Transcript Highlights:

• In this role, he provided spiritual support and guidance to fellow service members during a critical
• ministry and service.
• ministry and service.
• During his service, Mr.
• And whereas among the most honored of all those in community service are veterans who have protected

Summary: The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through the day’s ceremonial order of business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and Representative Shaw introduced Veteran of the Week Edward Marion Green of Chandler, a Navy veteran and chaplain’s assistant who was honored with a House citation. Mr. Green’s family and friends were recognized on the floor, and he led the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance. The House also featured several special presentations. Representative Culver promoted Tahlequah’s Red Fern Festival and introduced the festival court. Representative Duel introduced psychologist Dr. Sherry Fleming, highlighting her work in higher education and transitional services for students with disabilities. Representative May introduced nurse Alyssa Jones of Broken Arrow, emphasizing her work in rural health care. Representative Hill introduced the week’s pages, recognizing a group of high-achieving students from across Oklahoma. Additional announcements included Speaker Pro Tem Moore welcoming his family to the chamber and Representative Harris recognizing them as well. Representative Patskowski announced an agriculture committee meeting. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript; the only formal action was the reassignment of measures according to the majority floor leader’s list, followed by adjournment until the next day at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• > and</c><00:10:21.480><c> Human</c> committee on Health and Human committee on Health and Human Services
• Senator Wickland is this your Services Senator Wickland is this your bill<00:10:25.440><c> and</c><00
• on that motion all in favor say Services on that motion all in favor say I<00:10:46.040><c> all</c><
• We're going to come back at the end of the day to adopt one committee report out of the Human Services
• committee it will only require Services committee it will only require a<00:12:28.760><c> few</c><00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:03.120><c> Bureau</c><00:34:03.440><c> of</c> and Human Services Bureau of and Human Services
• Yeah, because that seems kind of weird to me. service so they they they told me that service so they
• Do you see where it says Debt Service? So for the most part, debt service declines.
• We have to pay that service.
• to pay that service.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Personnel Appeals Board, which explained that it became an independent state agency after Senate Bill 487 and was presenting its first standalone operating budget. The board described its quasi-judicial role in hearing appeals from classified state employees over disciplinary actions such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations, and said it handles about 25 to 35 cases a year, with some cases lasting longer because of their complexity. Members also outlined the need for a chair and vice chair who are attorneys, the board’s current staffing and space needs, and its plan to move away from reliance on Administrative Services for office support and website functions. The board requested about $353,500 for fiscal year 2026, including startup costs, routine operating expenses, and two new part-time positions: a program director and a paralegal. Members said the budget reflects the new independent status, includes funding for only four board members rather than the authorized five, and is designed to avoid full-time staffing costs and benefits. Legislators asked about the cost per case, the board’s relationship to DAS, whether appeals must go through the board before court, and how often cases are appealed further. The board said appeals must first go through it, that court appeals are infrequent but have increased recently, and that the board’s process is intended to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than court litigation. Committee members also asked about the board’s caseload, outcomes, and staffing. The board said that in the prior year there were 22 cases, with four decisions overturned in favor of employees, nine dismissals, and nine settlements, and that many disputes are resolved before reaching the board through a multi-step internal process. A member noted the governor and council had recently approved a new board member and were expected to approve a fifth soon. The discussion ended with questions about the board’s website and records access, which members said would need to be moved from Administrative Services as part of the agency’s transition. The committee then moved to the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. The executive director explained that the council is 100 percent federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and develops a five-year plan to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the council works with state agencies and advocacy organizations on quality-of-life issues, accessibility, voter rights training, and plain-language or easy-to-read materials, and that 60 percent of its membership must be individuals with disabilities or family members/guardians. She also described the council’s funding structure, including reimbursement to the state for operating costs, and noted that it currently has three full-time and three part-time positions, with no new positions requested but one full-time position being eliminated and replaced after a pandemic-era staffing change did not work out as planned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today on behalf of Child Care Resource Center, also known as CCRC, a family and child services
• Michael Henning on behalf of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services in support.
• Good afternoon, and Lay on behalf of the Association of California Community and Energy Services and
• Services, but there are other organizations that also need this help and support, but they haven't had
• senior services, youth programs, and so many other things that local communities need and deserve.

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because a quorum was initially absent, and it heard several bills focused on nonprofit support, alcohol regulation, immigration-related funding restrictions, outdoor advertising, and green building standards. SB 1240 by Senator McNerney would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and reimbursement processes; supporters, including the Child Care Resource Center and the Little Hoover Commission, said nonprofits provide essential services but face delayed payments and burdensome bureaucracy. Committee members raised accountability concerns, but the author emphasized the bill does not dispense grants and would cost about $1.7 million in the first year. The bill was later approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 917 by Senator Laird, which would remove the estate-grown grape requirement for wineries selling at farmers markets, allowing more family wineries to participate; winery and grape grower representatives said the change would help direct-to-consumer sales and local growers. SB 1171 by Senator Caballero would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants; supporters from immigrant-rights groups described ICE detention and raids as harmful and inhumane, while some members spoke in favor of using state funds to avoid indirectly supporting ICE-related activity. Both bills advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes and were sent to Appropriations or Local Government as noted in the roll calls. Senator Rubio presented SB 1195, which would expand tied-house exemptions for certain entertainment, convention, and sports venues in specified counties, and SB 1228, which would allow a small number of existing outdoor advertising displays to continue operating despite a statutory sunset. Supporters said SB 1195 would create economic opportunity and clarify current law, while SB 1228 was described as a narrow fix to preserve legally permitted signs and local revenue; both bills passed the committee and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1398, which would recognize Green Globes as an alternative green building certification for state projects alongside LEED; supporters argued it would add flexibility and competition, while the U.S. Green Building Council opposed bypassing the Department of General Services’ equivalency review. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up a consent calendar and adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• service is paid through the operating budget and it's secured by the Fair Share you know kind of by
• and so the debt service is paid through the operating budget and it's secured by the fair share And
• so the debt service is paid through the operating budget, and it's secured by the Fair Share revenues
• You're paying X amount in debt service, but what does that look like compared to the total amount of
• would be and the portion that would be carved out from Fair Share for debt service for higher ed or

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit. Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns. The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a quick meeting, and this is, as a matter of fact, the Senate Human Services Committee, and
• Members of the Senate Human Services Committee, my name is Derek Harris.
• I serve as the CEO for Community Youth Services, or CYS.
• service locations in Thurston, Pierce, Lewis, and Mason County.
• And as a matter of fact, it closes our hearing today in Human Services.

Bills: HB2464, SGA9305

Keywords: detention facilities, law enforcement, reporting requirements, incidents, private detention, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a budget policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
• And so we really provide a variety of services.
• , um, providing pre-screening services.
• and prevention services to youth and their families.
• limited staff to provide that service for companies.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed the Department of Juvenile Corrections budget. Legislative Services analyst Noah Peterson outlined the agency’s funding sources, staffing, recent expenditure patterns, and several FY 2026 and FY 2027 budget requests, including substance use disorder treatment, youth assessment center funding, replacement items, IT upgrades, and a clinician services transfer from the Department of Health and Welfare. Members asked about the governor’s holdback, public works projects, vehicle replacements, and staffing. Director Ashley Dowell said the department’s census has declined due to strong county partnerships, prevention and diversion efforts, and youth assessment centers, and she explained that a staffing analysis found the agency understaffed by 12 positions, with six vacancies converted to direct care roles. She also described the holdback impacts as coming from contract reductions, internal efficiencies, travel and training cuts, and substance use disorder funding adjustments. The committee adjourned after the department discussion. The committee then reviewed the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources budget. Peterson described the office’s mostly federal funding, small staff, dedicated funds, prior energy resilience appropriations, and FY 2027 requests for personnel realignment, Idaho Orchestrating Nuclear (ION) support, and home energy rebates. Administrator Callie Younger said the office is focused on energy resilience, permitting coordination, hydropower relicensing, geothermal and mining projects, and a growing nuclear policy portfolio. She highlighted the new nuclear task force, the office’s request for information to industry, and work on a federal request related to a nuclear lifecycle campus. Members asked about nuclear development, spent fuel, modular reactors, permitting efficiency, and whether the office might merge with the Office of Species Conservation. Younger said the office is exploring a merger because of overlapping permitting functions and could reduce positions and save some general funds, while also improving its ability to handle nuclear and mining work. The chair closed by noting the committee’s alignment with several governor’s office recommendations and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• restraint, physical escort, physical prompt, physical restraint, provider of public educational services
• 257 by Representative Callan prohibits school districts and other providers of public educational services
• It directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or OSPI, and the Educational Service
• It expands applicability by specifying that references to behavioral health services for children and
• Administrative services at a level commensurate with the business needs of the State Board, the PESB,

Bills: HB1795, HB1634, HB1662, HB1683

Keywords: restraint, isolation, public schools, educational programs, student rights, mental health, behavioral support, education, school districts, student assistance, education agencies, administrative independence, superintendent, education reform, agency authority, school boards, district adjustments, administrative boundaries, educational governance, 904

Transcript Highlights:

• the specifics are going to depend very Much from place to place in terms of their tax and public service
• of the surrounding towns because they have more households sharing what are essentially the same services
• , with, of course, some increases in services needed, but things like sidewalks and streets are all able
• The same services, with, of course, some increases in services needed, but things like sidewalks and
• that are needed, whether that's emergency services or new schools or what have you.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The delete-all amendment moves the bill's dental screening definition into the School Health Services
• I’ll tell you, as a service member, Great, great question, Senator Osgood.
• So I’m just giving you my opinion as a service member.
• I can certainly... ...appreciating the service of our brave men and women, right?
• So there’s a great deal of things that service members do, that veterans do.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The delete-all amendment moves the bill's dental screening definition into the School Health Services
• I'll tell you, as a service member, Great, great question, Senator Osgood.
• So I'm just giving you my opinion as a service member. You know, those activities are great.
• I can certainly... ...appreciating the service of our brave men and women, right?
• So there's a great deal of things that service members do that veterans do.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036, as amended, addressed the shortage of school counselors by clarifying certification requirements; SB 1136, as amended by a delete-all amendment, authorized non-invasive dental screenings in schools as part of preventive dental programs with parent notice and exemption procedures; and SB 920 proposed applied algebra courses tied to technical skills and career pathways while still requiring students to pass the Algebra I end-of-course exam. Each of these bills was supported in committee and passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 178, as amended, to allow coaches to provide good-faith support to student-athletes, such as food, transportation, and recovery services, with reporting requirements and a $15,000 annual cap per team; members discussed the need for guardrails to prevent recruiting abuse and noted possible expansion beyond FHSAA. SB 1216, on educator compensation, would give districts more flexibility to use compensation tools beyond the current rigid framework, and it was reported favorably with support from members citing retention and inflation concerns. The committee also adopted SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for certain examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. Later, SB 464 was reported favorably to require all school districts to formally observe Veterans Day as a school holiday. Members debated whether schools should be closed or could instead hold programs or professional development, but the bill advanced with support emphasizing consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538, as amended, established standardized participation rules for extracurricular activities across public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressed participation fees and multiple-school participation, and allowed districts to determine coaches’ compensation. The committee adjourned after recording an additional favorable vote on SB 1036 by Senator Osgood.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it can also mean fewer government services and supports.
• So after they provide the services, then they can apply for a reimbursement. And I like that.
• So, after they provide<00:04:26.880><c> the</c><00:04:27.120><c> services,</c><00:04:27.440><c> then<
• The other thing is uh some of the services, if they're not essential services, we need to start looking
• :28.320><c> not</c><00:09:28.640><c> essential</c> services, if they're not essential services, if they're

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was not a niche service. It handled 73,000 calls from Californians in a single year.
• We've heard that from emergency services. We've heard that throughout the legislature.
• We've heard that from emergency services. We've heard that throughout the legislature.
• Our legacy system does provide 911 services, but it is an outdated system.
• And so they were calling 2-1-1 for these services.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of service. We recognize that leadership is more than a position.
• nonprofit organizations offering health and family services in the Santa Cruz region.
• and expand services to care for the more than 260,000 county residents.
• He dedicated the final decades of his life to activism with the sisters and to public service.
• And that service helped shape the life of discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism that followed.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we gather here today in this chamber in service to the people of California, we pause to reflect on
• Courage, leadership, and service of LGBTQ+ women.
• By Rainbow Family Action and the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.
• Hart prepares for retirement, we thank him for his lifetime of service and for the impact...
• And so it matters when we put in-home supportive services in our state budget.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can focus on veteran services. You can focus on justice-involved.
• in and around their service provision.
• We know that when you look at the data on homelessness, who's receiving services, homeless services,
• , those services aren't being a drag on the community.
• And so, Those services aren't being a drag on the community.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion, then heard a lengthy presentation on homelessness in Arkansas, with a focus on unsheltered homelessness, untreated mental illness and substance use, public safety, and the role of local law enforcement and shelters. Presenters from law enforcement, homeless service providers, mental health, and policy groups discussed federal Continuum of Care funding, the need for better data and accountability, and proposals such as statewide camping enforcement, stronger treatment access, and consolidating or reworking the continuum-of-care structure. Much of the discussion centered on the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, with witnesses describing it as a way to expand crisis services, treatment, and coordination with housing and justice systems. They also discussed homelessness among sex offenders, family homelessness, workforce supports, and how to scale successful local programs statewide. No formal action was taken on the homelessness proposals during the discussion. The committee then reviewed several Department of Energy and Department of Health/Board of Nursing rules. The energy rule updated solid waste post-closure cleanup thresholds from $50,000 to $2 million to match Act 791 of 2025. Nursing-related rules added fees for the new dialysis patient care technician registration created by Act 198 of 2025, updated contact-information requirements, implemented APRN authority under Act 862 of 2025, clarified durable medical equipment language under Act 431 of 2025, and incorporated delegation changes from Act 959 of 2025. Additional nursing rules updated certified medication assistant training and duties under Act 265 of 2025, and corrected rules for full independent practice to include clinical nurse specialists under Act 872 of 2023. Each rule was reviewed without objection. At the close of the meeting, members received an update that UAMS had completed its NCII designation submission for the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, which was described as a major milestone. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are different services, different populations, and different levels of medical need.
• It explicitly prohibits quantity limits on home care nursing services and clarifies how these services
• These are different services, situation.
• and clarifies how these nursing services and clarifies how these services<00:08:05.000><c> must</c><
• Uh it's in and home nursing services.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senators and House members held a press event in support of HF 4188, a bill addressing commercial insurance coverage for home care nursing for medically complex children who also receive medical assistance. Speakers said the issue arose after Medica and HealthPartners began imposing caps on coverage that had been provided for years under Minnesota law, and argued that the change would shift costs to Medicaid and taxpayers, create budget pressure, and force families to reduce other needed services. They emphasized that home care nursing is distinct from short-term home health visits and said the bill would prohibit quantity limits and clarify that insurers must continue covering authorized nursing care. Parents and family members described the impact on children who depend on continuous skilled nursing to remain safely at home, including one family whose child Nash has spent extensive time hospitalized and another speaker who said her niece Isabel’s care showed how many nurses, aides, and hospice workers are involved in these cases. Testimony stressed that the coverage caps could lead to more hospitalizations, ICU stays, and trauma for children and families, while costing more overall than home care. Several lawmakers, including Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Robert Bierman, said the statute’s original intent was clear in 2010 and that the plans’ reinterpretation and the Commerce Department’s response should be corrected. Lawmakers said the Commerce and Consumer Protection Conference Committee has completed its work but is being kept open for the remaining days of session in hopes of resolving the issue this year. In response to questions, supporters said the bill is intended as a clarification rather than a new mandate, that it would simply bar caps on already-authorized home care nursing, and that they believe there is support to move it through the House and Senate before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they going to be required to maintain emergency services and avoid reduction in service?
• I'm very concerned about service cuts. We mentioned clinics.
• And as it was mentioned, medical services are underpaid.
• And as it was mentioned, medical services are underpaid.
• people that need services?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we thank you for your service and thank you for your testimony today, and if you could send
• We look forward to the opportunity to continue a partnership and service to our members, the citizens
• I worked in the Department of Corrections as a clinician and health services administrator, and I've
• I mean, how many emergency services calls went out to different correctional institutions?
• I mean, how many emergency services calls went out to different correctional institutions?

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on correctional labor perspectives, with testimony from union representatives and correctional officers from state and county facilities. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Witnesses emphasized that officers are central to any reform discussion and described the daily realities of staffing shortages, violence, mental health crises, substance use, and the need for better wellness support. Kevin Flanagan of the correctional officers’ union said officers face serious safety risks, citing weapons recovered, assaults, suicides, and the spread of synthetic drugs like K2 that are often introduced through paper soaked with chemicals. He urged stronger contraband controls, including paperless systems and technology to detect synthetic drugs, and criticized policies he said can be manipulated in gender-identity housing and search situations. He also argued that staffing shortages, forced overtime, and low morale are worsening retention, and that officers need more support after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of the OnSide Academy program. Other union representatives, including NCU and county officers, opposed consolidating sheriffs’ offices or merging them with the Department of Correction, warning it could weaken collective bargaining, reduce local accountability, and harm programming and reentry work. They argued that county facilities are distinct and should be funded and staffed based on local needs, not a one-size-fits-all model, and several speakers supported expanding vocational and reentry programming. Commissioners responded with support for officer wellness and asked for more information on EMS transports, medical interventions, and possible models from other jurisdictions, including Norway and Germany. At the end of the hearing, the commission discussed extending its reporting deadline beyond September 30, with members agreeing to seek an extension to November 30. The commission also agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit, and adjourned after adopting the motion to request the extension.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those included supportive services for teens.
• So did you take these services? The department is more focused on making behavioral changes.
• What I’m seeing is that there’s a lack of services and timely services for children who have been adopted
• How do we make sure they get the services within the community, within their families?
• , and the founders of Collaborative Safety were also working in disability services.

Keywords: 1182, all