Transcript Highlights:

• Training academy.
• Where our officers attend the academy, 800-plus hours plus training hours.
• Currently, there are 41 basic training academies in the state.
• We have the regular basic course, which is that full academy.
• There is not standardized curriculum as in the academy.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Our people are our best recruiters. academy, our different officers and our academy, our different officers
• We have a junior police academy where we're starting to grow them.
• So, last year one of the things that we talked about was Citizens Police Academy.
• Academy, and one for Bosnians.
• ,</c><00:32:03.000><c> regular,</c> two Community Police Academies, regular, two Community Police Academies

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity convened its first meeting of the 2026 interim, established a quorum, and introduced staff and a summer student intern. The chair explained that the commission’s first topic would be crime, public safety, violence prevention, and mentoring, and invited the police chiefs of Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green to discuss how the legislature could help them do their jobs more effectively. The chiefs described a shift in policing from a more enforcement-only approach to community policing built on relationships, trust, and prevention. They said community engagement and mentorship are central to reducing violence, and cited examples such as community engagement teams, youth programs, and efforts to build trust through regular presence in neighborhoods. Louisville’s chief said the department’s community engagement work has helped improve homicide solvability, while Bowling Green’s chief emphasized that juvenile crime and stolen guns are major concerns and that the state cannot arrest its way out of the problem. All three stressed that policing depends on cooperation with residents, prosecutors, and courts. Members then asked about recruiting officers who reflect the communities they serve. The chiefs said successful recruitment depends on personal relationships, officers serving as ambassadors, and reaching people through community presence rather than only traditional ads. Bowling Green described junior police academy and cadet programs that begin with youth and often lead to hiring, while Lexington said it uses social media, a community police academy, and outreach to keep local residents in the profession. They also said character matters more than background and that officers should be embedded in the neighborhoods they serve. A final exchange focused on immigrant and refugee communities and fear of police. The chiefs said they are trying to reduce fear through community police academies, multilingual outreach, neighborhood meetings, and clear communication that local police do not enforce civil immigration detainers. Louisville said it has marked SWAT vehicles more clearly and works with community organizations to spread accurate information. The chiefs repeatedly emphasized that their role is to keep people safe, protect constitutional rights, and make sure residents feel able to call 911 when they need help.

Transcript Highlights:

• Corrections Academy, so we are hiring. We're being very successful.
• This is 21 that graduated from the academy.
• So it gets them six weeks of physical fitness prepared to start the academy.
• In the Activate Program, getting ready for our next Academy class.
• How's your Academy?

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we started behavior academies.
• I'm from Kootenai Classical Academy up north in Post Falls, Idaho.
• Treasure Valley Classical Academy was the first school that opened in 2019.
• Idaho Novus Classical Academy in Eagle opened this last fall.
• North Idaho Classical Academy will be opening in Bonner's Ferry, and then Valor Classical Academy in

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry kind of has their own rules about facilities that are
• They came up with them with the American Academy of Pediatrics requiring two providers for children to
• And the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry kind of has their own rules about facilities that are
• And the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry kind of has their own rules about facilities that are
• Academy of Pediatrics requiring<00:27:37.760><c> two</c><00:27:38.000><c> providers</c><00:27:38.799

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and adopted the consent calendar without objection. It then postponed the Board of Licensed Dieticians item until next month after granting a waiver, and also postponed the Board of Accountancy item to next month so the agency could respond. The Board of Registry and Optometry received conditional approval. Staff noted the board had addressed editorial comments, but flagged one substantive issue involving the drug formulary and whether it should be exempt from rulemaking requirements; the committee agreed to add that as a legislative suggestion for later review. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources interim rule drew more discussion, focused on a provision regulating kindling size for Category 3 fires. Staff and committee members questioned whether the agency had authority over Category 3 fires under the statute, but agency representatives said the interim rules were needed because the prior rules had expired and forest rangers lacked enforcement authority while final rulemaking was pending. The committee ultimately granted conditional approval to interim rule 25-4, with one member voting against it over concerns about consistency with the law. The Board of Examiners’ Dental 304 rules were presented next. The agency explained that it had revised the rules to address prior committee concerns about anesthesia and sedation for children, including creating a pathway for oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists to obtain exemptions for under-13 patients, setting a 20-patient-every-two-years threshold for certain permits, adding pediatric minimal sedation permitting, and loosening moderate sedation rules for pediatric dentists. Members also discussed whether the rules were compatible with House Bill 470, and staff said they appeared compatible and would not require additional rulemaking. The committee then approved the dental rules, and after that it adjourned after announcing it would cancel the continued meeting and take up remaining business next month.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> Enforcement Officers Training Academy, Enforcement Officers Training Academy, the<00:41:41.960>
• You know, the most recent academy<00:43:50.800><c> that</c><00:43:50.960><c> we</c><00:43:51.120><c>
• that we have, um and and and academy that we have, um and and and keep<00:43:53.400><c> in</c><00:43
• In this most recent academy, we have individuals at the Highway Patrol Academy who will be assigned to
• And so like this year, I think we have three or four Capitol Police officers assigned to the academy

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the government relations manager for the Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health.
• The academy is here today to express our strong support for HB 385.
• The academy applauds this legislature for consistently working to build that workforce with legislation
• , and we are here in support. ...manager for the Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health, and
• The Academy strongly urges this committee to release HB 475. Thank you. Thank you. Carling Ryan.

Bills: HB359 , HB385 , HB165

Committee: Senate Health & Social Services

Summary: The Senate Health and Social Services Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior two meetings, and briefly acknowledged the tragedy at Christiana Care before moving to legislation. The committee heard House Bill 385, which creates a statewide nurse preceptor grant program to expand clinical training placements for nursing students; testimony from nursing organizations, health care associations, and educators emphasized workforce shortages, the need for preceptor stipends and training, and the bill’s potential to help students complete programs and remain in Delaware. Members asked about eligibility and reporting, and several senators asked to be added as co-sponsors. Public comment was uniformly supportive, and the bill was advanced out of committee. The committee then considered House Bill 424, which repeals Delaware’s Autism Surveillance and Registration Program and requires DHSS to expunge protected health information collected through the registry. The sponsor and DHSS said the registry is no longer used for research or policy development and that repeal would reduce outdated reporting burdens; Autism Delaware, the Delaware Health Care Association, and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities support the change. A committee member raised the question of whether families would be notified before records are expunged, and DHSS said that process was not yet clear and would need further verification. Members discussed the issue, and the bill also moved forward. House Bill 419 was next, making children in foster care automatically eligible for the Purchase of Care child care subsidy and extending the same treatment to certain kinship and safety-plan placements through House Amendment 1. The Children’s Department and advocacy groups said the bill would provide immediate stability for children and caregivers, reduce delays from applications and income verification, and support working foster and kinship families. The committee also heard House Bill 359, which would allow cremation as an option for unclaimed and indigent remains when there is no family objection or next of kin cannot be found, addressing a shortage of burial plots and lowering costs; funeral industry testimony focused on preserving next-of-kin rights. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 475, creating a Delaware Nursing Advancement Fund financed by a $10 surcharge on nursing licenses and disciplinary fines to support workforce data collection and analysis through a nonprofit partner, and House Bill 165, authorizing physician associates, occupational therapists, and APRNs to perform dry needling under training and practice standards set by the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. All of the bills received supportive testimony, several members added their names as co-sponsors, and the committee adjourned after moving through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> constitutionally and Lifewise Academy constitutionally and Lifewise Academy does<01:29:42.960><c
• </c><01:30:22.400><c> and</c> programs like Lifewise Academy and programs like Lifewise Academy and religious
• Um so um is it in this academy program?
• For instance, the fifth grade Academy.
• It sounds like it's academy program?

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• As was just explained, UCLA ran its academy for 14 years without direct state support through a mix of
• And I think a difference between the existing programs versus the First Star Academies is that they are
• You know, obviously when they join that program, the First Star Academy, they are the best of the best
• So, just compared to the First Star Academies, they're expanding their focus on foster care students,
• So that's the difference between EAOP as well compared to the First Star Academies.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Kentucky Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
• I represent the Kentucky<00:08:29.960><c> Academy</c><00:08:30.480><c> of</c><00:08:30.600><c> Audiology
• </c><00:08:31.160><c> and</c><00:08:31.320><c> the</c> Kentucky Academy of Audiology and the Kentucky
• Academy of Audiology and the Academy<00:08:32.080><c> of</c><00:08:32.159><c> Doctors</c><00:08:32.560
• </c> Academy of Doctors of Audiology. Academy of Doctors of Audiology.

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE OF THE CONCEPTS WE ARE THINKING ABOUT IS THIS IDEA OF A TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY.
• AND SO THIS CONCEPT OF A TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY IS AN UMBRELLA CONCEPT.
• WHAT IF WE HAD A PROGRAM AS PART OF OUR TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY BY WHICH THOSE INMATES COULD BE TRAINED
• SO I TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE IDEA FOR OUR TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY.
• FTBA HAS ALSO SET UP ITS OWN PRIVATE EFFORT CALLED THE FLOOR TO CONNECT ACADEMY.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's good to hear about the academy. And I see the class that is coming in.
• So, heretofore, a county corrections officer had to go through the full police academy... >> Uh, I do
• the full police academy in order to become a state-certified corrections officer.
• So, a person could get to the end of the academy and decide this isn't for them.
• last academy, who left early, didn't receive the bonus.

Summary: The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review. The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget. The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes our academy cities, which are the larger cities or The cities that run their own academy
• , approved by LEAT, run the basic portion of the LEAT Academy within their cities.
• But it is a very vital part of getting through the academy.
• I would definitely say to get ready for this academy, you need to know your why.
• So, it's really going to depend on just this particular academy. We didn't have any wait.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• You said that you all recruited, you had more troopers to come out of your academy last year?
• My next question, when is your next academy? Yes, ma'am.
• It's just a shorter academy.
• It's just a shorter academy.
• There's no waiver in our academy.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• are going to hear a vocal performance of the Star-Spangled Banner from the Idaho Novus Classical Academy
• , and we appreciate their participation today and their teachers Novus Classical Academy, and we appreciate
• and to make technical corrections; repealing Section 33-5503, Idaho Code, relating to the Academy Board
• ; repealing Section 33-1020, Idaho Code, relating to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy; and amending
• 33-1002, Idaho Code, to remove a provision regarding distributions to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy

Transcript Highlights:

• The four affected areas are the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, which is training, academy operations, including
• This bill seeks to prevent funds remaining in the Highway Patrol Academy Fund...
• Those fees are collected, and those fees help with the operational cost of that training academy.
• The Highway Patrol Academy, to begin with, let me say, the sweep that occurs does not take the funds
• using the training academy.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Senator, it was the American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics.
• It pertains to the bill because they are citing the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• President and Senator, has the American Academy of Pediatrics been wrong? Senator Nava. Mr.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics gave completely wrong advice.
• We are very aware of what the American Academy of Pediatrics is doing here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anna, Eighth grade teacher at California Virtual Academies in support. Good afternoon.
• I work for California Virtual Academies. I support this bill. Dr.
• Lauren Azevedo-Smith teacher with Pacific Coast Academy.
• I am the Executive Director of the Language Academy here in San Francisco and in full support.
• Anna Cordero eighth grade teacher at California Virtual Academies and proud charter parent.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Mary Moram, superintendent of Houston Public Schools in Minnesota Virtual Academy.
• We also, uh, we have our partners here with Minnesota Virtual Academy.
• We also, uh, we have our partners here with Minnesota Virtual Academy.
• </c><00:26:34.240><c> to</c> through the Minnesota Virtual Academy to through the Minnesota Virtual Academy
• Schools in Minnesota Virtual Academy.

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• FY 2027 budget in the same division, and lastly setting the budget for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy
• Members of the committee, the last budget before you today is for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy.
• I move for fiscal year 2027, for the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, a reduction of $15 million from
• The very first sentence: There is hereby created the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, a public school
• The very first sentence, there is hereby created the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, a public school

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee first approved a technical correction to the Health and Welfare Division of Licensing and Certification budget, restoring 2 FTP that had been cut in error while leaving funding intact. The committee then adopted language extending the deadline for Medicaid’s state plan amendments and waivers related to the move to comprehensive managed care, after discussion of delays tied to the MMIS procurement and litigation. Both items received do-pass recommendations. The committee next considered Public School Support, beginning with a FY 2026 supplemental for the Division of Student Support to add $7.8 million in federal spending authority so schools can access full federal grant allocations. That supplemental passed. For FY 2027, members debated several competing motions on the Student Support Division budget, including proposals to reduce classified staff funding, add health insurance funding, and cut virtual school-related funding. After multiple failed motions, the committee ultimately approved a motion reducing the general fund by $14,751,600, including a $3 million reduction to virtual school discretionary funding, and adopted related language. Additional language was also approved to require reporting on virtual enrollments, shift English learner funding from central services to direct LEA distribution, modify technology curriculum contract requirements, require special education expenditure reporting, and reduce transportation funding by $7.5 million by undoing a prior statutory change. The committee then turned to the Idaho Digital Learning Academy. After extensive debate over alleged double-funding, rural access, and the absence of a policy bill, members rejected a larger $15 million reduction and then approved a smaller $13,500 reduction tied to the pending policy bill’s fiscal note. They also adopted language restricting PCIF access, requiring compliance reporting on DEI-related courses, and requesting a detailed report on IDLA expenditures, enrollments, and usage, including synchronous versus asynchronous instruction and course-level data by LEA. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would next take up the Secretary of State budget and trailer bills, with an additional 7:30 a.m. meeting before the Monday session.