Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not aware of any programs that we started.
• We were very, very careful to fund it with ARPA and say, this is a one-time program.
• And in 2021, I believe it was through the ARPA program or whichever COVID program it was, there was a
• That's why I imagine the superintendent reprioritized those funds to this program.
• That's why I imagine the superintendent reprioritized those funds to this program.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about making sure our programs work for Minnesotans.
• It's about making sure our programs work for Minnesotans.
• These programs are absolutely essential for the people they serve.
• programs being proximity to the programs being supervised.<00:06:58.160><c> Otherwise,</c><00:06:58.800
• . review processes for agency programs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing for working New Mexicans who earn too much to qualify for subsidized programs, but not enough
• If this program, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code in Albuquerque, it expires next year.
• So are there, I mean, you've got a program now.
• Is this trying to fill a gap somewhere that can't be filled with other programs?
• And I think in reality, those kinds of homes will pencil better in this program.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 12th item is $4.6 million and 10 FTE to expand our cryptocurrency seizure program.
• The 12 item is $4.6 million and 10 FTE to expand our cryptocurrency seizure program.
• It's the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication, a highly successful program.
• As I shared yesterday, that's a program that I started when I was at FDLE.
• Concurrently, when FDLE started this program, When FDLE started this program, they also did some research

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• But what I could do is, Was that it's very hard for us to program something like that.
• But what I could do is say, right, I can program one number. That's easier.
• So I have not found a grant program, someone to help cover the costs we've looked at.
• The programming, we do use our... We do track a lot of that information.
• The programming, we do use our case management systems on both sides, Elite and Doc Stars.

Committee: House Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2399, concerning therapeutic leave days for psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs). Sarah Aker from the Department of Health and Human Services explained the current Medicaid rate-setting methodology, how occupancy affects rates, and why paying the full rate for leave days would create additional fiscal impact. Members debated whether the bill should pay the full Medicaid rate, a flat reduced rate, or a tiered rate, and discussed whether a cap or department authorization should be used to control use of leave days. The department said it was not supporting the change as it was not in the governor’s budget, though it supported family engagement in care. After discussion, the committee settled on a compromise motion to set therapeutic leave days at a $500 daily rate and require department authorization of the number of leave days. The motion passed 6-2, with Representative Anderson voting no and the rest of the recorded members voting yes. The committee then moved on to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation budget materials, where Michelle Zander walked through detailed population and rate calculations for women’s and men’s facilities, county holds, deferred admissions, transitional facilities, work release, and proposed reentry, man camp, and Grand Forks-related costs. Members asked about the county jail reimbursement rates and the overall pool of funds, and Zander explained the calculations and noted the proposal was roughly break-even depending on assumptions. The committee also heard an overview of DOCR IT requests from Amy and NDIT staff, including data processing, medical modules, a new client management system, body scanners, data management tools, facility management software, medical software upgrades, college solutions, and body cameras/tasers. Staff explained that the new client management system would likely be a multi-phase project with a wide cost range based on vendor selection and scope, and that the current request was for phase one. Members emphasized the importance of better data tracking, staff safety tools, and information that could help explain programming and release outcomes to the public. The committee planned to continue with Veterans Affairs the next day and then return to Senate Bill 2015.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> shift and change how our programming shift and change how our programming works. works. works.
• </c> program which is an optional program program which is an optional program that<02:25:24.319><c>
• </c> program similar for bike infrastructure. program similar for bike infrastructure.
• </c> program, the uh car inspection program. program, the uh car inspection program.
• </c> program, uh, etc., right? program, uh, etc., right? Thank<05:08:28.638><c> you.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:33.400><c> U</c> program. Madam chair that is the A7. U program.
• North Memorial that is involved in this program, and also the Minnesota Twins.
• I appreciate I aid program. Great.
• </c> we created a variety of new programs we created a variety of new programs that<01:13:22.560><c>
• ,</c><01:13:37.040><c> including</c> those programs, including those programs, including cannabis.<01

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's really the objective of that program. We have a few things that the...
• So there are a few programs that we'd like to get the commission on board with.
• It's created this program for July 5, 2026, called the National American Potluck.
• Anyway, that's one program.
• The second program is called, hold on, let me think about what it is for a second.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met at Mass MoCA in North Adams, with members attending both in person and virtually. The meeting opened with a moment of remembrance for Senator Edward Kennedy, followed by roll call and informal approval to proceed. Co-chairs and members thanked the hosts and noted the importance of engaging western Massachusetts communities in the 250th planning. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism gave an update on the Massachusetts 250 campaign, including a website listing more than 500 events and 250 attractions, an ongoing virtual Lunch and Learn series, and the Museums 250 program. The presenter also outlined several America 250 ideas for commission consideration: a nationwide-style community potluck on July 5, 2026; a coordinated reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026; and possible state or national time capsule participation. Members expressed interest, especially in a Massachusetts-specific time capsule, and agreed to circulate the ideas for broader brainstorming. Revolution 250 and Jonathan Lane reported on recent and upcoming commemorations, including follow-up from the Bunker Hill event, a planned 251st Battle of Gloucester event, and extensive planning for Knox Trail activities in January 2026. He highlighted meetings with Berkshire communities along the route, the need for a Knox marker in Sandisfield, and efforts to recognize and preserve a historic stretch of the Knox Road. He also noted proposed Declaration of Independence readings in several communities and a July 18, 2026 Watertown commemoration of the first treaty between Massachusetts and Indigenous peoples of Maine and Nova Scotia. Dusty Meadows of Conventures then presented logistics for the Knox Trail commemoration, including branding, horse arrangements, route planning, plaque concepts, and budget needs. Members raised questions about the Cambridge/West Cambridge portion of the route and Arlington’s historical connection to that name; the presenters agreed to follow up and correct materials. The meeting ended informally after no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• respectfully urge you to reject additional tax cuts at this time, and instead prioritize critical programs
• These programs reflect our shared commitment to care for one another, and they require consistent, reliable
• that feed the elderly lose the federal grants that have sustained these programs.
• Please don't look at these services or these programs as handouts, but please look at them as essential
• But a lot of these services that we've talked about today are funded in great part by federal programs

Committee: All REVENUE & TAX - SENATE

Summary: The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which continues the state’s long-running effort to reduce Arkansas income tax rates. Dismang said the bill would lower the personal income tax rate retroactive to January 1, 2026 and delay the corporate income tax change until the following January, bringing the rate down from 7% to 3.7%. He also said the bill would use existing surplus funds and estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their effective tax burden reduced by about 45% compared with earlier rates. The committee heard several witnesses in opposition, including a United Methodist pastor/social worker, a parent describing her son’s disability and need for supported living services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They argued that Arkansas should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, food assistance, housing, rural hospitals, early childhood education, and disability services, and said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. Several speakers cited low state spending relative to national averages and warned that further cuts would worsen existing service gaps. In closing, Dismang and other supporters said the state can be both compassionate and competitive, that no essential services would be cut by the bill, and that Arkansas has continued to grow revenue despite prior tax reductions. Members emphasized balancing service funding with economic competitiveness and noted the legislature’s focus on lower-income tax brackets in earlier reforms. The committee then voted to do pass SB1, and the bill was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• ADE or the SBE may require such entities to apply before providing an alternative education program or
• If an alternative... ...a governing board, alternative education program provider, or alternative school
• An alternative education program or alternative school may appeal the decision to the SBE and remain
• Lastly, the amendment clarifies that an alternative education program or alternative school may deliver
• This is not only true for charter schools; this is true for public school alternative school programs

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes without objection and then held an executive nomination hearing for James McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents. McCain described his military background, education at Arizona State University, and interest in serving rural, tribal, and veteran communities. Senators from both parties praised his service and bipartisan support, and the committee voted 7-0 to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then considered SB 1026, which limits how often alternative education programs and schools in good standing must recertify and allows ADE or the State Board of Education to require certain student-population and compliance showings. After adopting a committee amendment, the bill received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation, with some members objecting that the bill reduced accountability and did not clearly define good standing. SB 1126, which requires schools to provide information to DCS caseworkers during abuse or neglect investigations and bars schools from preventing employees from speaking with DCS, passed 7-0. SB 1143, requiring schools and LEAs to submit CRDC information and directing ADE to publish an annual school safety report, also passed 4-3 after testimony that the bill was redundant and burdensome. Finally, the committee heard SB 1166, which expands high school equivalency preparation instruction through accommodation schools from only 12th grade to grades 10 through 12 for students at least 16 years old. The sponsor said the bill simply broadens access to the program, while some members questioned whether it could encourage students to pursue a GED earlier than intended. The bill received a 5-2 do-pass recommendation, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Experiential learning programs like the co-op and internship programs help address those challenges head
• I'm a Husky, so I can attest to the benefits of Northeastern's co-op program.
• We don't have a flagship downtown program.
• We don't have a flagship downtown program.
• The state of New York, for example, spends $200 million a year on their downtown program.

Bills: H5386

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UC ANR Fire Advisors, and many other such local programs...
• Two programs already exist.
• My question is: do you think something like the CEA program, the earthquake program, if we had something
• We just have the seed money to start the program. But these programs... Have money yet.
• We just have the seed money to start the program.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, we're investing $20 million in the Greater Minnesota workforce program.
• </c><00:04:22.160><c> It's</c> credit program, also known as LITC.
• It's credit program, also known as LITC.
• ><c> to</c><00:04:24.320><c> incentivize</c> a federal program meant to incentivize a federal program
• And this is a good program for us to invest into. reinvesting them into the programs that reinvesting

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Organic Program, NOP, embedded in statute through AB 1201 in 2021, is the...
• A project may still voluntarily use this program.
• At the end of the day, everyone wants to see these programs be successful, want to see these programs
• The Coastal Act already provides the correct path: the local coastal program.
• to continue to try to get that certified program.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Department of Agricultures programs.
• </c> Craig Kuitt who is our GIS program Craig Kuitt who is our GIS program manager.<00:17:44.640><c>
• </c> um we have a uh newly hired GIS program um we have a uh newly hired GIS program manager<00:19:12.813
• </c> creating the formal program creating the formal program transitioning<00:45:20.160><c> those</c>
• </c><00:45:30.880><c> is</c> Zealand for this particular program is Zealand for this particular program

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Phenomenal programs.
• These are good little programs. These are programs that I think do work.
• Phenomenal<02:05:20.800><c> programs,</c> Phenomenal programs, Phenomenal programs, you<02:05:23.280>
• </c> about individual programs? about individual programs?
• <c> the</c><02:07:44.800><c> programs</c> the programs, many of the programs the programs, many of the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:28.319><c> from</c> qualification for those programs from qualification for those programs
• </c> lowincome home energy assistance program lowincome home energy assistance program um,<00:02:47.120
• </c><00:03:06.080><c> So</c> income energy assistance program. So income energy assistance program.
• solar garden uh program.
• would sunset the program in 2028.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Was it the SOAR program that is similar to the Merrimack County's SOAR program? Actually, no.
• It was the Trails program.
• treatment program uh impatient inpatient treatment program within<00:45:39.559><c> a</c><00:45:39.720
• </c> not practical um one of the programs not practical um one of the programs that<00:53:42.119><c>
• </c> great like there are so many programs great like there are so many programs that<00:54:10.400><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a great program on so many levels. And while there...
• It's a great program on so many levels.
• But then they also, we have high school internship programs.
• Programs like this help bridge that gap.
• Program, with a full tuition scholarship.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have made to date on the program.
• The other part is now that we're going to one track instead of two tracks in the program.
• I believe I have to look at my notes, but it was... ...tracks in the program.
• However, in terms of impact on the program, it is always about, you took $4 billion away.
• ...passed this program?

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan, with testimony from the authority, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Chair Cortese framed the hearing around the project’s recent changes: a new CEO, revised delivery strategy, loss of federal funds, renewed interest in private financing and value capture, and proposed adjustments to the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment. He also raised concerns about statutory compliance, transparency, and whether the draft plan fully reflects required elements and true costs and timelines. Authority CEO Ian Chaudhry said the project has made substantial construction progress in the Central Valley and is moving toward track installation, with the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding providing a stable base. He argued the plan uses design optimization, direct procurement of materials, and revised sequencing to reduce costs and support an early operating segment by about 2032-33. He also promoted broader commercialization of the corridor through real estate, energy, broadband, logistics, and public-private partnerships, saying private sector interest is now real. Several senators pressed him on station locations, tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, permitting delays, transparency, and whether the project can realistically reach Los Angeles and San Francisco on the current timeline and budget. The LAO and Inspector General were more skeptical. LAO analyst Helen Kirstine said the draft plan assumes major scope changes, including a shorter segment, a Merced station outside downtown, more single-tracking, and several statutory changes that have not yet been enacted. She warned that the plan may not comply with recent legislative requirements, that funding may still be insufficient even for the reduced segment, and that borrowing against future cap-and-invest revenues is risky because those revenues are uncertain and volatile. Inspector General Ben Belknap said the draft plan fails to comply with newer statutory requirements, especially regarding the Merced-to-Bakersfield scope, the funding plan, and missing procurement milestone dates. He said the presentation obscures cost increases and schedule delays and limits the Legislature’s ability to compare current estimates with prior reports. Committee members generally supported continued oversight and some form of project delivery reform, but several expressed concern that the plan relies on legislative changes that have not been approved and on private financing that may not materialize. Chaudhry said the authority would address the Inspector General’s findings in the final business plan and continue to pursue federal grants, private capital, and corridor commercialization. No vote was taken at the hearing.