Video & Transcript Research : 'SAT'
Page 22 of 182
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child Committee Meeting - 2026-04-14
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- comment that was just a few weeks ago um our HHS director and one of our lead uh supervisors in HHS sat
- here and and supervisors in HHS sat here and and testified<00:41:38.280>
to <00:41:38.360> - If I sat at the same table as you, even to hear the amendment of a delay.
- If<00:59:00.970>
[snorts] <00:59:01.200>I <00:59:02.040>sat <00:59:02.600>at< - at the same table of If [snorts] I sat at the same table of as<00:59:04.120>
you, <00:59:04.640
Keywords:
child welfare, African American children, racial disproportionality, family preservation, reunification, foster care, kinship care, relative placement, noncustodial parent, guardian ad litem, ombudsperson, Department of Human Services, county social services, active efforts, reasonable efforts, child protection, placement, out-of-home placement, Northstar kinship assistance, data disaggregation
Summary:
The Children and Families Committee adopted the April 8 minutes and then took up House File 4407, as amended by the A1 amendment. The amendment, explained by nonpartisan staff, incorporated much of the Senate version of related legislation and made a series of changes: it revised the definition of “disproportionately represented child,” shifted that determination to the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families, made technical cross-reference and terminology updates, adjusted training requirements, set the working group to expire December 31, 2027, and added an appropriation for statewide implementation. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then referred the bill to Ways and Means.
Representative Gilman said the bill is intended to preserve the goals of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act while addressing operational, legal, and fiscal problems before statewide implementation. He argued for delaying the effective date by one year, shifting case review responsibilities to the state, and providing funding so counties are not left with an unfunded mandate. He also said the bill adds safety measures related to synthetic opioids and other imminent-harm concerns, and that the delay would allow the working group to finish its recommendations and give counties time to prepare.
County officials Steve Schmidt of Meeker County/Minnesota Rural Counties and Jenny Mojo of Clay County testified in support of the bill as amended, emphasizing that counties need clearer responsibilities, staffing, training, technology, and dependable funding to implement the law successfully. Rebecca St. George of DCYF said “active efforts” is not absolutely defined and is determined case by case, often with court involvement. Members raised questions about the meaning of active efforts, the bill’s synthetic opioid language, and whether the proposal should apply more broadly rather than within this specific act. A citizen also cautioned that the opioid language should not unintentionally affect families in treatment programs. Representative Hicks warned that the fentanyl provisions could lead to broad removals and create placement problems for teens with substance use disorder, while Representative Gilman responded that the bill includes a rebuttable presumption and is meant to protect children from imminent harm.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I sat on the committee in 23 and I don't remember any conversation.
- <01:26:32.960>
on <01:26:33.040>the <01:26:33.199>committee information. and I sat - on the committee information. and I sat on the committee in<01:26:33.760>
23 <01:26:34.239> - ><01:45:27.199>
on <01:45:27.360>this <01:45:27.520>committee years ago when I sat - on this committee years ago when I sat on this committee and<01:45:28.320>
I <01:45:28.639>
Summary:
The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits.
Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, there's varying degrees of bullying, and I've sat down with four of these mothers for about three
- Um, there's varying degrees of bullying, and I've sat down with four of these mothers for about three
- varying degrees of bullying and the<00:01:53.119>
and <00:01:53.280>I've <00:01:53.520>sat - with<00:01:54.799>
four <00:01:55.040>of <00:01:55.200>these the and I've sat - down with four of these the and I've sat down with four of these mothers<00:01:56.479>
for <00
Keywords:
education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:56:47.599>
We <00:56:47.839>sat <00:56:48.160>with <00:56:48.319>no - We sat with no get paid and who was not.
- We sat with no operating<00:56:49.119>
funds, <00:56:50.000>no <00:56:50.319>money <01:41:09.760>- So when you get to the attorney general investigation after you've sat through and gone out of business
through investigation after you've sat through investigation after you've sat
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Yet I sat in a meeting two weeks ago in the Education Policy Committee and heard Representative Cresa
- Today, two weeks ago, as today, I sat in the Education Policy hearing and listened to students movingly
- in<01:12:42.280>
a <01:12:42.360>meeting <01:12:42.679>two education yet I sat - in a meeting two education yet I sat in a meeting two weeks<01:12:43.199>
ago <01:12:43.920>- <01:13:30.360>
in today two weeks ago as today I sat in today two weeks ago as today I sat - <01:13:30.360>
Keywords:
railroad, infrastructure, transportation funding, environmental remediation, capital investment, 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
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/18/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- He said they sat there for 20 minutes talking about what's happening in the federal government and you
- He said they sat there for 20 minutes talking about what's happening in the federal government and you
- He said they sat there for 20 minutes talking about what's happening in the federal government and you
- He said they sat there for 20 minutes talking about what's happening in the federal government and you
- He said they sat there for 20 minutes talking about what's happening in the federal government and you
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, I sat on a couple committees in the Senate where the bill was heard through the process.
- You know, I sat on a couple committees in the Senate where the bill was heard through the process.
- I never forget, Senator Rousan sat me down.
- And we sat here for a couple days, and when you all leave, it's great being local because I just come
- Why aren't we focusing on the fact that we are 47th from the bottom with SAT scores?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of the day’s doctor of the day, an intern, and a resolution honoring the late Bob Graham and firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber also adopted a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day. After routine announcements, the Senate moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion bills substituted in place of Senate versions.
The first major floor action was passage of a tax-related bill conforming Florida’s Internal Revenue Code to federal changes while excluding certain provisions from H.R. 1; it passed 34-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 1758 on public assistance and Medicaid, which proposed stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services, pharmacy and drug rebate reforms, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. A Berman amendment to require Medicaid expansion before work requirements was rejected, as was an Osgood amendment to add photo-ID protections and exemptions for certain SNAP users. The bill remained on the calendar for third reading after extensive debate and questioning about implementation, exemptions, and potential impacts on beneficiaries.
The chamber also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on gold and silver legal tender, public records exemptions for financial institutions and custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government finance transparency, digital voyeurism, and insurance customer representative licensing. Most of these measures were adopted after brief explanation, minor amendments, or substitution of House companions, with votes generally in favor and several passing unanimously or by wide margins.
Later, the Senate took up CS/SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin access, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition. The bill’s first amendments clarified anti-kickback rules for vaccine manufacturers and required informational materials to address risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy; the transcript ends during consideration of this bill, before final passage is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-06 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, I sat on a couple committees in the Senate where the bill was heard through the process.
- You know, I sat on a couple committees in the Senate where the bill was heard through the process.
- I never forget, Senator Rouson sat me down.
- And we sat here for a couple days, and when you all leave, it's great being local because I just come
- Why aren't we focusing on the fact that we are 47th from the bottom with SAT scores?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects.
The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage.
Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I sat on a couple committees in the Senate where the bill was heard through the process.
- You know, I sat on a couple committees in the Senate where the bill was heard through the process.
- I never forget, Senator Rouson sat me down.
- And we sat here for a couple days, and when you all leave, it's great being local because I just come
- Why aren't we focusing on the fact that we are 47th from the bottom with SAT scores?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including a resolution honoring Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a special-order calendar with multiple bills, many of them paired with House companions and amended before final passage. Early action included adoption of a tax conformity bill tied to federal changes in the Internal Revenue Code, with a 34-0 vote.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758, a Medicaid and SNAP reform bill. The sponsor described provisions to strengthen fraud enforcement, impose work requirements for able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services through a waiver, modernize Medicaid drug purchasing, and require a SNAP fraud-reduction plan and photo ID on EBT cards. Democrats offered amendments to delay work requirements until Medicaid expansion and to add protections for SNAP users such as caregivers, seniors, disabled individuals, and domestic violence survivors; both amendments failed. Senators also questioned implementation details, exemptions, and potential effects on vulnerable populations. After debate, the bill was placed on the calendar for third reading.
The Senate also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a public records exemption and related Parkinson’s Disease Registry measures, designation of the SS American Victory as the state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on legal tender recognition for gold and silver, public records protections for financial and digital-asset custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government budget transparency, digital voyeurism, insurance customer representative licensing, and a medical freedom bill with amendments on vaccine-related materials and anti-kickback provisions. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though the public records bill for gold/silver custodians and the legal tender repeal drew a few dissenting votes.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, and if I sat in district family court, that would mean that I'd have to stop practicing family law
- Um, and over the past three years, I have sat as a PDM family court judge.
- And over the three years, I've sat in every division in family court.
- And I've also sat on the domestic division, which is all of the divorces.
- And having sat there, I've always felt if we can give them the services now, be there for them now, give
Summary:
The committee hearing covered three judicial confirmations for the First Circuit family court. The first nominee, Maria F. Penn, was introduced for confirmation to a six-year term as a district family court judge. Testimony from family law attorneys and the Hawaii State Bar Association was strongly supportive, emphasizing her courtroom demeanor, preparation, knowledge of family law, respect for litigants and counsel, and ability to manage emotionally difficult family court matters. Judge Penn also spoke about her background, including her legal career, prior service as a PDM family court judge, and her view that family court requires both legal judgment and empathy. The chair noted that the committee would not vote that day and would take up votes the next morning.
The second nomination was Wilson Aunga for a district family court judgeship. Supporters described his character, community involvement, and suitability for family court, including testimony from the Honolulu prosecutor, longtime friends, classmates, community members, and others. Speakers highlighted his work with youth, his leadership in the prosecutor’s office, his calm and impartial temperament, and his commitment to education and public service. The chair reported 105 supporters, no opposition, and one comment from the Hawaii State Bar Association. Additional testimony continued from members of the public, including a speaker discussing mental health and personal support for Aunga.
Throughout the hearing, the chair enforced a two-minute limit on oral testimony and explained that the committee was short on time and would recess as needed. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair announced that voting would occur the following day in the same room.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:11.759>
I've <00:16:12.079>sat <00:16:12.320>across <00:16:12.639> - I've sat across from heat was cut off.
- And we all sit silent—not members of this committee, but most of us sat silent—and never mentioned the
- this committee, but most of us sat this committee, but most of us sat silent<00:23:56.559>
and - I've sat down and I will tell you the next time you can't sleep for a month, go through them because
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12
Approval of Minutes 00:02:25
Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48
Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58
Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56
Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members.
The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky.
Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- When I first started and became a senator, I sat down with Willie Jet, the commissioner, and, you know
- that you all spoke of earlier, that somebody talked about earlier, that training, we did not—I also sat
- that you all spoke of earlier, that somebody talked about earlier, that training, we did not—I also sat
- that you all spoke of earlier, that somebody talked about earlier, that training, we did not—I also sat
- that you all spoke of earlier, that somebody talked about earlier, that training, we did not—I also sat
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Fri Feb 7, 2025 @ 8:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- When I finally did stop crying, my mom sat me down for a few moments and she noticed an advertisement
- When I finally did stop crying, my mom sat me down for a few moments and she noticed an advertisement
- When I finally did stop crying, my mom sat me down for a few moments and she noticed an advertisement
- When I finally did stop crying, my mom sat me down for a few moments and she noticed an advertisement
- fellow nurse and good friend who sat fellow nurse and good friend who sat right<02:40:34.080>
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility.
The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost.
The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 28340 amending section 2836 forward so I sat you being to driver's license the committee on Wilson
- Briefly, as I sat here listening to the Democrats take on this budget, I said to myself, why the hell
- House Bill 4155, an act amending sections 4-1-205, 2-2-6, 5-2-3, and 5-211, 5-12, and 5-11, Sat 2-1-1
- House Bill 416, not committing Section 36, 799-50, 1-0-0-7-29-8-1-1-2-8-Sat 2-8-Sat 2-8-8-1-8-8-1-8-8
Summary:
The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations.
The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As they've reported to us, you've sat with them for a number of hours. Thank you.
- To us, you've sat with them for a number of hours and have given unfettered access so that they can do
- heard from officials from Kerr County, City of Kerrville, the River Authority, and for those of us that sat
- understand that, and I probably am sometimes, but right now we've been here for 12 hours and you've sat
- Now we've been here for 12 hours and you've sat here the whole time, and it's been hard.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Special Education Funding Committee Mar 4th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So I sat for six hours after that half day with the guy that owned EDAPT, and I said, man, we got to
- So we sat and talked for six hours, and he turned on Gemini and we recorded our entire conversation,
- So we sat and talked for six hours, and he turned on Gemini and we recorded our entire conversation,
- And he sat and trained us for an entire day. He was trying to open our minds.
- But as I've sat here the last year and a half, I haven't heard any of you say that.
Summary:
The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area.
The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras.
Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas Representative Herrera also sat on the board of New Mexico Voices for Children, the Family
- We sat by each other, we talked with each other, sometimes we even kind of commiserated together.
- When we sat there, we complained about people on both sides of the aisle.
- No, you know, she was the chairwoman of Ag when I sat on Ag and Water, and we had a big, tall red...
- ...of Ag when I sat on Ag and Water.
Bills:
HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 04/02/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- I sat with him and I said, 'Guess what? We have a program. We did it together.' Filled it out.
- I sat with him and I said, 'Guess what? We have a program. We did it together.' Filled it out.
- I<00:35:05.359>
sat <00:35:05.599>with <00:35:05.760>him <00:35:05.920>and I sat with him and I said, "Guess what? I sat with him and I said, "Guess what?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee considers HF628 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, well, they were developed in 1980 and a group of people sat together to write them, and I continued
- Oh, well, they were developed in 1980 and a group of people sat together to write them, and I continued
- /c><00:43:07.640>
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to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services budget bill aimed at 'restoring trust' passes House 5/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because Representative Pinto, you and I have sat in the exact same rooms for the last two years in the
- Because Representative Pinto, you and I have sat in the exact same rooms for the last two years in the
- Because Representative Pinto, you and I have sat in the exact same rooms for the last two years in the
- Because Representative Pinto, you and I have sat in the exact same rooms for the last two years in the
- in the exact same rooms for the have sat in the exact same rooms for the last<01:17:28.800>
two
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 4476, described as the human services program integrity package, and first adopted a motion declaring urgency so the bill could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language, followed by a technical A7 amendment clarifying that prepayment review would apply to all fee-for-service systems.
Members then debated the A5 amendment, which would have removed a sunset on the periodic data matching reporting requirement tied to eligibility checks for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. Supporters argued the report is essential for fraud prevention, accountability, and ensuring only eligible recipients receive benefits, citing missed or delayed reports and claiming the process can save the state money. Opponents said the report had been received, that federal HR1 changes would require different data-matching procedures, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, the A5 amendment failed, 63-67.
The House next debated the A6 amendment, which would require DHS reporting on homelessness programs, including outcomes, costs, and participant movement, and would allow recoupment of funds if reporting was not provided. Supporters said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness without clear results and needs better data to guide policy; opponents said homelessness reporting and stakeholder work are already underway and objected to the amendment’s approach. Debate continued with questions about the amendment’s details and stakeholder consultation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on A6.