Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 287 of 500
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development May 5th, 2026
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the second part of it does that.
- I'm not familiar with the second part. The first part, I don't see any problem.
- I'm not familiar with what you're talking about on the second part, so I don't know if I can answer that
- The community colleges support both parts of this bill.
- It's part of the bill I agree with and part of it I don't agree with.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- deadline with this committee, so it's important that as we start this process, everybody does their part
- The second would be fiscal Analysis and cost methodology, which is a part of the Raigns Act.
- For the most part, yes, but I didn't really want that to be on the record.
- If it grows more this year, a large part is going to be because of us.
- I appreciate you stepping up and doing your part.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- That was my first part.
- And that just sort of goes into the waitlist part again.
- I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
- I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
- Maybe the part that could help, you know, kind of deal with that obstacle there. Dr.
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed several vacant membership slots, including positions tied to the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian appointments. Members said they would try to fill the vacancies and, if not, include the issue in the legislative report and consider statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
The task force then heard from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association and Civitan Services about DDPA’s role in supporting 80 provider organizations serving more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 75 counties. They described services such as early intervention day programs, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services, and said autism falls within the populations they serve. They also shared survey information on services used by older adults with IDD and offered contact information for providers.
Members also heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to add licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while noting that Arkansas Medicaid already pays for some of these evaluations. Task force members and Dr. Scott discussed the roles of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and the possibility of using training or board oversight to ensure evaluators are properly qualified, with some noting that speech pathologists’ inclusion has historical and clinical roots. The task force also said it still needs a future discussion on fraud, plans to invite the Attorney General’s office, and wants to identify priorities for the 2027 session before adjourning.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- That was my first part, explaining who DDPA is and what we do and what we represent.
- Then the next part is that when Ms.
- And that just sort of goes into the wait-list part again, that there's a lot of pieces aside from just
- I know that with autism, communication is a huge part of the diagnosis.
- I think there is a scope of which professionals should be a part of that in professional guidelines.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and his wise counsel, but I am grateful for his friendship and the wisdom he shared will always be a part
- Parts of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted.
- Hopefully everyone will come and take part in the Rose Bowl game and the parade.
- I know that my... ...will come and take part in the Rose Bowl game and the parade.
- This is your part.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day.
The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote.
After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 2nd, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- They can definitely be part of the recommendations that we get down into.
- It's all these people that are out there that aren't in part of the workforce, and they are part of that
- Well, but the group that you're talking about is exactly who we're trying to get part of this.
- Yes, definitely part of the conversation.
- Well, that's definitely part of this committee's task.
Summary:
The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity as part of a broader study of social service and workforce development reform under Act 145 of 2025. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, and “one door to work” system that would combine eligibility screening, service delivery, and workforce connections across DHS, workforce, and related programs. Much of the discussion focused on reducing administrative overhead, improving coordination, and using tools such as AI and centralized databases to help applicants learn about benefits, training, and job opportunities while still preserving case managers and in-person help for people without digital access.
Members also emphasized targeting groups with low labor-force participation, including people in generational poverty, rural residents, individuals reentering from prison, and people involved in the court system who may be employable but are not currently connected to employers. Several members raised concerns about benefit cliffs, the burden of repeated paperwork across agencies, and whether the system should include performance measures tied to cost per person served and return on investment. The committee agreed that quantifiable savings and outcomes should be part of the study and future recommendations.
The committee then considered and discussed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study. Bureau of Legislative Research staff explained that the contract would run through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, billed on actual hours and expenses, and could be expanded by up to 10% if needed. Bishop said he could provide ongoing ROI updates and technical assistance based on his experience in other states. After discussion, the committee voted to move forward with the contract, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So if it can be part of the tax package, that would be great.
- So if it can be part of the tax package, that would be great.
- And part of our responsibility, New Mexicans got the rug pulled out from under them.
- My understanding also is there some permitting issues in some parts of the state?
- We can't afford a new roof and solar, and this wasn't part of it.
Summary:
The committee began with roll call, noting several members present and others absent, and then announced that HB 338 had been rolled. The first bill taken up was HB 332, a committee substitute authorizing or reauthorizing 376 previously approved capital projects, with changes that could extend reversion dates, alter purposes, or change administering agencies. After no public comment, members asked about the reauthorization period, project listings, and how HB 332 would interact with HB 247, which had been passed earlier in the session. The committee clarified that HB 332’s projects would be grandfathered in and that the standard extension is two years. The committee then voted 12-0 to do pass the committee substitute and do not pass the original HB 332.
The committee next heard SB 55, which would increase a state solar tax credit from 10% to 30% while keeping the existing $30 million cap and sunset date. Legislative Finance Committee staff explained that the credit had been scored at about $9 million in recent years, so the bill would create an estimated $21 million general fund impact. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would help New Mexico’s solar industry after the federal credit changed, preserve jobs, support small businesses, farmers, tribal communities, and lower-income households, and promote clean energy. Public testimony was strongly in favor, including from industry representatives, tribal advocates, and individual homeowners, while no opposition testified.
Committee members raised concerns about fiscal impact, whether the credit should be part of the tax package, and whether an income test should be added. Some members also described consumer-protection concerns involving solar contracts, liens, and misunderstandings about credits and installation costs. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stand alone but acknowledged the fiscal issue and said it could be considered in the tax package. The committee ultimately voted 11-1 to table SB 55, with members noting it could be revisited later in the session.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm part of this bill. I think it's very important.
- I assume it's going to take into account full-time, part-time students.
- Part of the issue was that it wasn't that these kits had made it to the crime lab.
- So, Madam Chair, this is the frustrating part. It's like, what the hell is going on?
- And one of the things that was a part of the Survivor's Bill of Rights One of the things that was a part
Keywords:
SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 132, a Department of Information Technology modernization measure sponsored by Senator Padilla. The bill would update state IT statutes to explicitly include software and cloud-based services alongside hardware and equipment, with the goal of improving planning, procurement, security, and efficiency. Secretary Manny Budettas said the change would help modernize secure services, reduce emergency fixes, and better align state purchasing with current software-as-a-service models. Members asked about centralized integration across branches of government, cybersecurity protections, the revolving fund, and agency billing; the bill was reported out with a do pass on the committee substitute.
The committee then considered Senate Memorial 16, which asks Higher Education to convene a task force on parenting students in New Mexico’s higher education system. Senator Harmeo and witnesses described barriers such as child care, transportation, flexible scheduling, and financial hardship, and said the memorial would gather data and recommendations rather than create a new program. Members discussed how the survey would be administered, whether it would include full-time and part-time students, and how online or out-of-state students would be handled; the memorial was approved with a do pass.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Memorial 17, sponsored by Senator Lopez, directing DPS and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits. Witnesses reviewed the 2016 task force that addressed a backlog of more than 5,000 untested kits and said a new backlog of 1,419 kits is now beyond the 180-day testing target. Members expressed strong concern about the delays, asked about lab capacity, possible use of private or additional labs, and the lack of penalties for missing the deadline. The memorial passed with a do pass, and the committee then recessed.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's part of it too.
- And that's part of it >> Yeah, correct.
- >> The<00:09:32.880><c> circuit</c><00:09:33.200><c> part</c><00:09:33.519><c> two.
- </c> >> The circuit part two. >> The circuit part two.
- I do love the part where >> All right.
Bills:
HB150
Keywords:
improvement district, special assessment, assessment lien, public infrastructure, bond financing, bond interest rate, county commission, tax assessor, tax collector, judge of probate, ad valorem tax, tax lien, tax sale, foreclosure, delinquent taxes, municipal finance, public improvements, infrastructure financing, collection enforcement, property lien
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's done by making available the same technical manuals, parts manuals, schematics, and diagnostic
- Our dealership's parts and service division has many obligations, including maintaining minimum parts
- and independent service techs who install those parts on their own.
- So there's just a lot of moving parts to it, but we're in full support of trying to make sure we work
- You answered part of my question with your opening statement on the frivolous litigation.
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and reported favorably several bills. SB 386, by Sen. Trumbull, would create consumer rights and manufacturer obligations for defective farm equipment, modeled on lemon-law concepts, and passed without opposition. SB 528, also by Sen. Trumbull, would strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector through Department of Commerce responsibilities, a chief manufacturing officer role, workforce grants, and reporting requirements; it drew questions about whether it differed from last year’s bill and was supported by several appearance forms before passing favorably. SB 806, a right-to-repair bill for portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most testimony: supporters said it would expand consumer choice and repair access, while dealers and industry representatives argued existing manufacturer agreements already provide access and warned the bill could disrupt dealer/manufacturer relationships and future technology; it nevertheless passed favorably.
The committee also approved SB 696 on trademark registration, which would modernize the trademark classification system, allow online applications, and clarify document verification procedures, and SB 930, which creates a 15-member Florida Retirement Savings Task Force to study retirement coverage gaps and recommend policy options without imposing employer mandates. SB 826, by Sen. Leak, would address reward cards that function like gift cards but expire, while excluding loyalty programs; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association raised concerns about unintended consequences and the need for tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said the language would be refined. SB 874 would expand professional licensure reciprocity for experienced out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, and it also passed favorably.
After a pause, the committee took up CS/SB 838 on electronic payments of retail installment contracts. Sen. Yarbrough said the bill clarifies that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, provided they are disclosed and a fee-free option remains available, to reduce ambiguity and litigation. Members questioned whether the bill could authorize or expand fees and whether the “reasonable” standard was sufficiently clear; the sponsor said the fees are tied to processor costs and are not intended as revenue. An amendment adding the word “retail” was adopted, and the committee substitute was reported favorably. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on bills they had missed, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- That's done by making available the same technical manuals, parts manuals, schematics, and diagnostic
- Our people provide our customers with vast technical knowledge of our products and parts that keep their
- Our dealership's parts and service division has many obligations: maintaining minimum parts inventories
- and independent service techs that install those parts on their own.
- You answered part of my question with your opening statement on the frivolous litigation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Swearing-In Ceremony for Senators-Elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Michael Holmstrom Nov 18th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's just such a joy to be here, to be part of this today. there as much uh as well either.
- It's just such a joy to be here,<00:10:44.160><c> to</c><00:10:44.320><c> be</c><00:10:44.480><c> part
- </c><00:12:01.760><c> of</c><00:12:01.920><c> this</c> this with us, to become part of this this with
- </c><00:12:21.920><c> of</c><00:12:22.079><c> this</c> we are as a as a state, part of this we are as
- a as a state, part of this nation.<00:12:23.040><c> And</c><00:12:23.279><c> just</c><00:12:23.440><
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- I think part of the reason for the bill was not only the experience that Senator Dever...
- I had a part there. Okay. Almost 20% of the objects are military collections.
- Chairman, I can address this part. They had the $20 million. They'll still have the same $20.
- But it's $345 million, I believe, and a large part of it is federal funding.
- I'm going to skip the FTE part because I think we're all pretty much aware of how that works.
Bills:
HB1603
Keywords:
Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0.
The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote.
The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 17th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, part three, primary care coverage plan under Chapter 1579, that is TRA TRS retired employees and
- Yes, we're just we're clarifying that it's not part of the prearrangement um because it's not and it's
- So part of our money, that's I was, I was in the Bahamas.
- So part of our money that we're investing, y'all, the, the company holds it.
- And if it is part of the prey contract it has to be trusted, it may not be offered that same way.
Keywords:
disabled veteran, partially disabled veteran, veterans property tax exemption, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, surviving spouse, appraisal district, Tax Code, local government revenue, homestead portability, service-connected disability, veteran benefits, Texas property tax, residence homestead, disability rating, disaster response, financial assistance, helicopter, municipalities
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that part of why, is that force structure, is that part of why they are held in those ranks for so
- Is that part of why, is that force structure, is that part of why they are held in those ranks for so
- It is my understanding that you are part of both delegations. So, follow-up, Mr.
- It is my understanding that it's part of our, since I'm a member of that delegation, it is part of our
- It's part of our charter. Can I ask the follow-up? Yes, sir, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and passed two measures before receiving a staff presentation on the local bill process and local delegation meetings. HB 4007, by Rep. Snyder, would cap reimbursement for certain inmate emergency medical services in Martin County at 110% of the Medicare rate, with a higher cap if a provider shows it is operating at a loss. Snyder said the bill is intended to create predictability and save taxpayer dollars; members asked about fiscal effects and whether other counties could adopt similar language. Public testimony came in support from Martin County and related local officials, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote.
The committee also passed HM 4005, by Rep. Daly, which urges Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Daly argued Florida’s troop allocation is outdated and inadequate for the state’s population and disaster demands, contributing to burnout and recruiting problems. Members asked about the basis for the current allocation, possible budget and infrastructure impacts, and the National Guard’s needs; there was no opposition or public testimony, and the memorial was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote.
After the votes, Reps. Holcomb and Kendall gave a detailed presentation explaining how local bills differ from general laws, constitutional limits on local legislation, required local delegation meetings and notice, certification and economic impact forms, and amendment procedures. Members asked several process questions, including about multi-county delegations and Miami-Dade’s special status. The meeting ended with a few recognitions and adjournment before session.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight Committee for the Education Improvement Program (03/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- is a part of an adequate<00:33:12.960><c> education.
- Should a nurse be part of the nurse. Should a nurse be part of the base<01:23:38.159><c> cost?
- So that's all part of superintendent services.
- superintendent</c> that's all part of superintendent that's all part of superintendent services.<01:
- So that was part of the program. >> It was. So that was part of the program.
Summary:
The Legislative Oversight Committee met to review statewide education improvement and assessment issues under RSA 193-C:8-a, with the chair focusing on curriculum frameworks, academic standards, and resource elements tied to the state’s adequate education statutes. The chair walked through the statutory relationship between minimum standards for public school approval, academic standards, and local control of curriculum, noting that New Hampshire law requires curriculum frameworks to guide what students should know and be able to do while leaving districts flexibility in instruction. He also raised concerns that some subject areas appear to have current frameworks or standards while others do not, and suggested the committee may need to consider an amendment creating a curriculum frameworks and academic standards coordinator at the Department of Education.
Nate Green, director of the Division of Education Analytics and Resources, explained that the terms “academic standards” and “curriculum frameworks” have evolved over time and are often used interchangeably, but can mean different things depending on the subject area. He said the state’s more prescriptive standards largely developed after No Child Left Behind, especially in math, ELA, and science, while older or less-tested subjects such as arts, physical education, and health often retained looser framework-style documents. Green outlined one possible approach of standardizing terminology, but also said New Hampshire could instead define curriculum frameworks separately as a combination of standards, curriculum, and instructional approaches. He emphasized that state standards must support statewide consistency and assessment, while local districts retain control over how they teach.
Committee members discussed how these distinctions affect different grade levels and subjects, using examples from math and science to show that minimum standards are broad while academic standards are more specific and grade-level based. Green described how science standards are organized by physical science, life science, and earth/space science across grade bands, while math standards are more directly tied to individual grades. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported during this portion of the meeting; the discussion remained informational and exploratory as members considered whether statutory language or departmental organization should be updated.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 13, February 24, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:41.360><c> of</c> it's been one of my favorite parts of it's been one of my favorite parts
- And so, like I say, the first part is just clerical. The second part is raising that from 5 to 10.
- </c><01:33:05.760><c> of</c> consistent and uh really are part of consistent and uh really are part of
- None of which are part of the bill.
- Uh none of which are part of program. Uh none of which are part of the<02:01:38.560><c> bill.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We share a part of Fort Lauderdale.
- a part of another committee... ...of having a committee that meets with a committee that's a part of
- And I want to be a part.
- Why specifically are they a part of this bill?
- So we are passing this part of the bill, the third part, which is going to require a feasibility study
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk.
The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0.
The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/25/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That part is not the concern.
- That part is not the concern. group. That part is not the concern.
- Um, probation officers are part of that study.
- :32.480><c> is</c><01:50:32.880><c> the</c> think the contentious part is the think the contentious part
- </c><02:17:59.599><c> Senator</c> penalty part of the bill. Senator penalty part of the bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that part I understand.
- So that part I understand.
- </c><00:56:05.440><c> of</c> sweat it makes no change this part of sweat it makes no change this part
- </c><00:56:53.240><c> out</c> figure that part out figure that part out but<00:56:55.720><c> I</c><00
- </c> getting this mechanism to be a core part getting this mechanism to be a core part of<02:26:26.359
Summary:
The executive session focused primarily on HB 563, which revises the school funding formula, especially the adequate education grant amounts for special education students and the treatment of fiscal capacity disparity aid. Representative Ladd moved OTPA on Amendment 06508, explaining that FY 26 would largely hold the current formula steady, while FY 27 would increase several per-pupil amounts, including base cost, free and reduced-price meals, English language learner aid, and special education differentiated aid. He said the special education change was based on estimated case loads across disability categories and that the amendment also reinstates fiscal capacity disparity aid, using a formula intended to better assist property-poor communities.
Several members supported the amendment as a step in the right direction, saying it better recognizes special education costs and separates property wealth from low-income student counts. Others raised concerns about the lack of time and the absence of a printed spreadsheet showing how the fiscal capacity disparity aid would affect each town. In response, sponsors said the spreadsheet existed, that the LBA had copies, and that the amendment would help about 40 target towns, while Manchester would be the main community receiving less under the new formula because of prior shifts in the extraordinary needs grant.
Discussion also covered the broader impact of the bill, with members noting that about 200 of the state’s 245 cities and towns would see an increase and 45 a decrease under the proposed FY 27 changes. Supporters argued the bill was a compromise given limited revenues and that it should move forward so it can be considered by the full House and then Finance. No final vote on the amendment or bill was taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee was still deciding whether it had enough information to proceed.