Transcript Highlights:

• If you could, please send it through staff.
• We're still going to have staff in Hot Springs at the local office.
• We're still going to have staff in Hot Springs at the local office there.
• So that means that 10 staff that did case work are now doing case reviews.
• Staff working on cases to help us be timely and, of course, do accurate work.

Summary: The meeting focused on Arkansas’s workforce development reorganization and a set of federal waiver requests intended to consolidate and streamline the state’s WIOA system. Commerce officials said the department has already centralized shared services, split the old workforce agency into reemployment and Arkansas Workforce Connections, and submitted a combined WIOA/Perkins state plan. They described nine waiver requests, including replacing local workforce boards with a single statewide board, creating one planning and accountability structure, allowing more flexible movement of funds across regions, easing the “last-dollar” requirement for training and supportive services, reducing required youth program elements, and allowing affiliate sites instead of mandatory comprehensive centers. Officials said the goal is to reduce administrative costs and redirect more money to training, supportive services, and employer-driven programs. Legislators raised concerns about rural representation, local employer relationships, and whether local offices would close. Commerce officials said local offices would remain open, some current staff could be rehired, and regional business councils would preserve local employer input. They said the current system is fragmented and expensive, with roughly $14 million in federal workforce funds flowing through local boards but only about $1.9 million spent on training and supportive services last year; they argued the reorganization could raise training spending to about $6 million to $7 million annually. Questions also addressed board composition, performance accountability, and how funds could be shifted between regions when needs change. The State Board of Workforce Development had approved the waiver package 11-3 before it was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor. Members also discussed workforce access for people with disabilities, child care and transportation supports, and the role of Arkansas Launch, apprenticeships, and career and technical education. Officials said vocational rehabilitation now has better access to the state job board and that referrals and data-sharing with DHS and other partners still need improvement. Several legislators emphasized the need for training to align more closely with employer demand, especially in manufacturing, technology, health care, and rural areas. The committee also heard a brief overview of Workforce Pell, with staff explaining that the new federal short-term Pell option has narrow eligibility rules and may not fit many existing programs, including some CDL and CNA programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think if nonpartisan staff, uh, Mr.
• </c> think if um nonpartisan staff uh Mr. think if um nonpartisan staff uh Mr.
• It is a testament to the staff that you're working with as well.
• Fabulous staff, partisan and non-partisan.
• Fabulous staff, working with as well.

Bills: HF4371, HF4317, HF2817, HF3496, HF4151, HF3826, HF4425, HF3990

Keywords: HF4371, Minnesota background checks, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Legislative Auditor, criminal history records, national criminal history record information, public safety, statutory amendment, section 299C.76, requesting agency, state audit, oversight, background screening, criminal records, county agencies, MNsure, Department of Revenue, Department of Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• The sheriffs don’t have the staff. Everyone’s understaffed.
• Every week, we review and staff the progress of each participant.
• And on their staff, of course, are social workers.
• And on their staff, of course, are social workers.
• And on their staff, of course, is social workers.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I run through it, I guess it's customary to talk about staff.
• They can now go from a 30% staff to 100% staff and get in more veterans into these homes and give them
• They were requesting $40 million to get the full staff.
• Finally, I want to thank our staff as well.
• To our amazing staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have any questions of staff about the proposed substitute or the amendments to the substitute?
• Are there questions of staff on this bill? Seeing none, let's move to House Bill 2593.
• Are there questions of staff on this bill? So. Questions of staff on this bill?
• Are there any other questions of staff? Okay, seeing none.
• Staff, a voice vote has been requested.

Summary: The House Education Committee first briefed several bills and amendments before going into caucus, then returned for executive action. House Bill 1295, on comprehensive literacy programs, was amended to require aligned literacy curricula and reporting, with one proposed substitute withdrawn and several amendments debated; the committee rejected amendments that would have added implementation deadlines and reporting, adopted an amendment requiring a 2032 OSPI report on literacy outcomes, and advanced the bill with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2262, which adds cursive signature instruction to mandatory high school civics and requires election-related reporting on signature mismatches, was amended to recognize culturally specific signatures, include historical context about marginalized communities, remove a graduation-credit condition, and drop State Board monitoring language; the committee rejected a null-and-void amendment and advanced the bill. House Bill 2551, allowing certain school districts to sell real property with superintendent authorization, was debated as a fiscal flexibility measure and passed out of committee on a 10-4 vote. The committee also considered House Bill 2593 on school district fund balances and monthly financial reporting. A proposed substitute shifted the bill away from mandatory minimum fund balances toward formal financial monitoring for districts below required levels, technical assistance from OSPI, and possible withholding of apportionment payments for reporting failures; an amendment removed the withholding provision, and the substitute bill was then advanced with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2594, establishing state-based protections for homeless students and aligning state requirements with McKinney-Vento, received a technical amendment to avoid duplicative provisions and was reported out unanimously. House Bill 2636, creating a Public Education Performance Operations and Funding Review Commission, was substantially revised into a Public Education Review Advisory Council that would work with JLARC to review education policy requirements and funding; a null-and-void amendment failed, and the committee advanced the substitute bill unanimously. Throughout the meeting, sponsors and members emphasized literacy improvement, student access, district fiscal stability, and reducing or reviewing unfunded mandates. Several members spoke in support of the bills as tools to improve outcomes or provide flexibility, while others raised concerns about mandates, reporting burdens, and the practicality of implementation. Final actions included multiple do pass recommendations, with recorded votes on HB 2551, HB 2593, HB 2594, and HB 2636, and unanimous or near-unanimous support on the other measures after amendment debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have questions for staff? I have several questions for you, Megan.
• Do we have questions for staff? I have several questions for you, Megan.
• I think it'd be better if I deferred to staff on that one.
• Further questions of staff?
• Staff, could you tell us where 102 is? I'm not familiar with that one.

Bills: HB2246, HB2360

Keywords: firearm violations, education, student discipline, school policies, safety measures, albuterol, asthma, inhaler, rescue inhaler, respiratory emergency, school nurse, student medication, self-administration, anaphylaxis, public schools, private schools, charter schools, tribal compact schools, K-12 health, medication policy

Transcript Highlights:

• know, um, park control, water, and the environment, and then also the arts component has a musical staff
• uh when I'm at state park I always point it to them that if you see this sign that has the musical staff
• 34.319><c> and</c><00:02:34.560><c> I</c><00:02:34.640><c> I</c><00:02:35.200><c> keep</c> musical staff
• on the sign and I I keep musical staff on the sign and I I keep pulling<00:02:35.760><c> out</c><00:
• has the park control has a musical staff has the park control has a fish<00:02:49.120><c> on</c><00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She then joined my staff to help us negotiate the water division of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
• in general law in upstate New York, then fired, now expected to oversee 200 lawyers and 300 total staff
• Budget, staff, and speed are interrelated. As we will hear from Mr.
• But slashing 65% of EPA's appropriated budget, and pushing out agency staff until there is no one left
• But then also to get them cleaned up, but you want to make sure that you've got the staff the regional

Keywords: presidential nominations, EPA, environmental policy, Fish and Wildlife, committee meeting

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under his leadership, the school has seen significant improvements in staff morale, student engagement
• Pantino has fostered a positive, inclusive school culture that boosts staff satisfaction and creates
• Pantino has fostered a positive, inclusive school culture that boosts staff satisfaction and creates
• Pantino has fostered a positive, inclusive school culture that boosts staff satisfaction and creates
• Pantino has fostered a positive, inclusive school culture that boosts staff satisfaction and creates

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and the remainder of the 25 staff and the remainder of the 25 staff members<00:41:35.520><c> are
• Um we have so it would be staff? Sorry.
• </c> don't have the wherewithal or the staff don't have the wherewithal or the staff or<00:52:50.880>
• If it of that staff member for the hour.
• </c> receiving these services and these staff receiving these services and these staff are<01:09:35.040

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• will work with parents to find a staff will work with parents to find a camp<00:07:13.599><c> session
• So my staff operate in all 120 counties.
• So my staff operate in all 120 services.
• We are encouraging our staff in assisting individuals in getting their rights restored.
• And I'm Sarah Bryant, a staff assistant with the department.

Keywords: 1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:24 2. Discussion of The Center for Courageous Kids – 00:02:46 3. Discussion of Adult Protective Services and State Guardianship Programs – 00:25:22 4. Discussion of Annual Report of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel – 01:00:34 5. Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:33:41 6. Adjournment – 01:42:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call and a reminder that Kentucky had 8,641 children in out-of-home care with active placements as of June 1, 2025. The first presentation was from the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), a donor-funded camp in Scottsville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s history, its year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medical and accessibility supports, and its impact on campers’ confidence and independence. They said CCK has served more than 43,000 campers from 46 states and 13 countries, including 22,000 from Kentucky, and noted plans to reach all 120 Kentucky counties. CCK also outlined future capital needs: a new art barn and a medical lodge. The organization said the art barn project would cost $2.5 million, with a legislative request of $1.5 million, and the medical lodge would cost $2.875 million, with a legislative request of $1.75 million. Members responded very positively, with several praising the camp’s work and one member asking about operational challenges. CCK said its main challenges are awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment, and expanding medical and housing capacity; it also said it is accredited by the American Camp Association and receives health and safety visits and audits. The committee then moved to a presentation on adult protective services and state guardianship programs from Jessica Wayne and Cliff Bryant of DCBS. They explained the legal framework for guardianship, the difference between full and limited guardianship/conservatorship, emergency appointments, and the state’s role as a last-resort guardian when no family member or private entity is available. They reported 4,464 individuals under state guardianship as of June 1, with most cases involving dementia, developmental disability, intellectual disability, nursing home or long-term care placement, severe mental illness, or brain injury. They also said the division has 89 field workers across 14 regional offices, with an average caseload of 52 and a goal of reducing that into the mid-40s through additional hiring.

Transcript Highlights:

• We leave the operation of Minnesota State to Chancellor Olen, his cabinet, and system staff, and to the
• 45.879><c> system</c> Chancellor Olen his cabinet and system Chancellor Olen his cabinet and system staff
• :47.239><c> to</c><00:02:47.440><c> the</c><00:02:47.599><c> colleges</c><00:02:48.120><c> and</c> staff
• and to the colleges and staff and to the colleges and universities<00:02:50.360><c> as</c><00:02:50.519
• </c><00:28:39.360><c> working</c> coordinators and other staff working coordinators and other staff working

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you could, please send it through staff.
• He said the staff would be trained on updated policies, procedures, and workflows.
• We're still going to have staff in Hot Springs at the local office.
• We're still going to have staff in Hot Springs at the local office there.
• So that means that 10 staff that did casework are now doing case reviews.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's very clear we need to make it very clear to our staff.
• Number one, having some kind of medical staff on site. I know it's all about money.
• Medical staff will be right there... We don't need medical staff. We have our phones.
• Medical staff will be right there. That day I called 911. Nobody answered my phone.
• So at least have some kind of medical staff.

Bills: H4697, S2635, S2680, S2681, H5158

Keywords: constables, civil deputy sheriffs, law enforcement, training, certification, public safety, emergency response, red lights, Barnstable, town management, public health, safety standards, nuclear power, waste management, community protection, BMX, motocross, safety, regulation, insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
• She had a little pushback from staff, which is not unusual.
• We were fortunate to have 4, people or staff members attend that training.
• Uh, we have weekly meetings between multiple levels of staff with the Texas Department.
• Uh, we have parasitologists on staff. We have, um, Nutritionists on staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• phone, it's the staff that's at the, at the front.
• Our judges and staff are trained in how to deliver Narcan.
• Chair, that the sheriff has sufficient staff.
• and the staff says sorry and nobody elected the staff.
• The staff over at LFC? OK.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, I have to brag on the staff at KYTC.
• </c> staff to be utilized by all districts. staff to be utilized by all districts.
• Um I talked to Tracy staff at KYTC.
• The applications are reviewed by KYTC staff, which includes Central Office staff and district office
• The applications are reviewed by KYTC staff, which includes Central Office staff and district office

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:55 Bridge Improvement Program 18:56 County Priority Projects Program 38:10 Transportation Alternative Program 51:47 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for the first interim meeting of the 2025 Budget Review Committee on Transportation and heard from Bobby Jo Lewis, commissioner of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. She reviewed the new County City Bridge Improvement Program, created in the 2024 regular session, reporting that phases one and two are complete, 45 bridges have been funded so far, and about $18.45 million has been authorized. She said roughly $6.549 million remains for phase three in the current fiscal year, with about $26.445 million in bridge applications still pending. For fiscal year 2026, the program will again have $25 million and will use four application phases. She also described a training resource, Local Bridges 101, and said a new executive advisor, Greg Meredith, has been brought in to help with the bridge program. Members asked how rollover applications would be handled, whether they would be re-evaluated with new applications, how the program would account for bridge longevity and load posting, and how isolated communities would be prioritized. Lewis said applicants not funded in FY25 would be contacted and could choose to roll their applications into FY26, and all applications would be evaluated together at the end of each phase. She said preservation projects are assessed for how much they extend a bridge’s life, and isolated community access bridges or closed bridges with no detour access receive priority. She also said the department aims for equitable distribution across regions and plans to produce a map showing where funds have been awarded. Lewis then turned to the County Priority Projects Program and the Local Assistance Road Program established in House Bill 546 and related resolutions. She said the application cycle opened June 1 and closes October 1, with 106 memoranda of agreement being prepared for awards in House Joint Resolution 46. She described updated application and reporting forms, a scoring matrix, and a County City Pavement Evaluation Manual used to rate projects based on preservation of assets, average daily traffic, recent improvements, safety, cost, and district priority. She said projects must be rehabilitation projects designed to restore the original condition of the road, cannot exceed $500,000, and must use local match percentages tied to the economic development grant program formula. She also reported on funding status for prior road projects, including completed, partially completed, pending, and underrun amounts that may be reauthorized. Committee members asked about photo documentation, online access to project materials, how to measure whether projects truly restore roads to original condition, and what happens when project costs exceed estimates. Lewis said the department is still working on how best to store and share the large volume of photos, and that projects are certified through district offices and local sign-off after completion. She said overages are the responsibility of the applicant because the state does not have additional money beyond the awarded amount. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our staff is outstanding.
• Our staff is with what they need.
• Um, and been pushing our staff so hard.
• I have a lot of faith in our nonpartisan staff on pensions and each party's nonpartisan staff here.
• Not to mention Scurfa and staff here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the board member of HPHA, you ultimately oversee the staff or the executive director.
• As the board member of HPHA, you ultimately oversee the staff or the executive director.
• As the board member of HPHA, you ultimately oversee the staff or the executive director.
• COVID, staff changes, whatever, all the things that happened.
• Uh you might you might be staff there.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HCR 66, which asks the State Building Code Council to update the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Testimony was generally in support, including from Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and OPSD, with one registered opponent. No questions were raised, and the joint committee later adopted a recommendation to pass the resolution as is. Because the housing committee lacked quorum at that time, final action on the resolution was deferred to the housing-only agenda. On the housing-only agenda, the committee first heard HTR 78, which states the intent that housing projects qualifying for credits under Act 31 remain eligible for those credits after the act’s repeal. Testimony was in support from HHFTC and the DIY chapter, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 592, confirming Lisa Darcy to the HPHA board. Support came from HPHA board members and several individuals, and Darcy said she accepted the nomination and emphasized her experience and interest in HPHA’s work. Members questioned her about the HPHA board’s oversight role, the 10,000-unit RFQ, and media coverage of Kuhio Park Terrace relocations; she said she supports the project, values transparency, and would push for better context and accountability, though some members felt she had not directly answered concerns about on-the-ground oversight. The committee also heard Governor’s Message 736, confirming Grant Chun to the HHFDC board. Support testimony highlighted his experience in nonprofit housing, real estate, and leadership roles, and Chun said he was pleased to serve the state. Members asked about his residence and his perspective on senior care at Hali Makua, where he said his family found the care compassionate and thorough, while noting staffing shortages. The transcript ends before any final vote on the housing-only items is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas This roll of honor includes US Army Staff Sergeant Felix A.
• Including United States Army Staff Sergeant Felix Berrios of Houston. He joined the army in 2009.
• His family said Staff Sergeant Berrios spent every spare moment that he had with his 10 year old son
• Staff Sergeant Felix A. Berrios, United States Army. Special Warfare operator, 2nd Class, Nathan G.
• Special thanks to Senator Kelly Hancock, Chairman Heffner, Chairman Cortez, and their staff for their