drug testing equipment to health care facilities and excluded syringe and smoking equipment, was rejected. Amendment Foxtrot, dealing with fentanyl endangerment and parenting sentencing alternatives, was withdrawn after discussion and then incorporated into a new striking amendment; the bill as amended was sent to the Rules Committee. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on Second Substitute House Bill 2333, expanding protections for elected officials and prosecutors, including security provisions, address confidentiality, residential address redaction, and limited criminal history information sharing, and sent it to Ways and Means. The committee next acted on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care market standards, adopting Amendment Hotel to exempt state-owned or state-operated entities and public hospital districts from filing fees, rejecting Amendment India on fee calculations and refunds, and then sending the bill as amended to Ways and Means. On Engrossed House Bill 2156 regarding Attorney General investigators, the committee rejected several amendments that would have limited criminal investigations, required additional certification, redirected recovered funds, or narrowed the definition of economic and financial crimes, then advanced the bill as amended to the Rules Committee. It also adopted striking amendments on Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a court unification task force and Substitute House Bill 2203 creating reckless interference with emergency operations, sending both bills onward. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2508 on the Office of Independent Investigations and Substitute House Bill 2248 on corporate filings were advanced without amendments, and the committee removed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2095 on vulnerable users of public ways from the day’s exec list. The meeting ended with final votes, committee recommendations, and adjournment, marking the last Law and Justice Committee meeting of the 2026 session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Products, this PCS does the following: It regulates independent laboratories that are required to test
• The PCS regulates Kratom packaging to include aspects such as testing number, total number of servings
• beverage sales, and we're also borrowing some of the regulatory Framework, particularly with regards to testing
• They tested them. I don't want to get into all of that.
• And we needed to test for Kratom because if you add Kratom on top of, whether it's methadone, suboxone