Video & Transcript : 'staff equity' :

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HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Wed Mar 19, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 35

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

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
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I would like to thank the committee chair and her staff for their work on this.
  • I appreciate the serious and important conversations your staff has had with my staff for the last few
  • work, the diligence that was done by your committee's staff, working with our staff, and thank you for
  • I know staff came up with some amendments.
  • Chair and staff and members and advocates.
Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, and land-use bills. AB 2218 by Assembly Member Calóra would establish a state policy directing agencies to recognize and address water-related inequities affecting tribes; tribal supporters said it is a needed step toward restoring a voice at the table, while water agencies and local government groups opposed it as vague and potentially harmful to water supply reliability. The bill was amended in committee and moved forward on a vote, though it was left on call. AB 2032 by Assembly Member Ransom, the Golden Mussel Response Act, would speed agency response to the invasive golden mussel by streamlining permits and research; it drew broad support and no opposition, and passed the committee unanimously to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 1712 by Assembly Member Pacheco would let Santa Fe Springs sell its small, contaminated water system through a protest process instead of a municipal election; supporters said it would avoid major rate hikes and improve reliability, and it was moved to Appropriations, though the vote was left on call. The committee also considered AB 1722 by Assembly Member Hadwick, which would create a clearer self-defense exception under the California Endangered Species Act for people facing dangerous predators. The author and a sheriff described a fatal mountain lion attack and argued rural residents need certainty; Defenders of Wildlife withdrew opposition after committee amendments, and the bill advanced to Judiciary on a vote that was left on call. AB 1613 by Assembly Member Wilson would require an off-highway vehicle safety and stewardship certification course before operating OHVs on public lands starting in 2029. Supporters said it would reduce accidents and educate new riders, while Vice Chair Gonzalez raised concerns about fees, penalties, tourism, and impacts on low-income residents in his district; the bill passed on a split vote and was left on call. Later, AB 1808 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand local permitting authority for Western Joshua tree projects and reduce or waive some fees for homeowners and public works. Supporters framed it as a way to balance conservation with housing and infrastructure needs, while environmental groups opposed changes they said would weaken avoidance and mitigation protections; the bill passed to Natural Resources and was left on call. AB 1894 by Assembly Member Rubio would address imported water deliveries and groundwater recharge in the context of golden mussel restrictions, with supporters arguing for a statewide, science-based approach that preserves water reliability; it advanced to Appropriations with no opposition. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance competing interests, especially around water reliability, tribal equity, public safety, and environmental protection.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we pray now especially for the members and staff of the Florida House.
  • have 1,100 people and just a handful of staff.
  • To the staff, you are the real MVPs of this institution.
  • To the staff, you are the real MVPs of this institution.
  • Faculty and staff may campaign on their off-duty hours.
Keywords: 998, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Indian Affairs Aug 14th, 2025

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • How many people on your staff are dedicated specifically, or maybe, you know, we're all jacks of all
  • I want to just take a moment to introduce two of our staff who traveled up as well.
  • She's been a really great addition to the staff. I'd also like to point out that...
  • We're doing our best to support staff, and then Perhaps for many reasons, the staff turns over, and then
  • The other four are listed below the high staff and management turnover.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/19/2026 - Senate Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Joint Legislative Budget Committee staff must adjust the CSF per-pupil calculations to exclude the weighted
  • Joint Legislative Budget Committee staff must adjust the CSF per-pupil calculations to exclude the weighted
  • Any questions for staff? Okay, I'll go ahead and just give a very brief intro.
  • They've prioritized district office staff.
  • Staff, they've prioritized everything else.
Committee: Senate Government
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Feb 4th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We lift up every staff member, team member, who supports the work that's done here.
  • And all of her staff, just, just, just, pretty incredible moment when everybody was really terrified.
  • committee chairs who have spent many hours, including weekends and nights, with the appropriations staff
  • in this Capitol many hours this weekend, finalizing budget projects along with the appropriations staff
  • in this Capitol many hours this weekend, finalizing budget projects along with the appropriations staff
Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several ceremonial introductions recognizing St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters, and AMI Kids Day at the Capitol. The chamber then received and adopted a committee report on executive appointments, with debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart. Senator Smith opposed her confirmation, citing concerns about contracts tied to the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility and the Hope Florida Foundation; Senator Pizzo spoke in support, describing her assistance during COVID testing and vaccination efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas, 0 nays. On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, limits certain local restrictions, preserves homestead treatment for the primary residence portion, and extends density bonus incentives for military families. The bill passed 38 yeas, 0 nays. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, diagnosis, brain health, and outreach to older and higher-risk Floridians. That bill also passed 38 yeas, 0 nays. Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying appropriations work was progressing and that budget rollout would be delayed until next Thursday, February 12, with full appropriations hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 18. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House. Additional announcements highlighted Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day. The Senate adjourned until noon on Wednesday, February 11, or upon the call of the President.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:00 am

House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Don't forget, members and staff, we do have the dinner tonight.
  • make sure we have the correct two or two numbers, and it's something I will talk to our committee staff
  • Whereas, you know, if we know more local governments need more staff, then we could try to solve for
  • If you’re going to add more staff, is that in the budget somewhere?
  • LFC staff asks state agencies to develop evaluation plans and we report on what is presented by state
Keywords: 996, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • For the record, Yenna Baker, staff to the committee.
  • Any questions of staff? All right, Representative Abel. All right, Representative Abel.
  • Any questions for staff? All right. We'll have Representative Tye. That's why on her bill.
  • Specifically in Section 6, as you've heard staff brief, that section extends the deadline of a piece
  • And the policy staff, I see Chris. All right.
Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 2158, which updates Washington’s electronic notarization laws to reflect 2021 changes to the Uniform Law Commission’s notarial act model. Staff explained that the bill would allow remote notarization of tangible paper documents, authorize remote administration of oaths or affirmations to remotely located individuals, and clarify how a notary can acknowledge a signature on a tangible record sent in from a remote signer. Representative Abel, the sponsor, said the measure would improve access, especially in rural areas where notaries may be far away. Testimony from the Uniform Law Commission supported the bill as a modest update that adds flexibility while maintaining consumer protections. A committee member raised concerns about fraud and manipulated video, and the witness responded that the bill includes safeguards such as required recordings, identity verification, and retention of audiovisual records. The committee then heard House Bill 2178, an Administrative Office of the Courts request bill making several mostly technical changes to align statutes with court rules and current practice. Staff described changes to civil infraction filing and response deadlines, payment plans for infractions, the dollar threshold for aggregated malicious mischief damage, a two-year extension for courts of limited jurisdiction to implement electronic protection-order filing, and repeal of an outdated statutory grant-distribution provision. Representative Tye noted concern specifically about the extension in Section 6 and said she was still seeking an explanation for why the deadline should move from 2026 to 2028. AOC witness Jay Lee Schultz said the extension is needed to align with the rollout of the state’s new case management system and to support statewide electronic protection-order tracking. Elizabeth Hendren of the Sexual Violence Law Center testified in opposition to Section 6, saying the delay would further postpone reforms intended to improve access to protection orders, judicial access to related orders, and survivor notifications. She argued that the legislature had already given the courts five years to implement the changes and asked for more transparency about funding, barriers, and why additional time is needed. After hearing the testimony, the committee concluded its business for the day and also took time to introduce members and staff.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Jan 8th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • There was one of our staff members who was notified by the Treasurer's Office of the fraud and that the
  • At Daisy State Park, $100 in camping drawer funds could not be located by the park staff at the time
  • At Daisy State Park, a $100 in camping drawer funds could not be located by the park staff at the time
  • of our A $100 in camping drawer funds could not be located by the park staff at the time of our audit
  • But yes, now we're reconciling that after every event with my staff. Okay.
Summary: The committee first approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. It then took up audit reports, with several reports without findings filed without objection. The main discussion centered on the FY24 Department of Human Services audit, which contained three findings: alleged fraud involving disaster SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a delayed notification of a nearly $610,000 altered state warrant, and asset-control issues including missing or misidentified equipment and improper sales tax paid on vehicle purchases. DHS representatives said some fraud cases had been resolved with restitution, others were pending or dismissed, and they described corrective steps such as updating internal notification procedures and asset controls. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the notification delay, and the sales tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The committee also reviewed the FY24 Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism audit, which had two findings: loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts and cash-control exceptions involving $100 missing from a park camping drawer and an $80 overage at War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said the museum loss was believed to be theft, that controls had since been strengthened with a point-of-sale and reservation system, and that the stadium issue reflected the unique mix of cash and bank balances used for events. Members asked about the investigation, reimbursement through the bond board, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. The chair later relayed that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency, so the report was also deferred to the next meeting.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Jan 8th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • There was one of our staff members was notified by the Treasurer’s Office of of... cases.
  • There was one of our staff members was notified by the treasurer's office of of...
  • Our staff members was notified by the Treasurer’s Office of the fraud and that the Treasurer was going
  • At Daisy State Park, $100 in camping drawer funds could not be located by the park staff at the time
  • But yes, now we're reconciling that after every event with my staff. Okay.
Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard audit reports from Mr. Bullington. Four reports without findings were filed without objection. The Department of Human Services FY24 report contained three findings: suspected fraud involving disaster food assistance and Medicaid benefits by employees, a delayed notification of a forged and cashed state warrant for nearly $610,000, and several fixed-asset and sales-tax errors. DHS officials said they had referred the benefit fraud cases to prosecutors, recovered some restitution, and would change internal procedures so accounts payable staff report such incidents directly to the chief fiscal officer. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the warrant delay, and the tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism FY24 report had two findings: the loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts, believed to be theft at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said they had implemented new controls, including a point-of-sale and reservation system for museum rentals and more frequent reconciliation of change funds. Members asked about the criminal case, the statute of limitations, bond board reimbursement, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. Mr. Bullington later reported that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency. The committee then deferred that report as well, and adjourned after setting the next meeting for February 12, 2026.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (03/06/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • enforcement officer in New Hampshire; and whereas Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl rose to the rank of Staff
  • </c> for a resolution recognizing staff for a resolution recognizing staff sergeant<00:21:35.240><c>
  • </c> sergeant Jesse E Cheryl whereas staff sergeant Jesse E Cheryl whereas staff sergeant<00:21:38.080
  • </c> department in 2001 and whereas staff department in 2001 and whereas staff sergeant<00:21:56.520>
  • </c> Jesse Sherl Rose to the rank of Staff Jesse Sherl Rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant<00:22:03.799
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

March 4, 2026 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we pray now especially for the members and staff of the Florida House.
  • Some of the cities that I represent have 1,100 people and just a handful of staff.
  • To the staff, you are the real MV. To the staff, you are the real MVPs of this institution.
  • And no medical staff there. And you all are saying that, well, it's cosmetic.
  • Faculty and staff may campaign on their off-duty hours.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • have multiple people, both clinical staff and also administrative staff who are reviewing these cases
  • works very dil- We have multiple people, both clinical staff and also administrative staff who are reviewing
  • works very dil- We have multiple people, both clinical staff and also administrative staff who are reviewing
  • works very dil- We have multiple people, both clinical staff and also administrative staff who are reviewing
  • We have multiple people, both clinical staff and also administrative staff who are reviewing these cases
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And two out of the top three barriers were staff recruitment and staff retention.
  • And two out of the top three barriers were staff recruitment and staff retention.
  • And I’d be remiss if I didn’t just chime in on question five that the staff so lovingly set up for us
  • If you have any questions on that, please reach out to committee staff with that.
  • If you have any questions on that, please reach out to committee staff.
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittees on early childhood education heard a broad review of the Governor’s child care and preschool budget proposals, with testimony from the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), the California Department of Education (CDE), and the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). The main topics were cost-of-care-plus and COLA adjustments, the California State Preschool Program, child care slot reductions tied to federal and Proposition 64 funding changes, disaster recovery grants for child care facilities, trailer bill proposals on family fees and absences, prospective pay, and several budget change proposals for departmental staffing and licensing. Officials also discussed the state’s transition toward an alternative methodology for setting rates based on the true cost of care. On rate reform, CDSS and CDE said the current reimbursement system remains below the alternative methodology in many counties and that providers continue to struggle with recruitment and retention. The LAO recommended aligning cost-of-care-plus increases across provider types, while CDE urged that any COLA be added to base rates rather than cost-of-care-plus payments because providers view the latter as less ongoing. CDSS said the next alternative methodology update will be developed with a contractor during fiscal year 2026-27, with public engagement and legislative input, and estimated that fully transitioning to rates informed by the methodology would take about 24 months once policy and funding are in place. CDSS also said the direct-service cost of care under the methodology was estimated at about $18.7 billion in a July 2025 report. A major point of contention was the proposed reduction of 4,167 child care slots due to lower federal CCDF funding and reduced Proposition 64 revenue. CDSS said it expects to absorb the reduction through unspent funds and relinquishments so currently enrolled children are not disrupted, while the LAO supported the reduction as a way to avoid worsening the structural deficit. Members strongly objected to the slot cuts, arguing the administration has repeatedly proposed reductions after prior budget agreements and emphasizing the economic and family benefits of child care. The committee also discussed preschool enrollment trends, including growth in three-year-old enrollment and a sharp increase in two-year-olds served under a temporary provision, with CDE warning that the temporary two-year-old authority expires in 2027. The committee also reviewed an $11.5 million Proposition 64 proposal for child care infrastructure grants for facilities impacted by 2025 state disasters, especially the Los Angeles fires, and members asked for trailer bill language to make the funds flexible for repairs, equipment, insurance, and permitting. On trailer bill items, the panel discussed codifying family fee reimbursement rules, defining excessive unexplained absences to allow disenrollment after prolonged nonuse, and expanding temporary provider absences; CDSS said the absence policy is meant to mirror federal CCDF rules, while CDE said it is already pursuing its own rulemaking. The hearing also covered prospective pay, with CDSS and CDE saying they are waiting for final federal guidance before moving ahead; LAO said the state could save ongoing costs if the federal requirement is rescinded. Finally, the committee reviewed staffing and support budget requests for CDSS and other implementation items, and held several items open for further discussion before the May Revision. Public comment overwhelmingly urged full funding for child care slots, true cost-of-care payments, and ongoing support for early education programs and county offices of education.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Mar 4th, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • Make sure you meet with the governor’s staff.”
  • Janet Boyles, Chief of Staff at UAPB. Nick Fuller from the Division of Higher Ed.
  • them and make sure you respond back to staff with the question.
  • I'm BLR fiscal staff.
  • I'm BLR fiscal staff.
Keywords: 1204, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • A Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with the technical staff only.
  • Oh, we also wanted to talk about the staffing of the working group, as far as who staffs it, what gets
  • So um I supporting staff is from debate.
  • </c><00:15:46.639><c> So</c><00:15:46.800><c> I</c> the chair to the supporting staff.
  • So I the chair to the supporting staff.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, technology, and related policy issues. Testimony generally came from state agencies and industry groups, with DBED, HTDC, and others mostly supporting measures that would create working groups, promote advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, encourage a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants, support Taiwan’s international participation, and explore import substitution. One measure on a tourism and gaming working group drew strong opposition from the prosecutor’s office, which argued it would signal support for gambling and could worsen social harms, while other witnesses supported it as a way to gather data before any policy decisions. The committee also heard support for relocating the Pearl City Post Office to improve traffic and safety, and for a resolution to focus HTDC on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Several items were amended before action. The committee agreed to amend the tourism and gaming working group resolution to narrow and clarify its purpose, and to amend the Taiwan resolution to add the president of the Republic of China as a recipient. The import-substitution resolution was also amended to add a definition, include language about avoiding new import dependencies such as LNG, and direct state and utility purchasing power toward substituting imports. A resolution on HCR 211/HR 203 was rewritten to address lowering fire insurance rates and mitigating fire risk in Puna lava zones, but decision-making on that item was deferred to a later hearing so the new language could be posted publicly. The committee voted to adopt several measures, including HCR 57/HCR 152, HCR 156/HR 151, HCR 19/HR 115, and HCR 33/HR 32, with some passed as amended and others passed as is. HCR 192 was adopted with amendments despite reservations from some members, and HCR 209/HR 2011 was adopted with amendments. The committee also recessed for decision-making during the hearing and later adjourned after completing action on the agenda.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (03/03/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • The part-time staff versus full-time staff is partly because our caseload doesn't warrant a full-time
  • staff person.
  • versus full-time staff part-time staff versus full-time staff um<00:09:36.600><c> partly</c><00:09:37.000
  • We do spend staff time.
  • We do spend staff time.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard from the Personnel Appeals Board, which explained that it became an independent state agency after Senate Bill 487 and was presenting its first standalone operating budget. The board described its quasi-judicial role in hearing appeals from classified state employees over disciplinary actions such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations, and said it handles about 25 to 35 cases a year, with some cases lasting longer because of their complexity. Members also outlined the need for a chair and vice chair who are attorneys, the board’s current staffing and space needs, and its plan to move away from reliance on Administrative Services for office support and website functions. The board requested about $353,500 for fiscal year 2026, including startup costs, routine operating expenses, and two new part-time positions: a program director and a paralegal. Members said the budget reflects the new independent status, includes funding for only four board members rather than the authorized five, and is designed to avoid full-time staffing costs and benefits. Legislators asked about the cost per case, the board’s relationship to DAS, whether appeals must go through the board before court, and how often cases are appealed further. The board said appeals must first go through it, that court appeals are infrequent but have increased recently, and that the board’s process is intended to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than court litigation. Committee members also asked about the board’s caseload, outcomes, and staffing. The board said that in the prior year there were 22 cases, with four decisions overturned in favor of employees, nine dismissals, and nine settlements, and that many disputes are resolved before reaching the board through a multi-step internal process. A member noted the governor and council had recently approved a new board member and were expected to approve a fifth soon. The discussion ended with questions about the board’s website and records access, which members said would need to be moved from Administrative Services as part of the agency’s transition. The committee then moved to the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. The executive director explained that the council is 100 percent federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and develops a five-year plan to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the council works with state agencies and advocacy organizations on quality-of-life issues, accessibility, voter rights training, and plain-language or easy-to-read materials, and that 60 percent of its membership must be individuals with disabilities or family members/guardians. She also described the council’s funding structure, including reimbursement to the state for operating costs, and noted that it currently has three full-time and three part-time positions, with no new positions requested but one full-time position being eliminated and replaced after a pandemic-era staffing change did not work out as planned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm requesting a 5% increase across the board for staff for FY 2027.
  • Cybersecurity training for all PSAPs in the state of Oklahoma, for all 911 telecommunicators and staff
  • Staff recommendation at this time is to provide...
  • All right, that brings us to item 14, committee and staff reports for discussion only.
  • So just a big thank you, and then a big thank you to the staff and all the work you're doing.
Keywords: 914, all
Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 regular meeting minutes and financial reports for February through April 2026. The board then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, reclassifying the 911-98 liaison into a training coordinator role, adding a GIS specialist position, higher funding for training, travel, NG911 deployment, cybersecurity training, recruitment, and the 911 coordinator workshop, along with increased GIS repository funding and a new technology roadmap allocation. The budget also set aside $3 million for a one-time PSAP distribution and maintained grant closeout and reserve funding levels. The board approved the $3 million PSAP one-time distribution and its guidelines, using the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with funds restricted to GIS, eligible technology items, or grant matching rather than salaries or construction. Members also denied Washington County 911’s request to waive the 20% match for a radio console grant after staff found the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. The board approved an in-person 911 telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator for technical schools, with a requirement for a full simulator and NENA-approved certification, and approved a $249,820 statewide recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising to promote 911 careers. On GIS compliance, the board authorized staff, with legal counsel, to begin enforcement steps against PSAPs that do not complete required GIS data remediation and repository uploads by the June deadline, including notice and possible escrow action by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The board also approved several individual grants, including projects for fiber/NextGen 911 transition, ADA furniture, NextGen 911 equipment, a consolidation feasibility study, recorder upgrades, and radio console upgrades for multiple counties and PSAPs. Committee and staff reports highlighted 911 Day at the Capitol, upcoming POP grant availability, new grant categories for FY 2027, cybersecurity training planning, NG911/GIS tool development, 988 outreach, and ongoing project and standards work.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm requesting a 5% increase across the board for staff for FY 2027.
  • Cybersecurity training for all PSAPs in the state of Oklahoma, for all 911 telecommunicators and staff
  • That brings us to item 14: committee and staff reports for discussion only. All right.
  • That brings us to item 14: committee and staff reports for discussion only.
  • So just a big thank you, and then a big thank you to the staff and all the work you're doing.
Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program. The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements. In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Apr 29th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Staff, if you can please read in the bill. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.
  • Staff, if you could please read in the bill. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.
  • Staff, if you could please read in the bill. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.
  • Staff, if you could please read in the bill.
  • I'm going to have staff first read it in. Thank you, Madam Chair, members.
Bills: HB818 , HB1063 , SB28 , SB64 , SB142 , SB234 , SB482
Committee: House Education