Transcript Highlights:

• ensuring specific and dedicated funding for advanced technical and science, technology, engineering, and math
• ensuring specific and dedicated funding for advanced technical and science, technology, engineering, and math
• ensuring specific and dedicated funding for advanced technical and science, technology, engineering, and math
• born on April 7, 1935, in Glendale, California, Yvonne first captured the hearts of Americans on screen
• before… California, Yvonne first captured the hearts of Americans on screen before.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a journal approval, and a series of guest introductions recognizing groups at the Capitol for Environmental Day, Women’s and Reproductive Health Day, Arizona Nurses Day, Aerospace Day, and International Mother Language Day, along with a Doctor of the Day and a judicial proclamation honoring Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. The chamber also made temporary committee appointments and referred several bills between committees before moving into Committee of the Whole and later third reading votes. The main floor action centered on several SNAP-related bills. SB 1002, dealing with public assistance verification, passed the Committee of the Whole after a Kavanagh floor amendment and then passed third reading 17-9-13, with supporters saying it targets fraud and lowers error rates and opponents arguing it duplicates existing checks, adds bureaucracy, and could harm eligible families. SB 1331, on SNAP military employment and training, SB 1333, on SNAP error-rate audit and penalties, SB 1334, on SNAP work requirement waivers and exemptions, and SB 1368, on SNAP purchase restrictions, all advanced from Committee of the Whole and then passed third reading by the same 17-13 margin, with Democrats and some others warning they would increase hunger, burden rural and tribal communities, and restrict access, while supporters said they promote work, accountability, and healthier choices. The Senate also considered SB 1638, a tax conformity bill. A Sundareshan floor amendment to narrow the bill to standard deduction conformity was debated at length, with supporters saying it would protect most taxpayers from filing confusion and limit revenue loss, and opponents arguing it removed other agreed-upon tax provisions and still left uncertainty. The amendment failed 17-13, the Finance Committee amendment was adopted, and SB 1638 then passed as amended. Finally, SCR 1011, a concurrent resolution calling for a federal constitutional convention on congressional term limits, received a do pass recommendation and passed the Committee of the Whole.

Transcript Highlights:

• These screen captures are actually from my phone. So the one on the left is from Mina.
• These screen captures are actually from my phone. So the one on the left is from Mina.
• educating teachers on how to incorporate financial education into their history lessons, into their math
• educating teachers on how to incorporate financial education into their history lessons, into their math
• I did the math on how long ago that was, and I did not appreciate how long ago that was.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s cannabis market study, presented by JLARC staff member Susanna Pratt. The report found Washington’s cannabis production in 2023 was likely two to three times higher than retail sales, with production estimated at 292,000 to 443,000 pounds of THC versus 139,000 pounds sold. Pratt explained that canopy data are inconsistent and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s traceability system is incomplete and unreliable, limiting data-driven regulation, tax verification, recall tracking, and diversion enforcement. JLARC recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 for obtaining accurate licensee data by the end of 2026; LCB partially concurred and said a 2027 timeline may be more realistic. JLARC also concluded that the social equity producer licenses would likely have only a minimal effect on statewide production capacity, and suggested the legislature consider broader ways to increase equity in the industry. Members asked about the slow issuance of social equity licenses and about comparable traceability systems in other states. The committee then heard a series of presentations on fraud and scam prevention. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association described the scale of fraud losses, the role of telecom spoofing, social media scam ads, SIM farms, and crypto ATMs, and argued for a shared-responsibility approach involving banks, telecoms, and platforms. Katie Clark of IQ Credit Union described member-to-member fraud, romance scams, and the operational and financial impacts on credit unions, and recommended better information sharing, safe harbors for returning scam-related funds, and stronger fraud education. Kyle Innes of SIFMA highlighted investor fraud and Washington’s 2009 report-and-hold law, which he said helped shape similar protections in most states, and emphasized the need for better communication among financial firms, APS, and law enforcement. Brian Gerard and Ali Higgs from the Department of Financial Institutions discussed “pig butchering” and other investment scams, focusing on how scammers build trust through social media, dating apps, fake websites, and crypto schemes before extracting funds. Across the fraud presentations, witnesses repeatedly stressed consumer education, interagency information sharing, and stronger controls on telecom, social media, and crypto ATM activity. Members asked about model laws from other states, the role of financial education in schools, and whether crypto ATMs should be regulated or banned. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea today is just to get it on your radar screen and to talk about this, because at some point there
• /c><00:10:37.120> on<00:10:37.279> your<00:10:37.440> radar<00:10:37.839> screen
• ><00:10:38.160> and<00:10:38.399> to<00:10:38.640> talk get it on your radar screen
• and to talk get it on your radar screen and to talk about<00:10:39.120> this<00:10:40.160>
• teacher, that special ed that math teacher, that special ed teacher,<00:46:33.839> that<00:46

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:09 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:42 Approval of Minutes: 00:03:23 Overview of Actuarial Audit Process: 00:03:47 Overview of Reemployment After Retirement Provisions: 00:25:26 Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:25:26 Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:50:32 Adjournment: 01:02:55, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with quorum, approval of the prior minutes, and an announcement that the June meeting had been canceled and replaced by this combined May/June meeting; the next official PPOB meeting was announced for July 21 at 2:30. Staff then gave an overview of the Public Pension Oversight Board’s required actuarial audit process, explaining that House Bill 238 requires a review every five years of the retirement systems’ actuarial assumptions and methods, funded by the systems themselves. The presentation distinguished this audit from a financial or forensic audit, described the three possible audit levels (full replication, limited/spot review, or basic review), and noted that the last audit in 2021 was a level one performed by Milleman Consulting at a cost of about $190,000. Members discussed timing for the next audit cycle, with a request to LRC likely needed in July or August to target the June 30, 2026 valuation, and several members expressed interest in another level one review. Questions also addressed whether prior audits found major issues; staff said the 2021 review was generally clean but recommended more consistency in reporting and assumptions across systems. The committee then welcomed new staff and interns, including Odet Guanzi of KPPPA and Team Kentucky intern Amamira Bowman. Bo Barnes of the Teachers Retirement System presented an overview of the statutory framework for reemployment after retirement under KRS 161.605. He explained that the law is intended to let retirees return to help with staffing needs, do so in an actuarially sound way through required contributions, and keep TRS compliant with federal tax rules for a qualified plan under section 401(a). Barnes described the required breaks in service and earnings limits for retirees returning part-time or full-time, including the three-month or 12-month break depending on the employer, the 6,900-day limit, and the daily wage threshold based on years of service. He also noted a lightly used critical shortage program that allows school districts to hire retirees without a wage cap, while still observing the break-in-service rules. Members asked questions about who decides the scope and level of the actuarial audit, how the audit would treat leave balances and other benefit-related items, and whether the prior level one audit identified substantial problems. Staff said the committee would request the audit, but LRC would handle contracting, and that the audit scope could include items like sick leave and annual leave costs if requested. On the reemployment topic, Barnes emphasized that the rules are designed to avoid pre-arranged retire-and-return arrangements that could jeopardize TRS’s tax-qualified status. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the meeting concluded with the presentations and discussion of these pension oversight issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certain violations may be known to workers, such as perhaps pointing a phone at the screen or leaving
• and they'll tell you how frustrating it is to deal with these automated application processes of screening
• SAG-AFTRA is Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
• I quit my job in ad tech in 2012 to write a book called Weapons of Math Destruction, subtitled How Big
• I quit my job in ad tech in 2012 to write a book called Weapons of Math Destruction, subtitled How Big

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation. A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The secondary math teacher, maybe not. I don't know.
• The secondary math teacher, maybe not. I don't know.
• The secondary um math meet this.
• I'm not saying that shop teachers or math teachers didn't appreciate it.
• or math teachers didn't appreciate<01:40:44.000> it.

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And our risk ID, you know, universal screening of all veterans is very much that strategy.
• I'm not seeing how the math is going to work out there.
• We support the use of the Columbia Protocol as the sole requirement screening tool.
• Second, screening and eligibility.
• Chief among them is the required use of the Columbia screening tool.

Keywords: veterans, mental health, suicide prevention, Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Grant Program, HOPE Act, BRAVE Act, Every State Counts for Vets Mental Health Act, advocacy, legislation, mental health resources

Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, they are going around and training physicians on how to do comprehensive screening so
• So what I wanted to talk to the screen and tell this morning, you're always going to have turnover.
• The screen until this morning, you're always going to have turnover.
• But the one thing I wanted to talk back into the screen while they were talking about this this morning
• So when it was originally $100,000, at that point in time, they did the math out that if they continued

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , teacher for to teach algebra, math, teacher for to teach algebra, math, English,<00:33:43.919><
• <00:46:36.319> and chalkboard or on a a white screen and chalkboard or on a a white screen
• The math initiative will focus on grades two through eight.
• The math initiative that opportunity.
• the literacy initiative, the math the literacy initiative, the math initiative,<01:19:12.560>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• That works closely in tandem with math and cyber and computer science.
• , and then you get into the engineering, which is the application of that math.
• So here's this math concept.
• Which college math course did you take?
• It's a lot of math. Sure. But the data exists. Okay. Sure. But the data exists. Okay.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• off of the program, both from some no longer qualifying for MA but also what we would call in the math
• off of the program, both from some no longer qualifying for MA but also what we would call in the math
• off of the program, both from some no longer qualifying for MA but also what we would call in the math
• Again, I'll go back to the green screens. They're the ones that are deeming the eligibility.
• Uh they're the ones that green screens.

Bills: HR1

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What we did is we made reading and math core things, and so whatever you’re reading, we made sure you
• And I think reading and math are things like that.
• And I think reading and math are things like that.
• And I think reading and math are things like that.
• And I think reading and math are things like that.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like it's on screen now. Let's go ahead and advance to the next slide.
• The slide that you see on the screen right now is specific to the appropriation for the medical school
• Representative Anie asked for a double-check of the math, saying that the grant amounts for the asked
• uh I did not do well in high school math uh I did not do well in high school math but<00:42:25.240
• On the screen is a map of the graduates currently practicing in locations throughout Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dot Seth, we had math core from Wrap Way.
• Section one modifies the Math Core Program, requiring it to use evidence-based instructional support.
• section has some changes from the base budget to particular programs, including MapStars, Minnesota Math
• It requires these programs, if they're selecting evidence-based screening tools, training, curriculum
• Line 16 shows the Minnesota math program increase, so they are receiving an increase of $1 million in

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues back of the napkin uh math colleagues back of the napkin uh math last<00:52:55.440>
• bad math. bad math. >> That's<00:53:02.160> all<00:53:02.240> right.
• <01:00:23.760> The provide some basically screening.
• The provide some basically screening.
• Then there's the study math error.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't do math. We're lowering the bar and just pushing people right through to graduate.
• They can't do math. at grade level. They can't do math.
• not able to articulate words or do math. not able to articulate words or do math.
• Um that would the screening<03:20:37.200> would<03:20:37.439> include<03:20:38.160>
• /c><03:23:24.479> Senate screening at the Minnesota Senate screening at the Minnesota Senate building

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• need of another investigation and really being able to help us determine which of those that are screened
• And if my math is correct, since April, you're on a trajectory of 1.25 deaths per month with children
• versus screened out cases.
• And this says that 46% are screened out, just almost half, 46% are screened out.
• I see it plastered all over my TV screen.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, these dollars help us add extra reading and math interventionists and social workers.
• :12:35.839> and dollars help us add extra reading and dollars help us add extra reading and math
• Improved requirements for screening have helped ensure that all—excuse me—improved requirements for screening
• for screening have helped ensure<00:13:54.839> that<00:13:55.240> all<00:13:55.839>
• have to help requirements for screening have to help ensure<00:14:00.199> that<00:14:00.360><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's everything from adult basic ed to preschool to adults with disabilities, early childhood screening
• Programs facilitating early childhood screening, or just those preschool experiences, we really are that
• /c><00:25:45.520> there<00:25:45.640> on<00:25:45.799> your<00:25:45.919> screen
• instructors right there on your screen instructors right there on your screen and<00:25:46.360><
• Teaching is hard enough, and I have loved that I can be a content expert in math or reading and not in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This mandated the human trafficking screening tool and validation of the same if possible, authorized
• This mandated the human trafficking screening tool and validating of the same if possible, authorizing
• So I was doing the math and I think that's 36 kids, right?
• As you heard, DCF updated the human trafficking screening tool and created an electronic version.
• Step into Success, as you can see on the screen, is structured around two key components.

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received three presentations and took no bill votes. The Department of Children and Families gave an extensive update on human trafficking prevention and services, describing Florida’s statutory framework, hotline and investigation data, placement options such as safe houses and safe foster homes, new adult safe house certification rules, expanded screening tools for vulnerable adults, and prevention efforts including youth-led outreach and training. Members asked about whether current funding is sufficient, how DCF addresses grooming and re-victimization in residential settings, and how long youth typically remain in safe-house placements; DCF said funding is only one part of the support system, that families and youth receive prevention resources even when allegations are not substantiated, and that placement length varies by child. OPPAGA then presented its 2024 annual report on commercial sexual exploitation of children. The report found that verified CSE victims slightly declined in 2023, with Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, and Escambia among the highest-prevalence counties. Most verified victims were community youth rather than children already in care, though dependent youth had higher rates of prior maltreatment. OPPAGA also reported continued concerns about limited placement capacity, especially for less restrictive Tier 1 safe houses, and service gaps such as the need for survivor mentors. Its recommendations focused on expanding placement options, improving data collection, and strengthening collaboration to support survivor mentors. Finally, DCF presented the Step into Success pilot program for current and former foster youth ages 16 to 26. The program combines workforce education, professional development, and paid internships with mentor support; the first cohort launched in 2024 with 15 participants, all of whom secured placements, and the department reported strong satisfaction and early outcomes. Committee members asked about scalability, costs, and whether the model could be moved beyond DCF-run operations into community-based providers. DCF said the program was designed to be scalable, currently costs about $500,000 annually for the pilot, and could be expanded statewide with additional funding and partner support. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• developmental research schools are implementing Florida's new standards, improving K-12 literacy, science, math
• having spoken to him on numerous occasions, was not sure what he wanted to do but knew that he enjoyed math
• National Science Foundation research, we've engaged in work around exploring methods for reducing math
• National Science Foundation research, we've engaged in work around exploring methods for reducing math
• As you can see from the data on the screen, our students have published 87 peer-reviewed journals.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met to receive an update from Florida developmental research lab schools on articulated health care programs created under the Live Healthy initiative and Senate Bill 76. Chair Calatayud opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum, and heard presentations from P.K. Young/University of Florida, Florida State University Schools, FAMU Developmental Research School, and Florida Atlantic University Laboratory School. Each school described efforts to build K-12-to-postsecondary health care pathways, expand dual enrollment and industry certifications, and share replicable curriculum models with other districts. FSU Schools highlighted its HERO program, including CNA and food manager certifications, dual enrollment growth, reserve seating at colleges, and a paid internship with the Department of Health tied to emergency shelter operations. P.K. Young described its Healthy Lives Blueprint, which combines K-8 wellness experiences, a new high school health and human performance pathway, AP and science course expansion, a planned gymnasium redesign, and partnerships with Santa Fe College and UF. FAMU DRS reported growing dual enrollment, partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State, and Lively, and a goal of serving at least 100 students and 40 staff through health career exposure, certifications, and AA/AS pathways. FAU Lab School described a more advanced model that integrates elementary through high school research and health science experiences, including biotechnology, bioengineering, and partnerships with health and research institutions. The school reported 87 peer-reviewed student publications, more than $350,000 in student grants, six patents, and pipelines into FAU’s medical and nursing programs, including a Med Direct pathway and a National Merit Scholar pipeline. Committee members asked about student readiness for nursing programs, dual enrollment, articulation with state colleges, and how the lab school models could be disseminated statewide. The meeting concluded with praise for the programs and a motion by Senator Fine to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.