Video & Transcript : 'Sun Bucks program' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2017, I was offered a diversion program, which The diversion program consisted of drug treatment,
- Yes, there are some good programs.
- And I think that we need programs like that.
- folks that are going through diversion programs.
- Bear with me, everyone, for one quick programming note.
Summary:
The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call.
The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call.
Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/34
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:51:03.960><c> and</c> crime Youth Intervention programs and crime Youth Intervention programs
- </c> officer Education and Training Program officer Education and Training Program uh<00:51:14.599><c
- </c> our iak task force affiliate program our iak task force affiliate program that<01:04:49.680><c>
- So the goal was to try and maximize programming.
- </c> that means to maximize programming that means to maximize programming obviously<01:23:54.840><c>
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- H. 5013, an act to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program, filed by Rep.
- Badger; S. 2928, an act to establish a celiac disease screening pilot program, filed by Senator Lovely
- Celiac Disease Screening Pilot Program.
- This pilot screening program will not only catch children earlier.
- The pilot program proposed is a reasonable, evidence-informed first step.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening at ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the transcript focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. For the celiac proposal, Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely described long diagnostic delays, the lack of a cure, and the potential for a simple blood test to identify children earlier and reduce long-term harm. Multiple patients, clinicians, and researchers supported the pilot, saying celiac is frequently missed because symptoms vary widely or are absent, and that early detection could prevent malnutrition, growth problems, osteoporosis, and other complications. Testifiers also emphasized that the bill would study feasibility, accuracy, cost, and acceptability, and would include family education and support resources if diagnoses are made through the program.
Several experts and advocates backed the celiac screening pilot, including a pediatric gastroenterologist from Italy who described successful national screening efforts there, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, pediatric gastroenterologists from Massachusetts and Colorado, a pediatric dietitian, and a parent whose child was diagnosed after severe malnutrition. They argued that routine screening alongside existing pediatric bloodwork could identify many undiagnosed children and improve health equity, since celiac disease is often overlooked in people of color and lower-income patients. Committee members asked about how the screening would work, and witnesses explained it could begin with a blood test, followed by confirmatory endoscopy if needed. No vote was taken in the hearing.
On H. 5087, witnesses from the medical aesthetics industry largely opposed the bill as written, saying it was outdated, redundant with existing Massachusetts licensing and board oversight, and too restrictive for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other licensed providers. Testifiers, including a retired lobbyist, a nurse practitioner, a PA, a plastic surgeon, and a clinic owner, said the bill could reduce access, raise costs, and push care into less regulated settings, while not addressing the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Committee members pressed for more specific feedback on what provisions were unnecessary or duplicative, and witnesses said they had submitted position papers and written testimony identifying conflicts with current law. The hearing ended with the chair noting that all oral and written testimony would be reviewed before any decisions are made.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- such as passport to manhood and football leadership enrichment programs such as passport to manhood
- He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
- He has been an active member of the Davis-Monthan Youth Programs for more than eight years, where he
- The Youth of the Year program is a premier leadership recognition initiative.
- She has been an active member of the Luke Air Force Base Youth Program for nine years.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The population receiving these services is also income-limited under this program.
- The income limitations have long been a part of both of these programs.
- Okay, so I'm just trying to confirm because maybe to the... ...programs like this.
- , and maintenance costs for permanent supportive housing programs in our region.
- , maintenance, and services program is in need of adjustment.
Summary:
House Finance met on February 26 and heard several tax and housing-related bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6343 would extend the deadline to apply for a property tax exemption for improvements to single-family homes damaged by natural disasters, with sponsors citing recent flooding and the need to help displaced homeowners in multiple counties. Local officials from Kent and Algona testified in support, describing flood damage and ongoing recovery needs. The bill was heard but no vote was taken.
Senate Bill 6347 would roll back the higher estate tax rates enacted in 2025, while leaving the higher exemption amount in place. Committee staff said the bill would reduce revenue to the Education Legacy Trust account by about $44.8 million starting in fiscal year 2027 and about $389.9 million over the 2027-29 biennium. Supporters argued the higher rates could harm family businesses and encourage wealthy residents to leave; opponents said the bill would mainly benefit very large estates and would worsen budget pressures by reducing funds for education and child care. Public testimony was mixed, and the bill was heard without action.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products stored in Washington for out-of-state sale until 2038. The sponsor and a logistics witness said the exemption helps farmers get products faster, supports regional distribution, and improves competitiveness; staff said the revenue impact would be small. Finally, Senate Bill 6114 would define “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes to make tax treatment of attached property clearer, and Senate Bill 6027 would broaden allowable uses of several local affordable housing funding sources, including rehabilitation and operations of existing housing, rental assistance in some counties, and expanded uses for Affordable Housing for All grants. Both of those bills drew support from state and local housing officials and advocates, and the committee adjourned after the hearings with no recorded votes.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- In short, this bill does not expand the program.
- It also treats this program just like any other Missouri program.
- Through the program, it's the adequacy amount.
- Through the program, it's the adequacy amount.
- It simply improves timing so the program works as intended.
Committee:
House Emerging Issues
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2194 concerns the sales and use tax for cultural access programs.
- As background, the legislative body of a county may establish a cultural access program and impose a
- The legislative body of a county may establish a cultural access program and impose a sales and use tax
- . ...which would allow counties to become eligible to establish cultural access programs, and I want
- Sixty-five percent of those programs were offered free of charge, significantly reducing barriers and
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
HB1960, renewable energy, clean energy, solar, wind, battery storage, energy storage, excise tax, property tax exemption, local investment, county revenue sharing, local taxing districts, school districts, Department of Revenue, Department of Commerce, model ordinance, siting, permitting, tribal consultation, tribal capacity grants
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're very proud of that program. Rural and Family Lands, we can't say enough about.
- If anyone's listening that wants to apply to that program, it is open currently.
- We've greatly increased that program the last two years, thanks to the legislature.
- Adalia, this legislature put in place a loan program, an emergency loan program after emergencies, with
- And we're really proud of all of the efficiencies in the programs that we've done.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum present and heard two presentations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson, head of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, outlined department accomplishments and funding needs, including IT modernization, expansion of the Rural and Family Lands program, updated best management practice manuals, growth of the Fresh From Florida marketing campaign, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, clearing concealed-weapons permit backlogs, construction of the Conner Complex headquarters, forestry equipment upgrades, and youth agriculture programs such as FFA and 4-H. Senators asked about water policy, citrus greening, FAMU partnerships, staffing efficiencies, and interdiction stations used to stop invasive species, stolen goods, and diseased or banned agricultural products from entering the state.
Dr. Krista Court of the University of Florida/IFAS presented a preliminary economic assessment of the 2024 hurricane season’s agricultural impacts from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. She explained that the estimates are based on wind, rainfall, flooding, crop location, and survey data from extension agents, industry groups, FDACS, and producers, and that the figures do not include many asset losses, supply-chain effects, forestry losses, or some insurance-covered damages. Her preliminary estimates placed total 2024 agricultural production losses between about $402.3 million and $975.8 million, with the hardest-hit commodity groups including field and row crops, vegetables, melons, potatoes, greenhouse/nursery products, and animals and animal products.
Members discussed the importance of accurate survey participation and baseline data, including use of USDA Farm Service Agency information, to improve future disaster estimates and federal relief decisions. Several senators emphasized agriculture’s importance in their districts and statewide. No bills were considered and no formal votes were taken; the only action was adjournment by motion of Senator Burton.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the operation, staffing, and programming the operation, staffing, and programming of<01:17:01.160
- If so, all those in favor, please say aye. forensic program. Thank you. forensic program.
- this</c><01:53:56.240><c> program,</c><01:53:57.200><c> in</c> It creates a program, this program, in
- the program if this program<01:56:29.440><c> goes</c><01:56:29.760><c> forward</c><01:56:30.320><c>
- </c> working on creating a full program. working on creating a full program.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Feb 24th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Early Learning & K-12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- , Curious around some definitions about what you mean by policy, what you mean by program.
- But curious around policy and around program, what you mean? Thank you, Senator Wilson.
- Which of those programs actually move the needle more than others and look at the cost?
- Both were using different structured literacy programs to address student learning.
- After school, I worked with Miss Jane using a program called Wired for Reading.
Committee:
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So here's background: under the Clean Fuels Program, which has been in place since 2021, the Department
- And the second thing it does is that it changes the Department of Ecology's Clean Fuels Program carbon
- Separately, state laws, essentially, program market for compliance.
- Joel Creswell, manager of the Climate Pollution Reduction Program at the Department of Ecology.
- It delays the expansion of the program. It delays the expansion of the program until around 2030.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2436, a technical fix to Washington’s oil tanker escort tug requirements in Puget Sound waters. The bill would require escort tugs to have either horsepower equal to 5% of the tanker’s deadweight tonnage or 3,000 horsepower, whichever is greater. Rep. Lekanoff and the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners said the change aligns statute with existing rules and industry practice and supports protection of the Salish Sea and southern resident killer whales. No opposition was raised, and the hearing was closed without action at that point.
The committee then heard House Bill 2322, which changes Clean Fuels Program rules and tax incentives for alternative jet fuel. Supporters, including Rep. Dent, Sky Energy, 12, and the City of Moses Lake, said the bill would provide certainty for large-scale sustainable aviation fuel investment by changing the trigger for tax incentives and clarifying that certain renewable electricity, including hydro, can count as zero carbon. Ecology opposed the bill’s treatment of electricity accounting, saying it would weaken incentives for new renewable generation and could reduce the clean fuels program’s emissions benefits. U.S. Oil asked for additional clarification or changes to allow Pierce County participation or define “blender.” No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
In executive session, the committee passed several bills. Substitute House Bill 2343, dealing with discharge permits for publicly owned animal facilities, passed 21-0. Proposed second substitute House Bill 1420, creating a textile and apparel coordinating organization for a needs assessment, passed 12-9. House Bill 2426, allowing Pollution Control Hearings Board appeals to be heard by a single member or alternative panel by agreement, passed 19-2. Substitute House Bill 2271, expanding post-consumer recycled content requirements for certain plastic products, passed 12-9. Substitute House Bill 2215, adjusting Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier thresholds, passed 12-9. Substitute House Bill 2421, restricting 6PPD and certain substitutes in tires, passed 11-9 with one excused after an amendment to exempt rural eastern Washington was rejected. Action on House Bill 2301 and House Bill 2296 was deferred to a later meeting due to time constraints.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Absolutely, especially in SWIFT, which is the program that funds our state water plan.
- I don't know that necessarily the state programs do, but one of the programs that is not listed on that
- Those are our workhorse programs. primarily for infrastructure, both new and rehab.
- Thank you. with respect to our SWIFT program. That's our flagship program. for new water supply.
- And so considering that that was a brand new new program, considering that we had other programs that
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the programs is called Museums 250.
- We’ve hosted eight Massachusetts 250 Lunch and Learn programs.
- One of the programs is called Museums 250.
- We've hosted eight Massachusetts 250 Lunch and Learn programs.
- The Executive Office of Education has a program that's engaging K-12 in an essay program that's been
Summary:
The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so the gathering remained unofficial and no minutes were approved or formal votes taken. Chair Senator Paul Mark conducted roll call, then moved to updates and presentations from House co-chair Representative Sean Garballey, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Director Sheila Green, and Revolution 250’s Jonathan Lane.
Representative Garballey highlighted the recent Patriots’ Day and Lexington-Concord commemorations, calling them highly successful, and noted that the House’s supplemental budget included $15 million for 250th anniversary events. Director Green gave a broad Massachusetts 250 update, emphasizing the large turnout for April commemorations, upcoming events including Fall River, Bunker Hill, Flag Day, Charlestown’s parade, Gloucester’s reenactment, and Newburyport’s parade, plus ongoing initiatives such as Museums 250, Lunch and Learns, grant programs, podcasts, and partnerships with sports teams, museums, and state agencies. She also reported 131 applications for FY26 grants totaling $7.5 million, with $2 million available for awards.
Jonathan Lane described Revolution 250’s work supporting local commemorations across the Commonwealth, including Chelsea Creek, Monotomy, Hingham, Pittsfield, Plymouth, and other communities, and praised local legislators’ involvement. He previewed major upcoming Bunker Hill and Charlestown events, the Gloucester reenactment, the 250th Revolution 250 podcast episode featuring Rick Atkinson, Knox Trail programming, and the start of Massachusetts 250 events in 2026. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters and a note that the commission would likely reconvene after July 4.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/21/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Advantage program.
- Advantage program.
- Advantage program.
- program.
- </c><04:17:57.920><c> The</c> the program this following year. The the program this following year.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- The Deferred Retirement Option Program, known as DROP, is nearly revolutionary, not untested.
- The program allows participating officers and firefighters to continue working one to five years.
- I strongly oppose a DROP program. When we passed PEPRA, our bond ratings in California almost...
- I strongly oppose a drop program.
- When we did DROP, we looked at previous history and what DROP programs didn't work.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- So the Division of Environmental Quality administers the asbestos abatement program.
- Okay, so primarily what we're doing with this program is pulling the asbestos out of the program, monitoring
- looking at really attributing real cost to the actual expenses of the program.
- that program in the last three years, if I am correct.
- But there is a program out there for them to do that, sir. That's a good program.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s asbestos abatement program. DEQ explained that it licenses asbestos-related workers and businesses under federal and state law, including contractors, workers, inspectors, planners, designers, consultants, air monitors, and training providers. Members asked about the continued presence of asbestos in modern products, the status of the program’s grant fund, and why program expenses were expected to rise; DEQ said grants have not been issued in more than six years because revenues have not left a surplus, and the higher expenses reflect a reallocation of inspector salaries to the fund that supports the program. DEQ also described complaint-driven inspections, enforcement tools such as civil penalties and notices of violation, and the health risks of exposure, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. The report was accepted without objection.
The committee then heard from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. The commission outlined its standards, compliance, decertification, basic academy, advanced training, and jail standards functions, and said it operates three basic academies in Camden, Benton-Bryant, and Springdale. Members asked about recruitment and retention, academy capacity, training hours, and costs to local agencies; the commission said attendance costs counties nothing because the state funds the academies, and that basic training is being expanded to 705 hours with a greater emphasis on practical instruction. The commission also described separate training for detention officers and school resource officers, and said law enforcement divisions in other agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are held to the same standards. It noted that most academy attendance requires agency hiring first, though a veterans-to-law-enforcement program allows some veterans to attend on their own and later seek employment. This report also was accepted without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jun 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , or SNAP, which is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States.
- In California, the CalFresh benefit program alleviates hunger for 5.4 million people, or one in seven
- and, accordingly, to the CalFresh program.
- So food banks alone will not be able to fill the gap if the SNAP program is cut at the federal level.
- I'd go to whichever food program, and I'd always take my mom.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard two measures after announcing that SB 792 had been pulled from the agenda. The first bill, AB 412, would require affiliated home care aides to receive training on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care. The author and supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and the Home Care Association of America, said the bill would help ensure more consistent and compassionate care for people living with dementia. A witness described difficult personal experiences finding aides who understood her husband’s needs. There was no opposition, and the committee members expressed support and personal appreciation for the issue.
AB 412 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and passed 7-0. The committee accepted the author’s committee amendments.
The committee also heard SJR 3, a resolution urging Congress to avoid cuts to SNAP, known in California as CalFresh. The author and supporters from the California Association of Food Banks and End Child Poverty California argued that the program is essential to reducing hunger, supporting children and families, and sustaining the food economy, and that food banks could not replace lost benefits. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with no opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, including one member who shared personal experience relying on SNAP. SJR 3 was adopted 7-0 and sent forward.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is funded through the Foundation School Program. It's an estimated appropriation.
- So that's currently how the FAST program works.
- The other area that we excel in is our co-enrolled programs.
- So we have two programs in particular, the TEAMS program and the Engineering Academy program, and those
- When they complete those programs, they just automatically become an A&M student.
Bills:
SB 49
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 heard several higher education bills and took public testimony on each. Senate Bill 60 would let public junior college libraries donate outdated, duplicative, or valueless materials instead of treating them as surplus property; no public testimony was offered, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 49 would expand performance-tier funding incentives so community colleges are also rewarded for student transfers to private four-year universities; it also received no public testimony and was left pending.
Senate Bill 365 would allow higher education institutions to choose a transcript lookback period between 5 and 10 years for adult undergraduates seeking to waive older transcripts. Senator Eckhardt and witness Daniel Arrevalo described how old academic records can block adults from returning to college; the bill was left pending after testimony. Senate Bill 895 would expand the FAST dual-credit program beyond public school students to include eligible private school and homeschool students, with support from the Texas Private Schools Association, the Texas Homeschool Coalition, and a coordinating board witness explaining the funding structure; it too was left pending.
Senate Bill 1400 would clarify what counts as a transfer for performance-tier funding by allowing students with 30 or fewer prior university credit hours to still be counted as transfer students when moving from a public junior college to a general academic institution. Former Representative Leighton Schubert testified that the change would address funding losses and better reflect modern student pathways; after testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The first one is early intervention day program, we call it EIDD.
- First one is early intervention day program, we call it EIDD.
- And then second one is adult day program.
- And about 38% attend an adult day program. ...within the DDPA.
- You hope to get into an ABA program.
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed several vacant membership slots, including positions tied to the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian appointments. Members said they would try to fill the vacancies and, if not, include the issue in the legislative report and consider statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
The task force then heard from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association and Civitan Services about DDPA’s role in supporting 80 provider organizations serving more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 75 counties. They described services such as early intervention day programs, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services, and said autism falls within the populations they serve. They also shared survey information on services used by older adults with IDD and offered contact information for providers.
Members also heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to add licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while noting that Arkansas Medicaid already pays for some of these evaluations. Task force members and Dr. Scott discussed the roles of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and the possibility of using training or board oversight to ensure evaluators are properly qualified, with some noting that speech pathologists’ inclusion has historical and clinical roots. The task force also said it still needs a future discussion on fraud, plans to invite the Attorney General’s office, and wants to identify priorities for the 2027 session before adjourning.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development Apr 28th, 2026
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So that But, Rendered in the form of employee hours donated to such programs.
- Economic Development, DED, they administer the funds, but DNR administers the program.
- DNR administers the program. Yeah.
- And if so, if it affects this particular program, it would clearly need to be revisited.
- I am fortunate because my school has a well-resourced program and dedicated mentors.
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard House Bill 3359, presented by Rep. Travis Wilson on behalf of Rep. Riggs. The bill would create a state income tax credit for donations to registered school robotics/STEAM programs, including cash, equipment, software, materials, and certain employee volunteer hours. The proposal was described as a 20% credit, capped at $10 million annually beginning in tax year 2027, with a six-year sunset. Committee members raised questions about whether the credit applies to individuals or businesses, how volunteer hours would be valued, whether the bill should be limited to qualified coaches or employees rather than parents or general volunteers, which state agency would administer reporting, and whether the 20% rate should be higher. Rep. Wilson said he was open to clarifying amendments and noted the bill sponsor would need to weigh changes.
The bill’s student author and witness, Sarah Waldron, a Westminster Christian Academy senior and robotics team CEO, testified in support. She said the bill was intended to help Missouri schools, especially under-resourced ones, access funding for robotics programs and argued that the credit would leverage private donations into student opportunities and workforce development. She clarified that the volunteer-hour provision was meant for business employees, not individual volunteers, and said she had drafted an amendment to provide higher credits for schools with higher free-and-reduced-lunch percentages. Several committee members praised her work and discussed the need to target aid toward schools with fewer resources.
Arne C. A.C. Dinoff, State Public Advocate, testified in opposition. He praised the student’s initiative but argued the state could not afford another tax credit given budget deficits and said volunteerism should not be tied to a fiscal reward. He also questioned the fiscal note and said robotics support should be handled locally rather than through a state tax credit. No vote was taken, and the chair concluded the hearing after testimony.