Transcript Highlights:

• And so, information might not be updated as frequently or checked. Does that make sense?
• I check out, leave, she gets in the Escalade. and drives off.
• Is there any way to electronically check for errors when they, you know, if you fill out...
• We will double-check, but it's whatever is recorded in SHARE that our report pulls out.
• We'll ask the staff to check.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He has background in video production and so we really want to be able to use in-house services rather
• "I think maybe two, but I'll check." "Yeah. And would like to see what the job functions are."
• >> I think maybe two but I'll check. >> I think maybe two but I'll check.
• And he has a lot of background in Canvas and that the PLMS.
• in Canvas and that the lot of background in Canvas and that the PLMS.<00:10:08.480> And<00:10

Keywords: This live stream stopped early and will be uploaded as a complete video later today or tomorrow morning., 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered a pulled contract involving the Department of Education and heard from KDE staff Karen Worth, Matthew Courtney, and later Mickey Ray Marinelli. Members asked about contract 42, which related to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and broader federal budget uncertainty. KDE explained that the program is forward-funded, so current-year and next-school-year funding were secure, but future funding remained unclear because federal decisions were still in flux. Members asked to be kept informed of any changes and expressed support for the program. The committee then discussed contract 43, a $105,000 general fund agreement for a communications/digital media consultant. KDE said the position was created to help increase awareness of resources for district staff, administrators, and teachers, including Read to Succeed, numeracy, MTSS, website usability, standards resources, and the Kentucky Learning Hub. Members questioned why the work was being routed through the Green River Co-op, whether the role was new, how long it had been vacant, how many similar positions existed, and whether the work amounted to internal marketing. KDE said the selected employee was coming from Thomas More University, the position had existed for about one year, the vacancy had been less than six months, and the role was intended to improve communication and online resources. Some members voiced concern about growing administrative spending and whether more positions were needed. Both contracts were ultimately approved as reviewed without objection after motions, seconds, and roll-call votes. The committee then announced that the September 25 meeting would instead be held on Tuesday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m., and adjourned after a motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• A bit about my background: I am an Arizona native.
• I appreciate, especially learning by your educational background.
• I mean, and if so, what kinds of checks and balances are on staff?
• I've got a lot of themes that are similar to Debbie's in my background.
• I thought I'd provide a little background information. I'm an Arizona guy.

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• check on all addresses to determine the amount of disclosure required on the report.
• Yeah, I just think there'd be a smaller likelihood of human error if it were able to cross-check with
• <00:09:49.240> check<00:09:49.600> on<00:09:49.800> all a uh a uh a background
• check on all a uh a uh a background check on all addresses<00:09:50.680> to<00:09:50.880>
• with uh L with the able to cross check with uh L with the gis<00:10:25.160> information<00:10

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We check for ticks, and you can also check for any presence of wounds or any infested wounds with maggots
• The problem is if you're checking those traps, and I've got my guys checking...
• You've got a good background.
• They background those cattle, they import them, they background them, and get them ready for the feed
• You have to get up, check cattle, and check on the babies, especially if you're calving out of sync,

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do a background and find out that something actually did pop up on your background, but you didn't
• And then they'll check no.
• And then they'll check no.
• And then they'll check no.
• So you're going to deposit the check, and then if the application is rejected, you'll just issue a check

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with Tab 2, which is a bill by Senator Grall, Senate Bill 1546 on background screening of
• Background screening of athletic coaches. Senator Grall, you are recognized to explain the bill.
• they pass a Level 2 background screening.
• By January 1, 2026, they will be included in the background screening.
• Can I check that number? And so that's what I think is probably not a duplicate of effort.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anti-fraud protections, mandatory criminal background checks for any vendors. and strict reporting requirements
• There's also background checks, criminal background checks, Senator Bettencourt court has a bill coming
• There are stringent background checks and other criteria involved in the approval. and pre-approval of
• And every agency, they didn't know how to do all those backgrounds. checks.
• You can pass a criminal background check the first time you apply for a job.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You also undergo, guess what, a background check.
• You also undergo, guess what, a background check.
• A background check. You also undergo a mental health evaluation.
• Let's talk about background checks. Let's talk about actual training.
• And by the way, they don't need a background check.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum confirmed, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for retired fire captain Bill Guston and a welcome for guests in the galleries. The Speaker then outlined the House’s budget approach, saying the proposed General Appropriations Act would be lower than both the governor’s proposal and last year’s budget, and announced plans to seek a permanent 0.75% reduction in the state sales tax. The chamber also received the governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001 and began considering motions to restore several vetoed appropriations. Members unanimously reinstated funding for the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, the Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1 project, the automated staffing/time management system for the Department of Corrections, and the Baldwin sanitary sewer and water main replacement project. The House also adopted special order and GAA amendment-procedure reports. On the special order calendar, the chamber passed HB 289 on boating safety (“Lucy’s Law”), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process, all by wide margins. The most debated measure was HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “free kill” law limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-sought justice measure for families who lost adult children and were barred from suing, while opponents argued it was needed to provide accountability and fairness. The bill passed 104-6. The House then took up HB 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. An amendment to keep the age at 21 was defeated, and debate featured strong arguments on both sides about constitutional rights, public safety, Parkland, military service, and data on youth violence; the transcript ends during continued debate on the bill, before final passage is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should we be charging more for criminal background checks or not?
• Should we be charging more for criminal background checks or not?
• Should we be charging more for criminal background checks or not?
• Should we be charging more for criminal background checks or not?
• Should we be charging more for criminal background checks or not?

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And check this out.
• You've got to check it out.
• My background a little bit: I'm a former county commissioner.
• I'm going to give some background on myself. I've lived...
• I'm going to give some background on myself.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a large slate of confirmations and reappointments to boards of trustees for Florida’s colleges, universities, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the importance of trustee appointments to maintaining Florida’s higher education system, and the committee heard brief testimony from each nominee about their background, ties to the institution, and priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, and community partnerships. Several nominees highlighted personal connections to their schools, including alumni status, family legacy, or prior service on the board, while others emphasized experience in business, law, education, health care, or public service. Testimony focused heavily on workforce development and institutional growth. Speakers cited nursing, dual enrollment, applied programs, military and veteran support, broadband access, agriculture, law enforcement, and technical training as key areas for colleges to meet regional labor needs. University nominees discussed research expansion, affordability, strategic planning, and partnerships with industry and government, with Florida Atlantic, Florida Polytechnic, the University of West Florida, and the University of South Florida each described as being in periods of growth or transition. Miami-Dade College, Tallahassee State College, Polk State College, and other state colleges were praised for enrollment, economic impact, and job placement outcomes. The committee also heard from the Florida Prepaid College Board reappointee, who described the program as a long-term promise backed by public trust and reported recent technology and customer-service improvements. After testimony, the committee took up the nominations as a group. One nominee, Drew Weatherford, had withdrawn and was not voted on. The remaining trustees were approved unanimously by roll call and reported favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You also have background checks on children as young as 13.
• You also have background checks on children as young as 13.
• they're also being challenged to check they're also being challenged to check all<00:43:16.280><
• can't be considered for a background can't be considered for a background study<00:59:15.680>
• That's what the background study, I assume, would be looking for.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• going to check your driver's license. going to check your driver's license.
• check and all hires.
• check and all hires.
• Um, so this is a bill to resolve who receives criminal background checks, and that's been a problem for
• checks.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• some brief background on what that<00:10:50.480> is.
• >> So, um, again, just as brief background, I think use of TANF funds has to be consistent with four
• >> So, um, again, just as brief background, I think use of TANF funds has to be consistent with four
• can double check with our staff as well. can double check with our staff as well.
• And again, I'll double check with my staff just to confirm this is correct.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Human Services and Homelessness received a briefing from Scott Morish of the Hawaii Department of Human Services on upcoming SNAP changes tied to the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1/OBBA) and on the federal government shutdown’s impact on November SNAP benefits. DHS described its SNAP workload and statewide participation, noting about 86,229 households and 168,947 individuals receiving benefits in September, with roughly $58–$60 million distributed monthly. Morish said DHS has already made system and policy updates in preparation for the November 1 implementation date. Most of the briefing focused on expanded able-bodied adult work requirements. DHS explained that the work rule now applies to additional groups, including adults ages 55 to 64, households with dependent children age 14 and older, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, and youth ages 18 to 24 who transitioned from foster care. The department said affected individuals must generally work or participate in qualifying activities for 80 hours per month, with noncompliance leading to a three-month benefit limit and a 36-month ineligibility period. DHS also reviewed exemptions, including for disability, pregnancy, caregiving, school or training, unemployment, and substance use treatment, and clarified that the new Indian Health Care Improvement Act exemption does not include Native Hawaiians. DHS said it received approval for Hawaii’s request for a non-contiguous-state exemption from payment error penalties through September 30, 2026, but must still make good-faith efforts to implement the work rules. Morish also outlined OBBA changes to non-citizen eligibility, saying that beginning November 1 only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible, while other previously eligible categories such as refugees, asylees, and some parolees will no longer qualify. He noted that ineligible non-citizens must still be included in household reporting and their income counted. The committee then discussed the federal shutdown’s effect on SNAP, with DHS saying USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP issuance because of insufficient funding; existing October benefits remain usable, and TANF and general assistance are not affected. DHS said it has posted FAQs and call-center messages, and is working with the Hawaii Food Bank on an additional $2 million in support and with nonprofit partners on a new Hawaii Relief program funded by TANF for families with dependent children. Members asked about eligibility for kūpuna and documentation for the relief program, and DHS said the TANF-funded program is limited to households with a child under 18, while FAQs are now available online.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will open the hearing on House Bill 1373, relative to background check disqualifications for applicants
• We then run their background check with the Department of Safety, look at the criminal history record
• educator and background checks for, um, educator and background checks for, um, educator licenses
• conducting background checks several conducting background checks several years<00:51:39.040>
• background check the criminal history background check the criminal history record<00:53:03.040>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WHERE BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THOSE
• IT TAKES A LONG TIME BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT TO DO A VERY THOROUGH BACKGROUND CHECK AND THEY TAKE TIME.
• MOST EVERYONE OF THEM WAS IN BACKGROUND EXCEPT TWO.
• MY VACANCY RATE TO KEEP ALL OF THAT AND CHECK WOULD BE AROUND 3.8%. VACANCY RATE.
• MAKE IT THROUGH THE CHALLENGING BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS AND THEN WE LOSE THEM TO ANOTHER AGENCY.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:03:04.319> check<01:03:04.559> by undergo a criminal background check by undergo
• So once regarding the background checks.
• plus<01:24:56.639> the background check on themselves plus the background check on themselves
• OPLC already need the background check.
• has the ability to request a background has the ability to request a background check<01:25:05.600

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [No audible transcript content; background/inaudible audio.]
• [No audible transcript content; background/inaudible audio.]
• [No audible transcript content; background/inaudible audio.]
• [No audible transcript content; background/inaudible audio.]
• [No audible transcript content; background/inaudible audio.]

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AND WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE INDIVIDUALS WITH STRONG BACKGROUNDS IN CAREER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.
• AND CHRIS WITH A STRONG BACKGROUND IN SCHOOL CHOICE AND OTHER THINGS IN THE AREA OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY
• AND I WAS NOT SURE BECAUSE I WENT IN TO DO AN OBSERVATION AND CHECK IN ON THE SITUATION AND I WASN’T
• BUT IF I TAKE IT NOW AND SAY LOOK GET BEHAVIOR IN CHECK AND UNDERSTAND YOU LOSE PRIVILEGES UNTIL YOU
• I THINK SCREEN TIME IS MANAGED TIGHTLY BECAUSE LAPTOPS ARE CHECKED IN AND OUT WITHIN CLASSES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AND WE HAVE ISSUES REGARDING THE FTC CROSS CHECKS AS WELL.
• HOWEVER THESE CHECKS WERE NOT DEPOSITED AT THE TIME BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT THE CHECKS WERE
• FEFP IS LIVING OFF A SYSTEM WE CHECK ATTENDANCE IN FEBRUARY, WE CHECK IN OCTOBER, WE TRUE EVERYTHING
• IT HAS BEEN DISCONCERTING TO LEARN THAT FUNDS COME BACK TO THE STATE VIA CHECK.
• WE CAN'T TAKE THE CHECK, WE CAN HAVE THIS INFORMATION. THAT HAS BEEN THE PROCESS.