Transcript Highlights:

• what that is: when we in the General Assembly put forth a constitutional amendment or a statutory measure
• I mean, in my fourth year here, I've seen a lot of ballot measures pass through, and every single one
• just wondering if the General Assembly needs to start presenting initiative petitions or ballot measures
• So if something was put on the ballot this year, would you not believe that those deadlines could prevent
• debated in the legislature over the H.J.R.s or ballot measures debated in the legislature over the last

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 3146, sponsored by Rep. John Simmons, which would expand legislatively written ballot summary statements from 50 to 100 words and create a revised process for court challenges to ballot language. Simmons said the bill is essentially the same as last year’s Senate Bill 22, minus the section the Supreme Court struck down, and argued it would preserve the General Assembly’s role while allowing the Secretary of State and courts to work through objections to ballot summaries. Supporters said the longer summary would better inform voters and that the back-and-forth process had worked in the recent Amendment 3 litigation. Members raised concerns that the bill would encourage misleading or argumentative ballot language, create extra procedural steps, and potentially let the clock run out before challenges are fully resolved. Rep. Woods and others argued the courts are needed to prevent “ballot candy” and dishonest summaries, while supporters countered that the legislature and Secretary of State should have primary authority and that courts should not act as a “super legislature.” The sponsor and supporters also pointed to the recent Amendment 3 process as evidence that the revised procedure can work and produce agreed-upon language. Testimony was split. Campaign Life Missouri, Missouri Right to Life, and a representative from the Secretary of State’s office testified in favor, emphasizing transparency, voter information, and the elected status of the officials drafting ballot language. Opponents included the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, League of Women Voters, Jobs with Justice, Missouri Right to Education, and private citizens, who argued the bill is unconstitutional, undermines separation of powers, and would allow misleading language to survive by dragging out litigation. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> barrier that was designed to prevent barrier that was designed to prevent people<00:53:30.400><c
• We've heard from the opponents of<00:54:10.079><c> the</c><00:54:10.240><c> measure</c><00:54:10.880>
• This is a pretty simple measure.
• This bill just authorizes the study, and so I urge an I vote on this measure. >> Thank you.
• </c> and so I urge an I vote on this measure. and so I urge an I vote on this measure.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> measure. Thank you. measure. Thank you.
• </c> testify on this measure? testify on this measure?
• </c> this measure? this measure?
• </c> on to our next measure. on to our next measure.
• </c> to testify on this measure? to testify on this measure?

Bills: SB709, SB2089, SB2090, SB2108, SB2211, SB2250, SB2325, SB2803, SB2866, SB3245

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to note it's important to remember that prevention is Minnesota's best hope for reducing
• First, I want to note it's important to remember that prevention is Minnesota's best hope for reducing
• If measures such as SF 2290 are not approved, I worry the result will be that I or my co-workers will
• </c><01:08:24.880><c> to</c><01:08:25.120><c> balance</c><01:08:25.440><c> the</c> damaging measures
• If meas measures such as SF2290 budget.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the good news is, like I said, our regulations allow for such a measured approach.
• And the good news is, like I said, our regulations allow for such a measured approach.
• The legislature could also consider what measures can be put in place to ensure that utilities are meeting
• “The main difference there is they are measuring it.
• First is to stay informed and engaged on the implementation of the measures that you've passed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on ways Massachusetts can accelerate solar deployment, lower costs, and preserve reliability as electricity demand rises and federal support for solar and other renewables changes. Chair Creem opened by emphasizing solar’s role in meeting climate mandates and peak demand, citing June heat-wave data showing behind-the-meter solar reduced wholesale prices and saved ratepayers money. Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney of DOER said Massachusetts has grown from 3 MW of solar in 2008 to 3.5 GW today, highlighted SMART 3.0 as a flexible, evergreen incentive program, and said DOER is working on updated rates, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, net crediting, and a petition to the DPU to speed implementation. She also said Massachusetts joined the lawsuit over canceled federal Solar for All funding. Committee members and witnesses discussed several policy changes to speed projects before federal tax credits expire, including automated permitting, remote inspections, faster interconnection, and changes to caps on municipal and regional solar development. Senator Barrett pressed Mahoney on whether the 10 MW municipal cap and regional caps should be lifted, and on whether the state should increase its solar tax credit to offset the loss of the federal residential credit. Mahoney said the municipal cap should be revisited and that interconnection cost allocation and other market issues need to be worked out before lifting broader caps. She also said DOER is open to automated permitting and is already developing a permitting portal under the 2024 climate law. Industry and advocacy witnesses largely supported streamlining measures. Sunrun’s Bronte Payne urged removal of a proposed requirement that all net-metered facilities enroll in SMART, and recommended automated permitting, remote inspections, flexible interconnection, better hosting-capacity information, consumer protections, and continued support for Connected Solutions and virtual power plants. Permit Power’s Hannah Bernbaum and Solar App’s Matthew McAllister argued that smart permitting and remote inspections can significantly reduce soft costs and delays, with McAllister saying Solar App now operates in over 320 jurisdictions and saves about three weeks on average. They said remote inspections are already common and can be done safely with photos, video, and qualified third parties. Community solar and clean energy advocates, including CCSA’s Kate Daniel and Vote Solar’s Lindsay Griffin, supported a 10 GW solar target by 2035, a higher refundable state tax credit for low-income households, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, and preserving the option to build outside SMART so projects can retain renewable energy certificates. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members requested follow-up materials and draft language from witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, performance goals and measures should be built into every agreement.
• Clear performance goals and measures are critical for tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and
• Fourth, performance goals and measures should be built into every agreement.
• Clear performance goals and measures are critical for tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and
• Fourth, Commerce did not manage or monitor grantee performance using consistent performance measures

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, just to move on to some of our performance measures, number one there, you can see that our
• Chairman, just to move on to some of our performance measures, number one there, you can see that our
• You can see, you know... ...benchmark that we use to measure performance in the timber program.
• I'll skip ahead to a few of the other performance measures to mention here.
• Enhancing fire prevention and mitigation efforts.

Summary: The Conservation Committee approved the February 5 and February 17 minutes, then heard House Bill 678, which would allow wolf trappers to use remote cameras on traps and rely on a video-based check in place of the current 72-hour in-person trap-check requirement when the camera is functioning. The sponsor and supporters, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Farm Bureau, said the bill would make trapping more humane and efficient and help with wolf management. The Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, warning it could leave incidentally captured protected wildlife in traps longer than current law allows and could create enforcement problems. The committee voted to send HB 678 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then received the annual update from the Idaho Department of Lands. Director Dustin Miller reported on endowment land management, timber harvest and revenue, fire suppression, recruitment challenges in the fire program, and the department’s shared stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority work with federal partners. Members asked about firefighter pay, mineral permitting, federal timber capacity, road access, and whether the GNA program can sustain staffing through program income; the director said the program is self-sustaining and aimed to expand federal-land restoration and timber output. Next, the committee considered Parks and Recreation pending rules for Docket 26-1-20-2501. Director Susan Buxton explained proposed fee increases for park entry, annual passes, commercial entry, group camps, boating access, and moorage, but asked the committee to reject the proposed changes to Section 075 and Section 250, with the basic campsite fee section to be revisited next year. The committee approved the docket with those exceptions. Buxton then gave the department’s annual update, highlighting ARPA-funded park improvements, new campsites and docks, trail and recreation partnerships, staffing and retention issues, and major projects at parks including Farragut, Ponderosa, Priest Lake, Eagle Island, and others. The meeting ended after a question about the Eagle Island zip line, which Buxton said would have to be removed because the concessionaire could not maintain it safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deliver aligning education with workforce needs and producing measurable outcomes across every level
• So it programs are designed to support measurable school gains, including the completion of the registered
• It is only measured in the security firm. So if you look at the data from the U.S.
• We also measure or for your rate. It's 60% of our program.
• The other thing I would add to that is we measure everyone you will see some systems that will report

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> leakage</c><00:47:43.520><c> that</c><00:47:44.240><c> uh</c><00:47:44.400><c> inflow</c> uh prevents
• that leakage that uh inflow uh prevents that leakage that uh inflow and<00:47:45.240><c> infiltration
• We can measure that.
• Those meters measure flow as it exits each community into the system after storm events.
• We can measure that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• By every conventional measure, he had made it. But Suk Kim was not a conventional man.
• First, this bill prevents a locality from prohibiting the use of small portable solar generation devices
• House Bill 969 seeks to do the work to establish the Virginia gun violence prevention center, but we
• House Bill 1523, which relates to certified violence prevention professionals certification.
• The Senate substitute adds a definition of certified violence prevention professional. Mr.

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House has passed the following measures.
• The legislation creates a mechanism to prevent unreasonable overcharges for durable medical equipment
• These measures prioritize victims and enhance safety within essential health care services.
• So there's a number of checks in place to prevent that from happening.
• Suppose your bill prevents hundreds of non-citizens from voting. at the cost of preventing tens of thousands

Keywords: HCR65, HCR19, Senate resolutions, memorial, community impact, legislative proceedings

Summary: The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• And most importantly, the cost is measured in the quality of the baby's lives and the baby's future.
• And most importantly, the cost<00:05:06.880><c> is</c><00:05:07.120><c> measured</c><00:05:07.520><c>
• in the quality of the cost is measured in the quality of the baby's<00:05:09.120><c> lives</c><00:05
• Asset testing with excess value determination would have prevented that disparity.” per month.
• So, closing the BBCE loophole, I believe, is a good governance measure.

Bills: HF3831, HF3603, HF1900, HF495, HF3750, HF4316, HF2136, HF4384

Keywords: SNAP, income limits, asset limits, nutrition assistance, children and families, federal poverty guidelines, federal waiver, food assistance, low-income families, nutritional support, day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, child care, family child care, child care center, licensing, correction order

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1002 seeks to maintain consistency in energy policies across Florida, preventing local governments
• SB 1002 seeks to maintain a consistency in energy policies across Florida, preventing local governments
• They do not prevent landlords from using email.
• SB 1374 strengthens reporting and accountability measures related to educator arrests and misconduct
• This seemingly would prevent state-chartered banks from on... which does not meet the standard set by

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The original intent is the same as the intent now, and that is to prevent...
• The original tent is the same as the intent now, and that is to prevent.
• The original intent is the same as the intent now, and that is to prevent sexual crimes against children
• What you're doing is, that measured and you give them 20 percent and then dying at 20 percent.
• And it stated, it is our expert opinion that policies to prevent access to and use of gender-affirming

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 5, 2026 by roll call vote, 134-2. During personal privilege remarks, a member recognized Bridget Williams, the first Black woman to lead the Heavy Constructors Association of Kansas City, in honor of Black History Month. The chamber then took up several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551, a large anti-trafficking package addressing sex trafficking, grooming, sextortion, terminology changes from “child pornography” to “child sexual abuse material,” a statewide anti-trafficking council, training requirements, expungement for some trafficking victims, and related criminal penalties, was debated at length over constitutional concerns but ultimately passed third reading 148-2. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1757, which helps school districts identify gifted students by the end of third grade, passed 142-8. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375, a workers’ compensation reform measure clarifying the burden of proof and compensability standards, passed 86-62 after supporters said it would streamline claims and opponents called it unnecessary. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1788, regulating recurring political donations and increasing transparency, passed 134-16. House Bill 1628, a cleanup bill updating higher education and workforce development statutes and repealing outdated provisions including the Vietnam Veterans Survivors Grant, passed unanimously 153-0. The House also perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854, a package centered on removing the sunset from the SAFE Act and continuing Missouri’s restrictions on gender-related medical treatment for minors; debate was sharply divided, with supporters citing child protection and opponents arguing it harms transgender youth and intrudes on parental and medical decision-making. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think what happens is this amendment will actually prevent chaos because it does happen.
• Let's vote yes on this amendment, and let's take a common sense precautionary measure to put some controls
• And I think this would prevent that.
• And as we've heard, it prevents chaos and prevents all sorts of upheaval.
• The incarcerated person is protected, and that we could prevent intoxicating and potentially fatal substances

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, and then moved to second reading of House Bill 1604, a bill addressing standards for strip searches in local jails and related correctional procedures. The bill was described by supporters as implementing and clarifying existing federal law and providing local jails with clearer rules, while opponents argued it would create liability, staffing, bargaining, and operational problems, and would force female correctional officers to perform searches they objected to on privacy, consent, or religious grounds. Members debated a series of amendments, most of which were rejected. Amendment 1470, changing the implementation date from 2025 to 2026, was adopted. Amendment 1492, which would have added intent language and liability protections, failed. Amendment 1494, requiring same-sex staff for invasive searches with a medical exception, failed. Amendment 1493, creating a religious accommodation process for staff, failed. Amendment 1491, focused on consent and boundaries for female officers, failed on a recorded vote of 37 yeas and 50 nays. Amendments 1495, 1496, and 1497, which would have expanded exigent circumstances, limited repeated gender-identity changes, or allowed temporary restraint when no appropriate search staff were available, also failed. A striking amendment to replace the bill entirely was likewise rejected. On final passage, supporters said the bill would help local officials comply with federal and state requirements while protecting dignity and safety for incarcerated people. Opponents repeated concerns that the bill would be difficult to administer and would burden or endanger staff, especially women officers. The House then passed engrossed House Bill 1604 by a vote of 56 yeas to 39 nays, with three excused, and adjourned floor action for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And fear of exposure is one of the most critical obstacles preventing them from seeking assistance.
• But accidents like this one were incredibly preventable.
• I don't know if you said. ...incredibly preventable. The police really botched the investigation.
• Definitely a preventable tragedy. Thank you, Representative Gottlieb.
• It requires education, prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of bills on inmate medical billing, court-order transmission, animal abandonment during disasters, first responder peer support, firearm purchase waiting periods, capital felony aggravators, domestic violence protections, boating safety, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, xylazine trafficking, and offenses against law enforcement officers. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with some opposition or caution raised on the xylazine bill, the boating safety bill, and parts of the law-enforcement-officer bill. Several measures were presented as responses to specific tragedies, including the Martin County jail medical billing bill, the Baker Act transmission bill, Trooper’s Law for restrained dogs, the Jason Rayner Act, and Lucy’s Law. HB 407 would cap certain emergency medical charges for Martin County jail inmates at 110% of Medicare rates, mirroring Department of Corrections practice; it passed 15-0. HB 513 would require faster electronic transmission of certain court orders, including Baker Act orders, to law enforcement within six hours; it passed 15-0. HB 205, Trooper’s Law, creates a third-degree felony for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster; it passed 15-0. HB 421, as amended, expands peer support for first responders to certain support personnel involved in crime scene work or evidence handling; it passed 16-0. PCS for HB 383 would let law enforcement, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, and active military service members bypass the three-day handgun waiting period without a concealed carry permit; it passed 18-0. HB 693 adds an aggravating factor in capital cases when the victim was gathered with others for a school, religious, or public government meeting; it passed 17-1 after opposition testimony from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. PCS for HB 19 and HB 41, the Haven Act, would expand domestic and dating violence protections, including a feasibility study for a web-based 911 alert system and confidentiality/public-records protections for victims; both passed 18-0. PCS for HB 289, Lucy’s Law, would align boating penalties with driving offenses and expand boating safety card requirements; it passed 18-0 despite concerns from one witness that the bill should go further. HB 479 would allow courts to order restitution in leaving-the-scene property-damage cases; an amendment changing mandatory to discretionary restitution was adopted, and the bill passed 18-0. PCS for HB 57 would regulate xylazine, add trafficking penalties, and include veterinary-use exceptions; it passed 17-0 after one witness opposed mandatory minimums. HB 175, the Jason Rayner Act, clarifies that officers are protected when acting within the scope of their duties and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring life imprisonment; it passed 17-0 after debate over self-defense and unlawful police conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> out, this should not in any way prevent out, this should not in any way prevent us<03:32:28.760>
• If I know that the renewable portfolio standard is how we measure what we're doing inside the state,
• </c><04:15:38.240><c> from</c> may have been prevented from may have been prevented from participating
• And a couple of weeks, a little while ago, I measured this wall; it's 80 feet long.
• in weeks and months, not years, measured in weeks and months, not years, as<04:55:02.040><c> is</c><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• successful in recruiting industry here, getting it here, and now we're trying to put in some more measures
• literacy program, but there's some question about some statutory language that may apply and may prevent
• LABI has long supported measures to boost financial literacy for students, preparing them to make smarter
• Our office has taken some steps to create additional measures that that contractor has to comply with
• Our office has taken some steps to create additional measures that that contractor has to comply with

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• successful in recruiting industry here, getting it here, and now we're trying to put in some more measures
• financial literacy program, but there is concern that statutory language may create ambiguity or prevent
• LABI has long supported measures to boost financial literacy for students, preparing them to make smarter
• Our office has taken some steps to create additional measures that that contractor has to comply with
• Our office has taken some steps to create additional measures that that contractor has to comply with

Bills: HB28, HB50, HB196, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB316, HB649, HB807

Keywords: teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board, Louisiana teachers, Department of Education, statutory entities, re-creation, termination date

Transcript Highlights:

• In normal times, that measure would be about three times higher than that.
• And the only times this measure has gotten this low were in the summer of 2007 and in late 1998.
• And then the last one on here is just a measure of how much equity is being...
• And so this is far and away the highest measure we've seen in the past 70 years.
• In addition to thinking about backfill or not backfill, how do we prevent folks from falling off the

Keywords: 987, senate, all