Video & Transcript Research : 'background study'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: For the Love of Texas Feb 27th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- If you look at it, study after study shows that diversity.
- We offer courses to our Texas high school students in African American studies and Mexican American studies
- all Texas high school students have access to. to Mexican-American studies and African-American studies
- But we know that these studies make sure that kids.
- Many of them come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. and many of them have worked to matriculate,
Keywords:
education, curriculum, HB178, diverse history, equity, testimony, higher education crisis, representation
Summary:
The meeting was characterized by impactful discussions focused primarily on education and the representation of diverse histories in Texas's curriculum. Notably, Representative Christina Morales advocated for HB178, a bill aimed at ensuring that all Texas high school students have access to Mexican-American and African-American studies as part of their graduation requirements, moving from elective-only status. This bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, highlighting a cooperative effort to improve educational equity in Texas. Several representatives shared personal stories reflecting on the importance of inclusive education, showcasing the bill's far-reaching implications for students' sense of identity and history.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 11th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this here is just a study committee.
- And it's very important to me, and I named this study after my son.
- This is simply a study.
- I have law enforcement. background, no doubt, and I have experiential background.
- It requires the background checks.
Bills:
HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, SB83, SB143, SB155, SB228, SB283, SB295, SB338, SB388, SB408, SB431, HR84, HR188, HR205, HB302, HB597, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SCR24, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB357, SB406, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HR9, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB79, HB251, HB625, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, HB646, HB824, HB341, HB682, HB766, HB926, HB998, HB1051, HB1080, HB1201, HB1223, HB603, HB940, HB1191, SB47, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382
Keywords:
condolences, memorial resolution, House Resolution, Shreveport, children, tragedy, sympathy, bereavement, tribute, mourning, schoolchildren, public charter school, elementary school, Head Start, family loss, Louisiana House of Representatives, condolence resolution, House resolution, victims, family support
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- In visiting with Don and reviewing her background, I learned that she is In visiting with Don and reviewing
- her background, I learned that she has dedicated her career to serving and advocating for children and
- I gave you a little bit of my humble background at that time.
- She will begin her master's program at New Mexico Highlands University in the fall of ...studies.
- She mentors peers, participates in study groups, and strives to build community wherever she can.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:18:16.960>
the committee if you'll background the committee if you'll background the committee - Keys uh and there was a a study done uh Keys uh and there was a a study done uh by<00:42:09.560>
the - late 20 2010s early 201 teenss uh study late 20 2010s early 201 teenss uh study was<00:43:00.760
- <00:49:07.240>
uh study uh study uh regarding<00:49:09.400>um <00:49:10.160>Keys - appears to be the case in the DHS study appears to be the case in the DHS study as<00:50:52.559>
Keywords:
lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- study here freely and safely. study here freely and safely.
- and kind of give you a little background and kind of give you a little background back<00:29:37.360
- from a child welfare background. from a child welfare background.
- <01:08:58.560>
we <01:08:58.719>very background checks because what we very background - That's just a little background.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Committee Meeting Jun 23rd, 2026
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Walden Hub did a study in May of 2026. Delaware ranked 39th. Kiplinger did a study.
- Walden Hub did a study in May of 2026. Delaware ranked 39th. Kiplinger did a study.
- This fiscal note outlines the financial impact of expanding criminal background checks and implementation
- I do have issues still with background checks because so much in backgrounds people are missed because
- Nothing went down on the line, so a background check would never pick him up.
Keywords:
military pension, military retirement pay, veterans, retiree tax relief, income tax exemption, pension exclusion, Delaware income tax, retirement income, state tax subtraction, armed forces retirement, National Guard, Space Force, Coast Guard, NOAA, Public Health Service, taxable income, Title 30, Section 1106, wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee met to hear several bills, with members repeatedly reminded to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy merits. The committee first considered SB 9 on freshwater wetlands, which would combine tidal and non-tidal wetlands programs into one permitting framework; supporters said the bill resulted from a two-year consensus process and that the governor’s office and DENREC would absorb a significant share of the cost. Public testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing flood control and ecosystem services, though one speaker opposed the spending. The committee voted to release SB 9.
The committee then heard SB 278 on child care assistance, which would preauthorize summer camp for eligible school-age children and create a separate lower co-payment for half-day care. The sponsor and the YMCA of Delaware said the change would better align family co-pays with provider reimbursement and make before- and after-school care more affordable for working families. The committee also released SB 278, SB 168 on alcohol delivery for package stores, SB 120 on health insurance coverage for certain testing and treatment, and HB 4, a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools; HB 4 was described as having a near-$3 million fiscal note and a one-year implementation delay because it was not funded in the budget.
Later, the committee approved SB 219, which gradually increases the military pension income tax exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years and includes related joint-filing and residency changes. Supporters argued it would help attract and retain military retirees and bring federal dollars into the state. The committee also released SB 1, a major primary care reform bill that would increase primary care spending and implement hospital payment reforms, with projected long-term savings to the state employee health plan, and SB 325, which expands background checks and wrap-back monitoring for fire service personnel and adds an investigator position for the Fire Prevention Commission. In each case, public commenters and committee members generally supported the bills, and all were released from committee by recorded vote.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Services (3-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- of them, look at the ripple of them, uh, unintended consequences, um, all those things, and really study
- Um, let's go, let's weigh these issues, let's study them, let's take a deep dive into all of them before
- consequences um all those things and consequences um all those things and really<00:01:53.880>
study - them before you move really study them before you move forward<00:01:55.280>
with <00:01:55.360 - them let's take a through let's study them let's take a deep<00:02:46.519>
dive <00:02:46.760>
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 9, which would create a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board modeled after the Public Pension Oversight Board. The sponsors said the board is intended to bring together the executive branch, legislative branch, and stakeholders to study Medicaid policy and its fiscal impacts before changes are made. Members generally supported the concept, with questions focused on board size and representation from providers and community-based service organizations. The bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote, including a title amendment.
The committee then heard House Bill 152, which would create a Medicaid supplemental directed payment program for public EMS agencies, including fire departments and city, county, or taxing-district EMS providers. The sponsor said the measure is designed to draw down a higher federal match without any general fund impact, and noted support from local government groups. After brief discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression by unanimous vote.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 688, a two-part measure. One part would give the Board of Nursing more discretion to review out-of-state nursing credentials by changing mandatory acceptance of certification to permissive language, in response to concerns about fraudulent or substandard nursing programs and the effects of multistate licensure. The other part would allow certain diabetes medications to be stored and administered in schools, with training for school personnel and civil immunity for those acting in good faith. Some members supported the bill as a way to protect patients and maintain standards, while one senator voted no because of concerns about slowing licensure during a nursing shortage. The bill passed 10-1 with favorable expression. The committee announced it would meet again Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Lastly, I will provide a little background on the legislative studies directed last session.
- He also said he would give background on the legislative studies directed last session.
- Similarly, on the cost-share study, like I mentioned, we were directed to conduct this study and address
- This study has three primary outputs.
- This is our next steps for both studies.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- "Um, is there any discussion on the interim study?"
- is in term study. All in favor say I. is in term study. All in favor say I.
- landlord can investigate the background landlord can investigate the background of<02:02:07.280>
- <02:22:50.319>
check tenant screening and background check tenant screening and background - <02:24:05.280>
rather based on perceived background rather based on perceived background rather
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-EDT, EDT, EDT-CPN Public Hearings 03-13-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So I assume, like, in this case, say, would it be Filipino ethnic background, Hawaiian ethnic background
- So I assume, like, in this case, say, would it be Filipino ethnic background, Hawaiian ethnic background
- <00:15:39.199>
um <00:15:39.360>Hawaiian ethnic background um Hawaiian ethnic background - <00:15:41.920>
of background, Portuguese that each of background, Portuguese that each of - >
before <00:30:46.720>any study should be completed before any study should be completed
Summary:
The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations.
HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana Commission on Civic Education May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we sort of did the background about why civics education has sort of fallen out...
- We redid our social studies content standards, and a big component of that was civics.
- But anyway, it's a fantastic and free resource for civics teachers and social studies teachers.
- I came into LIAC without a strong background in politics or policy.
- I came into lack without a strong background in politics or policy.
Summary:
The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support.
The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events.
LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- With that background in mind and reference, Hospital-type beds.
- As I mentioned, filings, while an important critical... ...and background.
- Through the time study, it has increased to 169 minutes.
- They're an average statewide based upon that month time study that we did.
- In the time study that I described...
Summary:
The committee first heard an update from the Florida Department of Corrections on the proposed Lake Correctional Institution mental health project in Clermont. Tim Fitzgerald explained the project’s history, including the 2016 Disability Rights Florida litigation, the 2018 consent decree, and the original plan for a 550-bed inpatient mental health facility. He said inflation and design changes pushed the project above the bond amount, leading the department to shift to a “continuum of care” alternative with 572 beds total: 92 inpatient beds and 480 residential treatment beds in three special housing units. Fitzgerald said the project is currently paused pending House concurrence, while the Senate has already agreed to the alternate plan, and noted the bond balance, prior expenditures, and the need to spend down the tax-exempt bond by August 2026.
Members questioned how the new plan differs from the original facility, whether it satisfies the consent decree, and what caused the cost increases. Fitzgerald said the department believes it has already met the consent decree through systemwide improvements to housing, staffing, programming, and out-of-cell time, though he said he would confirm the court documentation. He also said the original scope grew from 275,000 to 350,000 square feet as treatment, nursing, security, and programming needs were refined, and that inflation, fees, permitting, and contingencies contributed to the higher cost. Several members asked for follow-up information on Senate approval, consent decree documentation, and the project’s impact on crisis-stabilization capacity.
The committee then received a joint court-system presentation from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure and Clerks Corporation Executive Director Jason Welty on caseload trends, case tracking, and staffing. McClure described statewide filing trends, the use of weighted caseload studies to certify judicial need, and recent Supreme Court rule changes aimed at active civil case management, including differentiated case tracks, stricter deadlines, and proportional discovery. He said the latest workload study led the Supreme Court to certify a need for 23 circuit judges and 25 county judges. Welty reviewed clerk workload trends, the statewide case maintenance and CCIS systems, and declining clerk FTE despite rising case volumes, and said clerks are seeking additional funding for injunctions, Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator work, and juror management.
In questions, members pressed both presenters on data quality, case-weight calculations, filing fees, and whether current resources are enough to reduce delays. McClure clarified that the workload weights are based on judge time studies and that a capital murder case averaged 3,177 minutes, while other examples such as auto negligence and dissolution cases were much lower. Welty said the Legislature could help by increasing funding or potentially revisiting filing fees, and noted that many clerk services are unfunded or underfunded, especially indigent and protective filings. The chair and members also raised concerns about backlog, inconsistent case reporting across circuits, and enforcement of judicial time standards; McClure said there is no direct sanction in the rules, and compliance is largely managed through chief judges and the Supreme Court. The meeting ended with no votes taken and adjournment by motion.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- By way of background, you might have.
- study. of sort out?
- And of course, as you all up the study.
- And of course, as you all know,<03:36:28.800>
the <03:36:28.960>study know, the study know - come up with a well formulated study. come up with a well formulated study.
Summary:
The committee first took up several liquor-related bills. Senate Bill 24, allowing students under 21 to taste wine in educational settings, drew no opposition or amendment and was reported out 6-0. Senate Bill 79, authorizing self-pour automated systems under the liquor commission, also faced no opposition and was voted ought to pass 6-0. Senate Bill 80, shifting licensing, auditing, and enforcement for wholesale and retail e-cigarette sales to the liquor commission, prompted discussion about whether the change would add cost; members heard that the liquor commission already handles similar enforcement and that the change was meant to address nonreporting. It was voted ought to pass 6-0.
The committee then discussed Senate Bill 87, concerning alcohol service in salons, barbershops, and spas. Members and staff focused on how to limit the amount served, whether to require recordkeeping, and privacy concerns about tracking what patrons drank. The discussion settled on removing references to alcohol type and quantity and keeping only patron records, with the understanding that the agency would set the details by rule. The bill was not formally amended at the meeting, but members agreed an amendment would be drafted for the following week; the bill itself was reported ought to pass with that amendment to be determined.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 245, the EMS No Surprises Act and System Stabilization Act. The sponsor, Senator Suprena, said the bill would prohibit balance billing for emergency ambulance calls and unscheduled transfers, while setting reimbursement at either locally set public rates or 325% of Medicare. She explained that the proposal was based on national work on ground ambulance billing and was intended to stabilize struggling EMS providers. Committee members sought clarification that the bill did not eliminate balance billing for non-emergency transfers, and the sponsor confirmed it did not. A second witness, Jerry Stringham, testified in support, citing his reimbursement background.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Session - Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But I appreciated the discussion and think we should have further study.
- And Senator Matthews data further study.
- So over 50% of this bill is going for studies to the University of Minnesota and the DNR.
- <02:18:05.120>
to <02:18:05.359>the this bill is going for studies to the this bill - <02:45:42.319>
will a study and uh that so that study will a study and uh that so that study
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/16/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- sponsor has asked us to interrupt study? sponsor has asked us to interrupt study?
- I came years. uh by by background.
- don't think we were doing interim study. don't think we were doing interim study.
- <05:49:58.240>
Uh, motion of uh interim study. Uh, motion of uh interim study. - But it's interum study. on to it. But it's interum study.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee and Senate Environmental Quality Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , my public health background to the table to lead this organization, but more importantly, I rely on
- We really think their epidemiology backgrounds, what have you, are really important to this work and
- I think we can all appreciate that a regulatory agency will take a longer time to study an ingredient
- , consider whether products with those ingredients pose a risk to Californians, put their background
- And I can tell you, we take study trips, the Recycling Challenge study trips, and we went to Calgary
Summary:
The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle.
DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program.
Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/22/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Bodine about the irrigation study, so thank you. It was great. How about the irrigation study?
- The study looked at impacts of legal drains in 12 counties, and there's a list of them in the study,
- So this is just some background on that.
- So we will move over to the next study that was under our direction, the inundated land study, and a
- So we will move over to the next study that was under our direction, the inundated land study, and a
Summary:
The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs.
The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online.
Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm.
The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it's a really robust study.
- the double blind peer-reviewed studies the double blind peer-reviewed studies that<01:36:40.639>
- That study that coming very, very soon.
- Um, and So, it's a really robust study.
- Uh, so we have started to see those studies.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- But this is a committee that would study the issue, so what the study comes up with is up to them.
- But this is a committee that would study the issue, so what the study comes up with is up to them.
- <03:14:04.960>
by validated in independent studies by validated in independent studies by - process is very very easy you do a study process is very very easy you do a study commission<03:
- , we've had studies before.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment.
The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.