Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :

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ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 10th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for being here.
  • Happy to stand for any questions, but I sure hope you'd vote to send it to the floor with a due pass
  • JFAC voted to do a 1% holdback for 2026 and a 2% holdback for 2027.
  • And a 5% from the tax credit for 2027. And with that, I'll stand for questions.
  • This is before us for Um, this RS is before us for action. Mr. Chairman.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 515, presented by Rep. Chris Matthias, which would require schools to have a procedure for notifying families when a serious bullying incident occurs, defined as one resulting in suspension. Matthias said the bill also removes the annual bullying incident reporting requirement to the Department of Education because districts see it as burdensome and ineffective. There was no testimony in opposition, and the committee voted to send HB 515 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1244 from Sen. Carrie Semmelroth, a cleanup bill repealing obsolete statutes related to regional library systems that have not existed for decades. Semmelroth and State Librarian Dylan Baker explained the bill was part of broader code cleanup work with no policy changes. The committee approved the bill and sent SB 1244 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up print hearing RS 3318 from Sen. Kevin Cook, which would reduce the amount available for the school choice tax credit program by applying a 4% holdback for fiscal year 2026 and 5% for fiscal year 2027. Supporters argued the state needs across-the-board budget reductions and that education programs, including K-12, have already been cut; opponents said the program is new, still being implemented, and should be left whole for now. After discussion about impacts on Launch and the tax credit program, the committee approved the RS for print on a 6-3 roll call vote and then adjourned, noting there would be no meeting the following day.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's not just for that. It's for any class that gets a bona fide raise for a specified class.
  • It's not just for that. It's for any class that gets a bona fide raise for a specified class.
  • would agree for for your state um &gt;&gt; I would agree for for your state um employees<00:09:09.120
  • provide some opportunity for them to have some value now, um, this is an option that we would hope that
  • And higher attendance for for our staff.
Summary: The committee first took up Representative John Blanton’s bill on pension spiking and Kentucky Public Pension Authority administration. Blanton said the measure would make a prior court-related pension-spiking fix retroactive to July 1, 2022, so employees who retired between that date and the court ruling would be treated the same as those covered by the earlier legislation. KPPPA staff said they did not think the bill would go beyond the Court of Appeals ruling, but noted it could prompt requests from people who retired before July 1, 2022. Members asked about how many retirees might be affected, whether the language was narrow enough, and whether the bill could open the door to additional claims; Blanton estimated roughly 1,000 retirees would need review, with fewer actually impacted. No vote was taken on the bill in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senator Matt Nunn and Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker present a proposal allowing school districts to offer teachers and other employees a voluntary payout for unused sick days. Supporters said the idea could improve attendance, reduce substitute costs and classroom disruptions, help retain younger teachers, and potentially lower long-term retirement-related costs because the payout would not count toward pension compensation. They emphasized the program would be optional for districts and employees, would require teachers to keep at least 15 sick days in reserve, and would be district-funded rather than a state cost. Members raised questions about budget impact, tax treatment, pension effects, and whether the incentive would actually change behavior; the bill sponsor and witnesses said the payout would be taxed like other compensation and would not affect TRS or CERS benefits. One member requested reporting on how the program would be used, and the sponsor said he would be open to adding that. The sponsor also noted a later committee-substitute change would allow use of accumulated sick leave for observance of religious holidays not otherwise on the school calendar, with a personal statement from the employee.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 9 (1-16-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jeff Eaton, Hope Community Church of Frankfurt, Kentucky, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance
  • And he would do closings for me and do some deeds for me.
  • for their bravery, for Typton family for their bravery, for their<00:14:08.320><c> courage,</c><00:14
  • For what purpose, ma'am? Jefferson 44. For what purpose, ma'am?
  • </c> to tax credit for renters. to tax credit for renters.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm state representative for the 85th District. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Well, thank you, Senator Herron, for the question.
  • I'm going to be a no for today.
  • Chairman, for hearing the bill.
  • numbers for the lrc ran the numbers for 2024<00:13:36.079><c> the</c><00:13:36.199><c> full</c><00:13
Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government first considered HJR 15, a resolution to return a Ten Commandments monument to the new state Capitol grounds. Representative Shane Baker described the monument’s history, its removal to storage in the 1980s, and a prior 2000 effort that was blocked by the courts. He argued recent Supreme Court decisions, including Van Orden and Kennedy, support a history-and-tradition approach and said the resolution would direct the Historic Properties Advisory Commission to retrieve and reinstall the monument in Monument Park. Senator Herron raised concerns about religious neutrality and whether other faiths would also be represented at the Capitol. Baker and Chair Petrie responded that the resolution was limited to restoring a specific historical monument and did not bar future proposals for other displays. Senator Armstrong voted no, saying the legal landscape remained uncertain and the state could face costly litigation. The committee approved HJR 15 on an 8-1 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would limit administrative agencies from issuing regulations with an economic impact of more than $500,000 over two years, with exceptions for imminent public health or safety threats, protection of federal or state funds, and compliance with certain court orders. Representative Wade Williams said the bill would rein in costly agency rulemaking and cited LRC data showing only about a dozen regulations in 2024 would have met the threshold, with roughly six after closer review. Senator Chambers Armstrong expressed concern that the bill could tie the government’s hands in emergencies, but the bill passed 8-1. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 73, which had a committee substitute. Representatives Johnson and Tipton explained that one part would add We Lead CS to the list of educational service providers allowed to administer their own retirement program participation, and the other would require the Teachers’ Retirement System actuary to provide additional information on each employer’s share of unfunded liability. The committee approved HB 73 unanimously, 10-0, and then adjourned.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> I'd like to uh thank you Mr chairman for I'd like to uh thank you Mr chairman for assisting<00:03
  • </c><00:04:06.799><c> mlin</c> to thank uh sincerely thank hope mlin to thank uh sincerely thank hope
  • Thank you for that question and thank you for your comments about prior authorization.
  • It's a very high bar.
  • This is particularly true for Medicaid patients, who are often high-risk individuals and see their pharmacist
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 423, a prior authorization reform measure sponsored by Representative Kim Moser. A committee substitute was adopted to clarify that the bill’s prior authorization exemption program does not apply to Medicaid. Supporters, including the Kentucky Medical Association, said the bill would reduce red tape, improve transparency, and let providers spend more time on patient care. The bill would create a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program for certain health services, exclude prescription drugs, prohibit retrospective reviews based solely on an exemption, and require annual reporting by the Department of Insurance and the Department for Medicaid Services. After questions about how exemptions would work and whether the bill addressed repeat prior authorizations, the committee voted to pass HB 423 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 415, sponsored by Representative Pollock and supported by AFLAC representatives. The bill was described as clarifying that health insurance coverage mandates are generally intended to apply only to primary major medical policies. With no substantive opposition or questions, the committee voted to pass HB 415 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 390 from Chair Meredith, presented with support from multiple insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance. The bill would move motor vehicle insurance verification data from the old system to the CAVIS database and shorten the reporting turnaround from 30 days to a ceiling of seven days, with the possibility of a shorter period by regulation. After brief discussion and no objections, the committee voted to pass HB 390 with favorable expression. The committee also heard House Bill 3 for discussion only, sponsored by Representative Neighbors and supported by the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. The bill would require Kentucky Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for covered clinical services they already provide, aligning Medicaid with existing commercial insurance policy. Supporters argued it would improve access, especially in underserved areas, and could reduce emergency room use and improve outcomes; the bill was not voted on during this meeting.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Apr 22nd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • They hope to pay less taxes. He's been waiting to do that to me for some time.
  • Bylebel, thank you for bringing this bill. And thank you for all you're doing for the kids.
  • Liable, thank you for bringing this bill. And thank you for all you're doing for the kids.
  • I got it for just what I wanted it for. All right.
  • I think that's a better option for everybody, for you and for your bill.
Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 22 and first considered Chairman Beaulieu’s House Bill 646, a constitutional amendment limiting the amount of State General Fund money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. After adopting a set of amendments creating the Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund and making conforming changes, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The companion bill, House Bill 824, which establishes the growth limit formula based on CPI, medical CPI, and population change, was also amended and reported favorably as amended. Supporters framed both measures as a way to keep spending within recurring revenues and create a path toward reducing or eliminating the state income tax. The committee then reported favorably as amended House Bill 1157, creating the Louisiana State Infrastructure Fund to help finance infrastructure-related projects, with testimony that it would leverage private and federal dollars and initially focus on rail, port, road, and bridge projects. House Bill 316, which provides a framework for student literacy reforms for grades four through eight, was presented as having no new cost because the Department of Education said the work was already covered by existing resources; it was reported favorably. House Bill 549, creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program to provide employer-based training grants, also received support from business groups and was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1129, dealing with the sale of state-owned surplus movable property, drew support from Louisiana auctioneers who argued local firms should be allowed to bid on the state’s auction contract instead of relying on an out-of-state vendor; it was reported favorably. House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology through a $2 driver’s license fee, generated significant concern about adding fees and whether the money should instead come from existing budgets. After discussion of the proposed technologies and training, the committee deferred the bill voluntarily to work on alternatives, including a possible sunset and other funding options. Finally, House Bill 752, which would change the timing and duration of regular legislative sessions by joint rule, was reported without action after members noted the revised fiscal note showed a decrease in state general fund expenditures. The meeting then adjourned.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 17th, 2026

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:16:32.320><c> for</c><00:16:32.560><c> instance</c> um incremental costs or for for instance
  • </c><00:27:05.120><c> providing</c><00:27:05.600><c> for</c> would be responsible for providing for would
  • </c><00:50:32.720><c> for</c><00:50:33.359><c> um</c><00:50:33.839><c> for</c> precedent out there for
  • for um for precedent out there for for um for instances<00:50:34.640><c> like</c><00:50:34.880><c> that
  • for that reason and And so again, for for that reason and several<00:53:28.640><c> other</c><00:53:28.960
Bills: HB268, SB279, SB304, SB303, SB298
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Fri Feb 13, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • for being here.
  • Thank you for &gt;&gt; Thank you for being here. Thank you for your<00:25:28.640><c> testimony.
  • </c> Congress for approval. Congress for approval.
  • </c> need now for this? need now for this?
  • Mahalo for<00:47:05.839><c> your</c><00:47:05.920><c> time.</c> for your time. for your time.
Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • pathway for individuals age 18 who have withdrawn from high school to earn their diploma.
  • What will be the motivation for a kid to go all the way through high school versus enrolling in this
  • So, this is high-stakes measurement, high-stakes instruction.
  • Credit for it, then we can go back and give high school credits.
  • It's respect for our legal system, it's respect for our faith, and it's respect for the dignity and the
Bills: HB266, SB85, SB166, HB266, SB85, SB166
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • What I have for your consideration is a sales and use tax exemption for a 501(c)(3) called High Socks
  • </c><00:12:15.360><c> socks</c> exemption for a 501c3 called high socks exemption for a 501c3 called
  • high socks high<00:12:16.320><c> socks</c><00:12:16.800><c> for</c><00:12:16.959><c> hope.
  • socks for hope.
  • It was a uh high socks for hope.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Feb 19th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope you'll give us a full minute for him. Yes, of course.
  • The small food banks and pantries in Washington are hoping for a little assistance in fighting against
  • And I hope you'll support it. I'm asking for a no on this amendment.
  • And I hope you'll support it. I'm asking for a no on this amendment.
  • There's not only hope for the future; it has accelerated it.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Rep. Peggy Bennett departing member remarks 5/18/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll just say perish the thought if I speak for 24 minutes.
  • Leon's shaking his head, yes. amazing to me and definitely a high amazing to me and definitely a high
  • So, you can imagine going for a few So, you can imagine going for a few hours<00:04:21.280><c> after<
  • So, those are things I would like to be remembered for.
  • </c><00:07:19.800><c> IQ</c> brain must be in these this high IQ brain must be in these this high IQ
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 3/20/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:32.480><c> Uh</c><00:02:32.720><c> Sock</c> appropriate levels for POS.
  • Uh Sock appropriate levels for POS.
  • What remains in Moorhead are seven flood control lift stations for high-risk service areas that right
  • If we hope to have a thriving, vibrant capital city for years to come, we have to do this now.
  • needs across the such you know high needs across the state<01:53:48.000><c> for</c> state for state
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I yield for questions and move for adoption. The member yields for questions. I see no questions.
  • I yield for questions and move for adoption. The member yields for questions. I see no questions.
  • I yield for questions and move for adoption. The member yields for questions.
  • I move for adoption. I move for adoption, yield for questions. The member yields for questions.
  • Senate Bill 1630 allows high schools to create a virtual day for ninth, tenth, and twelfth graders that
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education Oversight REVISED: SB2045 - Added Apr 13th, 2026

Education Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • I urge adoption and yield for questions. I urge adoption and yield for questions.
  • Yield for questions and move for adoption. Yield for questions and move for adoption.
  • For follow-up, thank you. Thank you for that clarification.
  • Senate Bill 1630 allows high schools to create a virtual day for ninth, tenth, and twelfth graders that
  • For follow-up.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced a long series of education-related bills, including measures on school board nepotism rules (SB 843), preserving the Ag in the Classroom program in statute (SB 1410), shifting oversight of technology centers to the State Board of Career and Technology Education (SB 1735), teacher certification and hiring transparency (SB 346), AP exam access (SB 1975), in-state tuition alignment with federal law after a consent judgment (SB 1633), teacher professional development caps (SB 1894), portability of career teacher status between districts (SB 1317), recess requirements and discipline limits (SB 2045), expanding the Teach Forward Program (SB 710), limiting concurrent enrollment to students 21 and under (SB 1477), special education training and parent-record review rights (SB 1489), a teacher induction program for new and emergency-certified teachers (SB 1614), graduate-level teacher training requirements (SB 1726), career assessment test selection and credit transfer authority (SB 1632), OSU-Tulsa governance changes (SB 1593), virtual days for certain high school students not taking the ACT (SB 1630), R&D rebate modernization (SB 1670), AI guardrails in schools (SB 1734), and security fees for student organizations that cannot be based on viewpoint or content (SB 1725). Several bills drew brief questions, especially SB 1633, SB 1489, SB 1477, SB 1614, SB 1726, and SB 1725, but no substantive opposition was recorded beyond a few nay votes on some measures. Most bills were moved by due pass motions and approved by voice or roll-call votes, often unanimously or near-unanimously. Notable recorded opposition included SB 1633 and SB 1725, each passing with a few nays, and SB 1726 passing 7-2. SB 1338 was laid over until Wednesday. The meeting concluded with notice of another committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m., and the committee adjourned.