Transcript Highlights:

• I was trying to keep track of numbers, but about what percentage of those are veterans?
• in the military or EMT certification, I'll definitely explore that and let you know.
• And then my final question is, do you have a teacher education certification program here?
• We've tracked them, probably not as specifically as we should.
• So we've tracked enrollment, certification numbers, as well as our retention and completion numbers.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department tracks human trafficking in two primary categories: human trafficking commercial sexual
• We license and monitor safe homes and safe group homes, and we will soon be doing that certification
• That brings us also to currently with the adult safe house certification rule that will be, I'll share
• That brings us also to currently with the adult safe house certification rule that will be, I'll share
• Safe house certification, again, thanks to really great legislation.

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:

• of need the Public Utilities certificate of need the Public Utilities Commission<00:03:35.799> certificate
• for the certificate of need takes for the certificate of need process<00:05:15.400> limits<00
• <00:18:44.640> of utilities process for the certificate of utilities process for the certificate
• <00:20:09.640> of<00:20:09.799> need within the certificate of need within the certificate
• <01:47:07.119> that separated by the railroad track that separated by the railroad track that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can keep track of each other.
• , so we'll do the inspection without the certification and give them time to get the certification.
• a loss of the houses no certification a loss of the certification<00:36:24.000> brings<00:36:
• We do not require certification.
• Just another quick follow-up: how do I lose my certification? Who checks the certification?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the supply and tracking it home on our boots.
• the supply and tracking it home on our boots.
• for NPIP certification.
• But navigating the certification process and exploring other markets is challenging.
• But navigating the certification process and exploring other markets is challenging.

Summary: The Assembly Agriculture Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then adopted its committee rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session by a 5-0 vote. The committee heard a series of agriculture-related bills, with most measures receiving broad support and moving forward. AB 1142 by Assemblymember Hoover would raise the fee thresholds for small public horse events that are exempt from equine medication monitoring rules; supporters said the current limits are outdated and hurt small riding clubs, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 411 by Assemblymember Papin would allow ranchers to compost livestock carcasses on-farm; supporters cited cost, environmental, and predator-control benefits, while rendering industry representatives asked for amendments to protect existing services and limit the bill’s scope. The bill passed to Natural Resources. AB 482 by Assemblymember Solache would modernize the California Table Grape Commission law and raise assessment caps without increasing assessments themselves; it passed to Appropriations. AB 312 by Vice Chair Alanis would shorten the holding period for ag theft property from six months to three months; it also passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 937 and AB 947 by Assemblymember Connolly. AB 937 would make technical changes to the Organic Transition Pilot Program to improve access to organic transition support, with testimony from a farmer who said the program helped him pursue organic certification; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 947 would expand and refine technical assistance under the Healthy Soils/Climate Smart Agriculture programs, including training, grant writing, matching funds coordination, equipment sharing, and outcome monitoring; supporters said the changes would help small and organic producers access state climate programs, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 1486, presented by the chair, would use Proposition 4 funding to start grants for public postsecondary agricultural research farms focused on climate resiliency; members praised the role of CSU and UC research farms, and the bill passed to Natural Resources as amended. The most extensive discussion centered on AB 928 by Assemblymember Rogers, the California Cockfighting Cruelty Act. Supporters argued the bill would help law enforcement target cockfighting and rooster trafficking, reduce avian disease risks, and protect public health and animal welfare; opponents, including poultry hobbyists, breeders, and 4-H-related participants, said it would overreach into lawful poultry keeping and harm heritage-breed and youth programs, urging instead that cockfighting penalties be increased to a felony. Committee members echoed concerns about unintended impacts on legitimate poultry owners and requested continued work on exemptions and language. The bill passed to Judiciary on a 5-2-1 vote, with one no vote and one abstention, and the chair noted that further committee review would continue as the bill advances.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will have a certificate of recognition.
• We'll introduce those first before the certificate.
• Once we're done with guests, we'll yield back to Senator Paul to do the certificate.
• Lunch and not have anyone track you down, that's a place to go. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Certification Act, defining terms, providing for eligibility for U-Visa certification, providing for

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:36.560> Existing print certificates online. Existing print certificates online.
• Um, so it's the certificate with them?
• the unit is goes through a certification the unit is goes through a certification process<01:32:
• have the capacity to um to track have the capacity to um to track multiple<01:33:07.760> lanes
• on track. I will make an announcement. on track. I will make an announcement.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next one protects families from allegations that are made in bad faith. tracked in in SLDS. tracked
• So, there is an optional certificate of So, there is an optional certificate of completion.<00:22:33.840
• you can keep track of XYZ and this is you can keep track of XYZ and this is what<00:34:17.679> you'll
• A state certificate is unnecessary.
• certificate of completion. certificate of completion.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I to make sure that we stay on track.
• And so,<00:11:36.800> self-certification so, self-certification so, self-certification actually
• So, this self-certification process would be a much stronger version of a self-certification process
• :06.160> issue, This self-certification and FEMA issue, This self-certification and FEMA issue
• partner to keep track of Young Brothers. partner to keep track of Young Brothers.

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This slide really shows and defines what a 520 certificate is.
• They also have the opportunity to attain a Level 2 certification.
• who receives the certificate.
• Who issues the certification? As I mentioned, the Licensure Bureau.
• They're the ones hiring the 520 certificate holders.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, HB 2895, which is entitled Native American Language Instruction Certification
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2996, DIFI Certificates of Insurance, passed Commerce unanimously.
• Madam Chair, members, HB 2996, DIFI Certificates of Insurance, passed Commerce unanimously.
• House Bill 2591, Apprenticeships Registration Certificate, passed Commerce Committee with a unanimous
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2330 modifies the factors to be considered in issuing a certificate

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• A STEM track, and that's, yeah.
• This is not just a certification issue. It's a preparation issue.
• We must reject this idea that the only options are fast-track certification or no teachers at all.
• a standard teaching certificate in 10 years.
• They want certification. They need legislative assistance.

Bills: SB451, SB762, SB1490, SB1262, SB1459, SB1750, SB1962, SB2252, SB2253, SB2365

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• So the simple part is changing health certificates to official certificates of transfer, we refer to
• So the simple part is changing health certificates to official certificates of transfer, we refer to
• the uh health certificates are valid. the uh health certificates are valid.
• :49.359> official health certificates to official health certificates to official certificates
• exams and certificates to be completed. exams and certificates to be completed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Has it been returned now so you can track grants more effectively?
• comes to Grants contracts tracking comes to Grants contracts tracking monitoring<00:19:47.720>
• practice and also requires certification practice and also requires certification which<00:29:07.960
• They are attending those trainings, and they are asked to go, and then we track who's attending.
• overrode by a personal uh certification overrode by a personal uh certification from<01:46:00.440

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As you may know, about half of districts are currently on track to exceed their growth targets in the
• Are we able to track whether they're completing their bachelor's degree more quickly?
• And I get it that these are certificated only, not degrees.
• It's a certificate program. It's not classroom-based.
• It's a certificate program. It's not classroom-based.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is better helped to track per student funding in schools and scholarship programs as parents and
• requirements of industry certification funding list, modifying the recognition, limiting the bonus to
• It is a big agenda; I'm losing track of where we are here.
• At different points, this is because we don't have a tracking number.
• Student identification number to keep track of where students are.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We we show you a picture of a jar of beads um often and that is our way every year of visually tracking
• We we show you a picture of a jar of beads um often and that is our way every year of visually tracking
• There's also a page in your folder that has a map of the state of Alabama that has, um, it's tracking
• programs can come to us for certificate programs can come to us for a<00:22:33.919> two<00:22
• a biotech certification and then the<00:22:42.159> second<00:22:42.400> semester<00:22

Bills: HB187, HB98, HB360, HB394, HB398, HB388, HB187, HB98, HB360, HB394, HB398, HB388

Keywords: school safety, emergency response, training, public safety, Alyssa's Law, law enforcement, scholarship, tuition assistance, dependent education, Alabama, blackout license plate, HB360, Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, sales tax holiday, firearms, guns, ammunition, bullets, primers, gun accessories

Transcript Highlights:

• offer diverse CTE programs designed to equip students with industry-recognized skills, recognized certifications
• Strategies like tracking student engagement, CTE student organizations, industry certifications, work-based
• In closing, this will track welding classes, nursing, and the actual practical, hands-on application
• The teacher shortage in industry-based certification areas is concerning, including health science technology
• technicians, engineers—but transitioning into teaching often means a pay cut, even though the certification

Bills: HB 1057, HB1876

Keywords: teacher salary, retirement benefits, career education, work experience credit, Texas Education Code, technical training, workforce development, grants, education funding, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The goal is to have one system to track all licensees across all TMB functions: licensure, renewal, and
• The agency is now on the right track.
• Because we track that data very closely, we know how much it costs to do any program extension.
• track all of those to completion.
• The board can better collect and track data.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Bills: SCR22, SB53, SB204, SB266, SB268, SB291, SB292, SB296, SB304, SB305, SB413, SB447, SB455, SB462, SB493, SB504, SB519, SB522, SB532, SB541, SB667, SB670, SB673, SB681, SB687, SB711, SB746, SB765, SB783, SB827, SB850, SB860, SB888, SB897, SB901, SB927, SB955, SB963, SB984, SB989, SB993, SB996, SB1023, SB1033, SB1058, SB1062, SB1101, SB1119, SB1172, SB1173, SB1215, SB1220, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1238, SB1239, SB1245, SB1248, SB1254, SB1259, SB1273, SB1277, SB1302, SB1332, SB1341, SB1346, SB1350, SB1352, SB1353, SB1355, SB1358, SB1370, SB1371, SB1378, SB1403, SB1404, SB1415, SB1437, SB1448, SB1450, SB1464, SB1493, SB1494, SB1537, SB1566, SB1569, SB1589, SB1598, SB1644, SB1709, SB1719, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1810, SB1841, SB1895, SB1930, SB2039, SB2289, SB2312, SCR1, SCR6, SCR27, SCR32, SB2232

Keywords: SCR 22, Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, official state gun, state symbol, cannon, artillery, Texas Revolution, Battle of Gonzales, Come and Take It, Alamo, San Jacinto, Twin Sisters, Sam Houston, Angelina Eberly, Texas history, historic weapon, commemorative resolution, state emblem, Texas heritage, Gonzales Memorial Museum