Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary differences between, say, the Fire Academy and the Police Academy is that police academy
• The Fire Academy FAC is really the Fire Academy itself.
• I did want to note that the most recent Academy graduated was the 188th Fire Academy.
• Our academy... Our academy is also sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service.
• So academies, it's twofold.

Summary: The Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs met at Santa Ana College for its first hearing, with Chair Mike Fong opening by emphasizing the role of community colleges in college access, affordability, and workforce pathways. He highlighted AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council and AB 323, which expanded Strong Workforce funds to support paid internships, and framed the hearing as a showcase of successful CTE, apprenticeship, and workforce models across the state. The first panel focused on statewide workforce funding, labor-market trends, and apprenticeship. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova described the Strong Workforce Program, credit for prior learning, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, and asked the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo pointed to high-growth sectors such as health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, stressing data-driven planning, employer engagement, flexible funding, and wraparound supports. Andrew Gonzalez of the Los Angeles/Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, classroom-based, and tied to a portable credential, and described apprenticeship readiness programs, wraparound services, and community workforce agreements as effective tools for placing diverse, low-income, and justice-involved workers into union careers. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed SB 191 and the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program, recommending stronger coordination, intermediary infrastructure, better tracking of youth apprenticeships, more resources for community-based organizations, and a bridge program to connect high school students and opportunity youth to apprenticeships. The committee then turned to firefighting academies and career training at Santa Ana College. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb described Santa Ana College as a major trainer of firefighters and first responders, with extensive noncredit workforce training, multiple bachelor’s degrees, and strong job placement in fire-related fields. They emphasized hands-on training, wellness services, mock interviews, sponsorships with fire agencies, and partnerships with local law enforcement and the U.S. Forest Service. Neri also urged changes to the state’s applied baccalaureate rules to remove the “duplication” restriction so more community colleges can offer workforce-focused bachelor’s degrees tied to living-wage jobs. The hearing ended with discussion of how regional and statewide planning should work together, how to reduce duplication and administrative barriers, and how to better align education, employers, and apprenticeship systems to meet California’s workforce needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary differences between the Fire Academy and the Police Academy is that police academy
• The Fire Academy FAC is really the Fire Academy itself.
• I did want to note that the most recent Academy graduated was the 188th Fire Academy.
• Our academy... Our academy is also sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service.
• So academies, it's twofold.

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Woodson Academy. System with Carter G. Woodson Academy.
• Woodson Academy.
• We have a younger academy for boys that is a STEM academy.
• Woodson Academy. programs like Carter G. Woodson Academy.
• </c><00:31:43.600><c> for</c> academy for girls, STEM Academy for academy for girls, STEM Academy for

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• parked at the fire academy.
• </c> of a barrel to burn for the fire academy of a barrel to burn for the fire academy and<00:20:46.799
• </c> ahead and start the state fire academy ahead and start the state fire academy hearing.<00:23:52.640
• </c> system funded for the for the academy. system funded for the for the academy.
• Now, it's a uh when you think academy.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we may lose 30-40 people and then do an academy and graduate 28 or 30 cadets out of that academy
• that academy.
• out of three academies if we can fund it to where we start with 72 cadets in the two academies we're
• additional $10 million, we'll do the 6th academy.
• Then we're asking for an additional $16 million to do a third academy, the 77th academy.

Transcript Highlights:

• We utilize those funds for operational needs of the Academy.
• to provide the service, in that fund so it's available for Academy use.
• We'll use the Academy as an example.
• I believe we are getting the funds we need currently to fund the Academy, yes. Okay, very good.
• We'll use the Academy as an example.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• He was injured at the Academy while providing training for new recruits.
• He was injured at the Academy providing training for new recruits.
• The Academy operates with over 200 support branch personnel, with most being active-duty firefighters
• Yeah, I visited the training academy many moons ago when I was like him.
• The work performed at the Mass Fire Academy is essential, The work performed at the Mass Fire Academy

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing and took up late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on firefighter and police personnel matters. The committee heard strong support for H.5429/H.6138, Governor Healey’s bill to provide injured-on-duty compensation and full pay and benefits to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli after he was seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Testimony from Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, PFFM leaders, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, and others emphasized that Spinelli was performing public service training work, that the incident exposed gaps in coverage for firefighters serving in academy roles, and that the bill should be a prompt, statewide fix. Several speakers also urged future legislation to address broader policy gaps for DFS support-branch and part-time personnel. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H.54435, to allow Police Chief Neil Hovey to continue serving until age 68 or retirement. Rep. Kristen Kasner and local officials praised Hovey’s leadership, training, regional coordination, and management of public safety at the Topsfield Fair, and asked for favorable passage. In addition, Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Joe McKenna testified for S.3051, a bill to provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, describing his death while assisting a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and the town’s support for honoring his family. PFFM and other police/fire union representatives generally supported the firefighter and LaPorta bills, while PFFM also stated opposition to H.5389, a separate bill authorizing continued employment of the Upton police chief. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Academy and we are a Catholic school Academy and we are a Catholic school system<00:22:17.520><c> that
• </c><00:31:17.399><c> and</c> day as the founder of Hope Academy and day as the founder of Hope Academy
• </c> herself Kendall's been at Hope Academy herself Kendall's been at Hope Academy since<00:32:31.840
• </c> $450,000 annually at minihaha Academy $450,000 annually at minihaha Academy for<01:29:27.920><c>
• Academy or if they are down the street Academy or if they are down the street at<01:34:39.280><c> uh<

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We utilize those funds for operational needs of the Academy.
• Sometimes those needs, those for operational needs of the Academy.
• . operational needs of those entities like the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy.
• to provide the service, keeps it in that fund so it's available for Academy use.
• We'll use the Academy as an example.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions met in executive session and considered four House bills. House Bill 1786, described by the ranking member as increasing spending authority, was approved after a roll call vote of 12 ayes and 1 no. House Bill 2694 was explained as allowing several Department of Public Safety funds, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy Fund and the crime victims compensation fund, to remain in their dedicated accounts rather than being swept into general revenue at the end of the biennium; members discussed whether the funds were self-sustaining and whether future legislation might be needed if reserves grew too large. It passed 12-1. House Bill 2885, involving a $1 million waiver and the timing of when collected funds would become available, was discussed briefly; the sponsor noted that an emergency clause would be needed to apply the change immediately, but the committee chose to proceed without one. It also passed 12-1. House Bill 1712, concerning electronic monitoring violations, prompted questions about what happens when a device loses power or is unintentionally not charged. Members explained that such cases typically generate a violation report for the judge, who can hold a hearing and decide whether the failure was accidental or intentional; intentional tampering could lead to revocation and possible charges, while accidental failures generally would not result in jail. This bill passed unanimously, 13-0, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was injured at the Academy providing training for new recruits.
• The Academy operates with over 200 support branch personnel, with most being active-duty firefighters
• Training firefighters at academies across the Commonwealth is dangerous work, whether performed on a
• Yeah, I visited the training academy many moons ago when I was like him.
• The work performed at the Mass Fire Academy is essential.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on three measures. The largest portion of the hearing concerned H. 5429/H. 6138, Governor Healey’s bill to ensure Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli receives full injured-on-duty pay and benefits after being seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Legislators, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Chelmsford Fire officials, and family members described the injury, the gap in coverage created by his dual status as a Chelmsford firefighter and academy staff member, and the need for a broader statewide fix for similar situations. Committee members expressed support and noted the bill should be treated like existing protections for police officers injured while working outside their home municipality. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H. 545, allowing Police Chief Neil Hovey to remain in service until age 68 or until relieved by the select board. Supporters said Hovey is a strong regional leader, has helped prepare for major public safety events like the Topsfield Fair, and should be retained because of his experience and fitness. Members and local officials urged favorable passage, and no opposition was raised. A third bill, S. 3051, would provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, who died while assisting a stranded motorist during a winter storm. Senator Ryan Fattman, Representative Joe McKenna, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the officer’s service and the impact on his family. The town of Uxbridge was said to support the measure. At the end of the hearing, no additional testimony was offered and the committee voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> were some expenses in the police academy were some expenses in the police academy that<00:48:39.240
• </c> training standards Academy um and just training standards Academy um and just uh<00:52:09.880><c
• , the police academy, or the community college system.
• <00:59:57.799><c> the</c><00:59:57.920><c> fire</c> academy the fire academy the fire academy<00:59:59.880
• the fire academy the police academy<01:00:32.880><c> or</c><01:00:33.039><c> the</c><01:00:33.160><c

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Our numbers at the Basic Academy are somewhere close to 700 per year.
• 45, and then Northwest Academy is 55, and it's non-residential as well.
• So is being hired by a local agency a prerequisite for joining the academy?
• So is, is being hired by a local agency, a prerequisite for joining the academy?
• Could they enter that academy and what would that cost on their own?

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ explained that it licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses under federal and state law, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners, designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers. Members asked about the continued presence of asbestos in modern products, the status of the program’s grant fund, and why program expenses were expected to rise; DEQ said grants have not been issued in more than six years because revenues have not left a surplus, and the higher expenses reflect a reallocation of inspector salaries to the fund that supports the program. DEQ also described complaint-driven inspections, enforcement tools such as civil penalties and notices of violation, and the health risks of exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection. The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The commission outlined its standards, compliance, decertification, basic academy, advanced training, and jail standards functions, and said it operates three basic academies in Camden, Benton-Bryant, and Springdale. Members asked about recruitment and retention, academy capacity, training hours, and costs to local agencies; the commission said attendance costs counties nothing because the state funds the academies, and that basic training is being expanded to 705 hours with a greater emphasis on practical instruction. The commission also described separate training for detention officers and school resource officers, and said law enforcement divisions in other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are held to the same standards. It noted that most academy attendance requires agency hiring first, though a veterans-to-law-enforcement program allows some veterans to attend on their own and later seek employment. This report also was accepted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• To give you an example, I normally have an academy of about 25 people in there.
• I hired two people in this last academy that I do not know.
• I hired two people in this last academy that I don't know.
• You have a six-month academy. How long is it for a sheriff?
• and said, 'Hey, we can run our own academy.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> school year as KY statewide academy. school year as KY statewide academy.
• </c> So, it makes us uh the largest academy So, it makes us uh the largest academy in<01:30:20.960><c
• </c><01:31:31.199><c> again</c> but our students at the academy again but our students at the academy
• . academy. academy.
• It's creating the next generation of leaders. academy. And those additional 50 academy.

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natalie is the lead ambassador for Campbell High School STEM Academy.
• Natalie is the lead ambassador for Campbell High School STEM Academy.
• Can you guys freshman success academy.
• </c> of the Academy of Natural Resources. of the Academy of Natural Resources.
• </c> and elevate the voices of our academy and elevate the voices of our academy students<00:38:47.520

Transcript Highlights:

• I request floor privileges for the Jackson Academy football team.
• </c> floor privileges for the Jackson Academy floor privileges for the Jackson Academy football<00:23
• </c> is the Jackson Academy football team. is the Jackson Academy football team.
• The resolution is forwarded to Jackson Academy head of school Eddie Weditch and the Jackson Academy board
• I also want to express our deep appreciation to Jackson Academy administration, the entire Jackson Academy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:21.119><c> football</c> introduce the Winston Academy football introduce the Winston Academy
• </c><00:37:37.760><c> took</c> the referees over at Lamar Academy took the referees over at Lamar Academy
• </c><00:37:41.920><c> that</c> think we'd have beat Lamar Academy that think we'd have beat Lamar Academy
• </c><00:38:06.960><c> Patriots</c> to welcome the Winston Academy Patriots to welcome the Winston Academy
• >> I think somebody from Lamar Academy was running as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• We start in the academy. In the academy.
• This begins in the academy, correct?
• Proprietary academies or agency academies.
• The Department of Public Safety has their own academy, and only new troopers go through that academy.
• academy. 3.

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We look forward to hearing more about the Florida Scholars Academy and how it's doing.
• So I'm back here to discuss the Florida Scholars Academy give you an update.
• So the Scholars Academy was formed as a single unified education system parting with Florida virtual
• It's because of Florida Scholars Academy.
• As Scholars Academy is able to do that virtually with the parents to keep them informed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Military Academy Public Affairs, Community Engagement; Mr. Eric Bartelt, U.S.
• Military Academy Public Affairs, Command Information; Ms. Jenna Cisneros, U.S.
• MILITARY ACADEMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MR. ERIC BARTELT, U.S.
• MILITARY ACADEMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, COMMAND INFORMATION. MS. JENNA CISNEROS, U.S.
• And yet, under his presidency, he created the military academy at West Point. Why?

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff. The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective. The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.