Video & Transcript Research : 'Summit Academy'
Page 40 of 165
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Closed hearings to examine United States Cyber Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an open hearing at 3:30 p.m. in SD-G50.
Cybersecurity Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- department train leaders to make decisions for themselves if it is actively banning books from service academies
- ...and banning books in our academies? Would that make them better leaders? Oh, no Senator.
- I've not seen specifically the issues at the Naval Academy, nor have I talked to Admiral Davis about
- What I can tell you, I agree with you, you know, I believe the Naval Academy should have everything they
- curriculum, but I do know that we have the best airmen and a large portion of them come from the academy
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm currently doing a project with BizFed, which is a business academy.
- Brendan Rapicki with the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in support.
- Brendan Rapicki with the California Academy of Child and Adelaus and Psychiatry in support.
- Samayana Haram, on behalf of the California Academy of Physician Associates...
- Simei Nahar on behalf of the California Academy of Physician Associates in support.
Summary:
The committee began with announcements about consent items and then heard AB 72, which would create an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County. Supporters said the bill would help bring EV manufacturing jobs and training to the Inland Empire, while some senators questioned whether the state should favor one region over others and whether local economic development groups should handle the effort. The bill was passed on a roll call vote and sent to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement.
Members then took up AB 685, which would establish the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs for small businesses. The author and supporters emphasized the importance of TAP and related programs for women-owned, minority-owned, immigrant-owned, veteran-owned, and rural businesses, while some chambers of commerce raised concerns about amended eligibility language and whether the funding would be truly supplemental. After discussion, the bill was passed and sent to Senate Appropriations.
The committee also approved ACR 173 on a 7-0 vote, and consent items AB 375 and AB 1587 were adopted 10-0. Later, AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill, and AB 1637, which would limit who may alter physician-authored medical records, both passed unanimously. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing safeguards, also passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding abortion-care authority for advanced practice clinicians, drew strong support and opposition and passed 7-3 after senators raised safety and training questions. AB 2025, requiring disclosures for digitally altered rental listings, passed 8-1, and AB 2697, allowing locally approved drive-through cannabis sales with security requirements, passed 7-3. The committee then heard AB 2249, which would tighten cannabis packaging rules to reduce child appeal, and the author described it as a response to poison-control calls and an audit finding that current law is too vague.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Health Care Affordability, Select May 1st, 2026
Health Care Affordability, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- And then I show you as Susan Pantley on behalf of the American Academy of Actuaries. Correct.
- And then I show you as Susan Pantley on behalf of the American Academy of Actuaries, and you'll be testifying
- My name is Susan Pantelli, and I'm here representing the American Academy of Actuaries.
- The Academy is a national association representing all actuaries working in the United States.
- The Academy recognizes how important insurance affordability is to all consumers, to the functioning
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Taxes Committee hears bill aimed at attracting major sporting events to Minnesota 4/28/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve as the proud principal at Hall STEM Academy in Minneapolis Public Schools.
- <00:15:53.800>
in principal at Hall STEM Academy in principal at Hall STEM Academy in Minneapolis - for the sports and events reimbursement program, I ask you to think about the students at Hall STEM Academy
- for the sports and events reimbursement program, I ask you to think about the students at Hall STEM Academy
- for the sports and events reimbursement program, I ask you to think about the students at Hall STEM Academy
Summary:
The committee took up House File 4949, as amended by the adopted H4949A2 and H4949A3 amendments. The bill would create a sports and events reimbursement program intended to give Minnesota a more reliable funding mechanism to compete for major sporting and entertainment events. Representative Lislegard and supporters argued that events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Final Four, World Juniors Hockey, and Olympic trials generate substantial economic activity, tax revenue, and statewide visibility, and that Minnesota has lost opportunities because it lacks a standing competitive fund.
Testifiers from the Minnesota Business Partnership and Minnesota Sports and Events strongly supported the bill, describing it as a performance-based, closed-loop model that reinvests tax revenue generated by events into securing future events. Jess Graba, Cheryl Lindsey, and Dr. William Campbell emphasized community benefits beyond economics, including youth inspiration, school improvements, inclusion, and positive local engagement tied to events like the Olympic trials, the Women’s Final Four, and WWE appearances. Several testifiers cited specific figures, including roughly $71.5 million in economic impact and $4.7 million in tax revenue for World Juniors, about $74.8 million and $5.7 million for the gymnastics trials, and more than $430 million in lost economic impact from events Minnesota did not secure.
Members raised concerns about the funding mechanism, especially the use of revenue that would otherwise go to the general fund or other accounts. Representative Huot said he supported bringing events to Minnesota but was uneasy about diverting general fund money and suggested stronger legislative oversight, possibly through a formal sports committee. Representative Youakim asked how the bill’s revenue capture would work and noted concerns about taking money from transportation-related accounts; staff explained that the amended bill affects seven state taxes and a fee, including motor vehicle rental taxes and the retail delivery fee, with some revenue directed to non-general fund accounts. Members also requested more information on the methodology behind the University of Minnesota Extension economic impact studies, and staff said those studies could be shared. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 8th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not an A-post academy. I did This is not an A-post academy.
- I did This is not an A-post academy. I did have uh Mr. Benfield uh reach out to have uh Mr.
- That's Bowwin Preparatory Academy. You may have heard Preparatory Academy.
- You may have heard Preparatory Academy.
- but other construction projects Academy but other construction projects Academy but other construction
Keywords:
primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/25/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- was I served as a Minnesota Academy was I served as a Minnesota Academy president<00:15:23.320><
- c> Minnesota<00:15:23.720>
Academy <00:15:23.959>of president Minnesota Academy of - president Minnesota Academy of Opthalmology<00:15:24.639>
president <00:15:25.040>in <00 - of ey Physicians and surgeons Academy of ey Physicians and surgeons and<00:44:18.720>
I'm <00: - The Minnesota Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons does not stand alone in opposing this legislation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Braswell, we have you listed as the South Texas Director of LifeWise Academy.
- My name is Aaron Braswell, I am the South Texas Director for LifeWise Academy.
- LifeWise Academy is just one of many programs around the state and country that provides release time
- Despite the many benefits of programs like LifeWise Academy, some school districts are hesitant. to permit
Keywords:
residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension, reporting requirements, released time, religious instruction
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part II) Feb 26th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Holly Evilizer, I'm a registered and licensed dietitian and I'm here on behalf of the Texas Academy
- The academy and its members are obviously committed to strengthening food nutrition research, but also
- You know, I remember when we were doing reading academies and...
- Math academies, and sometimes P.E. teachers have to take those, and you know, there was pushback on that
Keywords:
attorney ad litem, indigent parents, parent-child relationship, legal representation, Texas Family Code, court procedures, nutrition, health standards, food labeling, education, dietary guidelines, medical education, food safety, school meals, child nutrition, food additives, public health, 1185, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Vanessa Cahina with the California Academy of Family Physicians, here in support.
- Vanessa Cahina with the California Academy of Family Physicians, here in support. Good afternoon.
- Lizzie Gwonsona, on behalf of the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in support.
- Seeing none, Kelly Macmillan on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics in support.
- Angeles, Greater Fresno Parkinson's Support Group, Parkinson's Network of Mount Diablo, California Academy
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, insurance coverage, public health, and patient protections. SB 1023 by Senator Laird would require insurers that cover injectable PrEP under the medical benefit to also cover it under the pharmacy benefit, to reduce billing barriers and improve access to HIV prevention. Supporters included HIV/AIDS organizations, the Department of Insurance, medical groups, and LGBTQ advocates; health plans opposed the bill as an unnecessary benefit-design mandate. The committee later voted the bill out on a due pass motion, and it remained on call before being finalized out later in the hearing.
SB 964 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would limit repeated prior authorization requirements when a clinician needs to adjust the dose or frequency of a covered medication for a patient with a chronic or complex condition, with safeguards for off-label use and controlled substances. Support came from physicians, hospitals, and patient advocates, especially in gastroenterology and chronic disease care, while insurers argued it weakened safety and utilization-management safeguards. The committee approved the bill on a due pass vote to Appropriations. SB 1323 by Senator Rubio, as amended in committee, would strengthen protections for patients receiving medical care while in immigration custody by requiring facilities to train staff on responding to such requests and allowing patients to notify a family member or loved one of their location. It passed the committee on a due pass as amended vote to Judiciary, with one no vote recorded.
SB 1099 by Senator Reyes would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state and local public benefits to all residents under the federal PRWORA exemption, giving cities and counties more certainty when operating low-barrier services such as health care, shelter, crisis response, and homeless outreach. Local government attorneys and service providers supported the measure, and there was no opposition testimony; it passed to Human Services. SB 895 by Senator Wiener would place a $12 billion science research bond on the November ballot and create a state research funding institute to help sustain California’s research economy amid federal cuts. The bill drew broad support from universities, labor, health organizations, patients, and business groups, with one member voting no because of the bond cost; it passed to Appropriations. SB 944 by Senator Wiener would stabilize Medi-Cal coverage for acupuncture, which supporters described as a cost-effective, nonpharmacological treatment for pain and other conditions. It passed to Appropriations with strong support and no opposition testimony. At the end of the hearing, the committee also took add-on votes to confirm the bills’ passage status and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 11th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- education foundation, he developed the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Academy
- to empower thousands of entrepreneurs from underserved groups. ...and Small Business Academy to empower
- first woman to serve as the special representative to the Legislature and as commander of the CHP Academy
- Her distinguished career in... ...of the CHP Academy.
- the state of California and the first female emergency vehicle operations course sergeant at the Academy
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journals, and took up several gubernatorial appointments. Senators confirmed Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control Department, Jennifer Osborne as Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook to the Medical Board of California, with roll-call votes showing broad support. The chamber also adopted a request to remove SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly.
A major portion of the session was devoted to Senate Resolution 97, recognizing May as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and discrimination, solidarity with other communities, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution was adopted 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community honorees and guests, including leaders in advocacy, education, business, and public service.
Members then adopted several awareness resolutions: SCR 168 designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring May 23, 2026 as GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming May as ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 recognizing Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 marking National Hospital Week in California. Each measure was supported by personal testimony or remarks from members and guests, often tied to lived experience or advocacy work, and each passed unanimously or by unanimous consent. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice and heard additional floor recognitions before adjourning until May 14, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians, co-sponsor of AB 2651.
- I am here on behalf of the California Academy of Family Physicians co-sponsor of AB 2651.
- are, first, a former student, Oliver Quintana Bravo, a recent graduate from Creative Connections Academy
- I recently graduated from Creative Connections Arts Academy here in Sacramento.
- changed when I got the opportunity to enter the after-school program at Creative Connections Arts Academy
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a lengthy agenda of education-related bills, with quorum established at the start and several measures taken up on consent or special order. The committee also announced that AB 1644, AB 2362, and later AB 2197 were pulled from the hearing. Members reminded the public of hearing rules and limited testimony to two witnesses each in support and opposition.
AB 2651, by Assemblymember Bonta, would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd-immunity thresholds. Supporters, including physicians, the California State PTA, public health groups, and school employee organizations, argued that families need timely, school-specific information to protect children and vulnerable community members. Opponents raised concerns about privacy, stigma, and whether school-level snapshots could be misleading. The bill passed the committee 5-1 and later 7-1 on the roll call. AB 2509, by Assemblymember Schultz, would allow districts to use a five-year rolling average for ADA funding calculations; supporters said it would stabilize funding amid attendance declines, while one member noted concerns about masking long-term enrollment problems. It passed 5-1 and later 7-2.
The committee also approved AB 2430, which would expand after-school access, especially for high school students, improve funding and transparency, and create a work group on program quality. Testimony emphasized the value of expanded learning for youth development and working families, and members discussed the need to address middle school access as well. AB 2526, focused on special education funding, would expand the low-incidence fund to include students qualifying for the California alternate assessment; supporters said it would better align funding with student need, while some concerns remained about over-identification. AB 2325, the Pathways to Bilingual Teaching Act, would create a grant program to build bilingual teacher pipelines through partnerships among schools, community colleges, and universities; it received strong support and passed unanimously. AB 2460, presented by Assemblymember Pellerin for Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, would update school mental-health referral protocols to address trauma related to immigration enforcement; it also passed unanimously. AB 2404, which sought to require Central Valley representation on several governor-appointed bodies, drew debate over geographic representation and board composition and ultimately failed on a 2-5 vote.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the government relations manager for the Academy of the Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public
- The Academy also supports Senate Bill 53 because it represents sound evidence-informed public health
Keywords:
pesticide, licensing, agriculture, landscaper, grain inspector, record keeping, Delaware agriculture, certified applicators, regulatory compliance, HB371, Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Act, farmland preservation, agricultural lands, agricultural preservation district, Farmland Preservation Advisory Board, county advisory board, Delaware Foundation, Department of Agriculture, DNREC, planning and zoning
Summary:
The House Agriculture Committee met with a quorum present and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53 would codify and continue the Farm to Community Program if federal support is reduced or unavailable, prioritize Delaware farmers, and require reporting and transparency. Testimony in support came from the Delaware Farm Bureau, the Academy of Medicine and Public Health, and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jimmy Crone, who said the department supports the bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to release the bill by roll call.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 311, a Department of Agriculture maintenance bill updating Title 3 provisions related to plant industry and pesticides. The bill removes an outdated $100 license fee, requires certified private applicators to keep pesticide application records available for inspection, expands the definition of landscaper to include commercial entities installing their own nursery stock, and removes a good-character requirement for grain inspector applicants. With no public comment or questions, the committee voted to release the bill by roll call.
Finally, House Bill 371, sponsored by Representative Vanderwyn, would streamline the Agland Preservation Act by eliminating a redundant county advisory board step for farmland preservation districts. Representative Vanderwyn and Deputy Secretary Crone explained that the advisory boards were more useful when the program was new, but now the county planning and zoning commissions and the Department of Agriculture already provide the needed review. After brief discussion, with no public comment, the committee voted to release the bill by roll call and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- it, and it would become the law that they would have to do this, or is it training at the police academy
- Wonderful, thank you for bringing Training at the police academy, training and education?
- There is a result of domestic violence in the police academy presently.
- In the police academy presently, there's great attention given to domestic violence.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing with opening remarks from Senate Chair John Cronin and House Chair Dan Cahill, followed by member introductions and instructions limiting testimony to three minutes. The committee first heard testimony on S. 2743, an act addressing staged suicides. Elizabeth Sherin Feiner of Jewish Family and Children’s Service and later Susan Altman, a domestic violence advocate, described cases in which deaths initially treated as accidents or suicides were later found to be homicides, arguing the bill would improve training, investigation protocols, and accountability in deaths involving domestic abuse. Committee members asked about current police and medical examiner practices, and one member noted that sudden-death determinations are handled by the chief medical examiner in Massachusetts.
The committee then heard testimony on S. 2861, a special commission to examine school bus safety, led by Representative Sabadosa and Amanda Taylor, whose daughter Summer Steel was killed in a school bus door incident. Taylor urged adoption of anti-pinch sensor technology on new buses, saying it could have prevented her daughter’s death. Representative Sabadosa and later a Mazur USA representative supported the bill, explaining that anti-pinch and anti-drag technologies are already used in other transportation sectors and could prevent similar tragedies. The hearing also included discussion of costs and the fact that the proposal would apply prospectively to buses manufactured going forward.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on S. 3021, updating Massachusetts student transportation. Ever-Driven Technologies and Chamber of Progress supported the bill, saying it would modernize Section 7D requirements for smaller passenger vehicles used for alternative student transportation while keeping core safety standards in place. They argued the change would help districts serve students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with disabilities, reduce costs, and expand transportation options amid a statewide transportation crisis. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Tuscaloosa County Legislation Committee Feb 10th, 2026
Tuscaloosa County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- With the sheriff's department, the academy and that FTO training, which took up six months of that time
- With the sheriff's department, the academy<00:09:55.839>
and <00:09:56.000>that <00:09:56.240 - >
FTO <00:09:56.720>training <00:09:57.120>which <00:09:57.279>took academy - and that FTO training which took academy and that FTO training which took up<00:09:57.680>
six
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Braswell, we have you as the South Texas director of Lifewise Academy and South, and that's who you're
- I'm the South Texas director for Lifewise Academy.
- Lifewise Academy is just one of many programs around the state and country that provides release time
- Despite the many benefits of programs like Lifewise Academy, some school districts are hesitant to permit
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Minnesota’s Healthcare Needs – Senator Carla Nelson Mar 31st, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This would be in high school students through PSEO, through Minnesota's Virtual Academy, so it's open
- high school students through PSO through Minnesota's<00:07:55.000>
Virtual <00:07:55.479>Academy - ><00:07:55.960>
so <00:07:56.120>it's <00:07:56.280>open Minnesota's Virtual Academy - so it's open Minnesota's Virtual Academy so it's open to<00:07:56.759>
all <00:07:57.039>high
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce, labor and economic development panel hears HF1965 3/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- from the Department of Employment and Economic Development supports the Elevate Community Business Academy
- >
Business supports the Elevate Community Business supports the Elevate Community Business Academy - and<00:04:57.040>
Business <00:04:57.440>Assistance <00:04:58.080>Program, Academy - and Business Assistance Program, Academy and Business Assistance Program, a<00:04:59.360>
partnership
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a registered and licensed dietitian, and I'm here on behalf of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and
- Um, the Academy and its members are obviously committed to, uh, strengthening food nutrition research
- Yeah, great, super. we'll work with y'all, um, you know, I remember when we were doing reading academies
- and math academies and sometimes PE teachers have to take those and you know there were pushback on
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- American Academy of Pediatrics Hawaii Chapter, in support.
- Michael Ching, American Academy of Pediatrics Hawaii Chapter, in support.
- American Academy of Pediatrics in support.
- >
in American Academy of Pediatrics in American Academy of Pediatrics in support.<00:45:24.800 - <00:46:13.640>
of <00:46:13.800>Pediatrics from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Keywords:
electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA, state law, penalties, compliance, directory, public health, nonprofit, child welfare, liability, insurance, legal protections, Hawaii, health care, reproductive rights, gender-affirming care, privacy, civil liability
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1573, which would create state enforcement authority over unauthorized e-cigarette products and related tobacco enforcement. Supporters including SHPDA, the Department of Health, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others said the bill would help protect youth from unauthorized vaping products, give the state tools to enforce an FDA-authorized product list, and add penalties and inspection authority. A committee member asked whether enforcement staff were available and what penalties would apply; the response was that existing tobacco investigators would take on the work, and the bill includes civil penalties, seizure authority, and possible license revocation referrals. The measure drew both support and opposition testimony, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1645, relating to liability for child welfare service providers. The Insurance Division said it was aware of the insurance-cost problem, had raised the issue with the NAIC, and was exploring a captive insurance option, while suggesting the legislature consider additional appropriations to DHS to cover higher contract costs. Supporters, including Parents and Children Together and Hawaii Insurance Council, argued the bill would help child welfare providers obtain insurance and continue critical services. Opponents, including the Hawaii Association for Justice, warned that removing joint and several liability could leave victims undercompensated and might not actually lower premiums. The insurance commissioner said other states have done tort reform in this area, but the committee was told it is not clear the bill would reduce insurance costs.
Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1875, which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Hawaii and shield patients and providers from out-of-state legal actions. Support came from the Hawaii State Youth Commission, LGBTQ+ and public health groups, medical professionals, ACLU Hawaii, Planned Parenthood, and others, who said gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and important for patient privacy, provider stability, and continuity of care. Several witnesses asked for amendments to the bill’s definition language. Opposition testimony came from individuals and groups including Hawaii Christian Coalition, Leeward Republican Women’s Club, and others, who argued the bill could expose children to irreversible decisions and that more research is needed. The chair noted roughly 176 supporters and about 40 opponents testified. No final action or vote was reported in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We have an academy going right now with 42 in it.
- The academy going right now with 42 in it still leaves us approximately 50 troopers short.
- Chair, Senator, to run an academy, we figure it is about $350,000 per person that we have in that academy
- So when I brought up the $10 million, that would be an academy of about 40 people.
- of running an academy of running an academy Colonel<00:32:29.360>
Mr <00:32:29.639>chair
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate File 75, a pilot project to test autonomous or semi-autonomous mowing and vegetation management along state highways. Senator Jasinski said the bill is intended to reduce traffic delays caused by ditch mowing and improve worker safety by moving crews out of active traffic. An A1 amendment was adopted to shift the funding source from the general fund to trunk highway funds. Testifiers from Bot Crew described robotic mowing technology, including remote piloting, autonomous navigation using LiDAR, cameras, GIS data, and obstacle detection, and said the machines could work at night and potentially reduce labor needs while improving safety. Members asked about mowing around guardrails, bridge features, and sensitive plants; the company said the system could be programmed to identify and avoid certain vegetation and could also be used for seeding. The committee then approved the bill, as amended, and re-referred it to finance.
The committee next received the Department of Public Safety’s presentation on the governor’s budget request. Commissioner Bob Jacobson outlined an operating adjustment for DPS divisions, a request for grant administration authority to allow a portion of grant funds to cover oversight costs, and then turned to division-specific items. State Patrol Colonel Christina Bovich presented a request for $48.5 million in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for a new metro headquarters, plus a recruitment proposal that would provide $1 million in each of 2026 and 2027 and $10 million in later years to expand recruiting, advertising, and academy capacity. She also proposed a change to the excessive-speed penalty so that driving more than 35 miles per hour over the limit would trigger a six-month license revocation, regardless of the posted speed zone. Members questioned the headquarters funding source, the cost of recruitment efforts, and academy expenses; Bovich said the academy costs about $350,000 per person and that the recruitment request would support broader outreach, including nationwide recruiting.
Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hansen then presented a request for an additional $485,000 per year in trunk highway funds for planning and administration. He said the money is needed to cover rising operating costs, maintain the federal match for traffic safety grants, and support new federal public participation and engagement requirements tied to traffic safety funding. No votes were taken on the DPS budget items during the portion of the meeting provided.