Transcript Highlights:

• 8 to 20 when teams demonstrate expertise in meeting the developmental and clinical needs of that age
• </c> and children's residential facilities. and children's residential facilities.
• , facilities, facilities, detox<01:15:29.120><c> programs,</c><01:15:29.720><c> withdrawal</c><01:15:
• There's also in section 10 a licensing renewal... facilities.
• This is current practice and facilities.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We took the number of students we had, the 800-plus students, because now we've gone through age 21.
• So there are we've gone through age 21.
• they are, and their data points on that age for transition.
• However, in this day and age parents.
• However, in this day and age right<01:46:15.840><c> now,</c><01:46:16.159><c> given</c><01:46:16.480>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its second meeting on House Bill 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and discussed whether to also examine differentiated aid within the adequacy formula. The chair said the committee had previously heard from HHS/Medicaid officials and now wanted to hear from local special education directors about how the aid system works in practice, including billing, training, data collection, and whether districts handle claims consistently. Members also referenced Arkansas as a possible comparison state and said they hoped to develop ideas by November to address the current funding process. Committee members focused on the current special education aid thresholds and the impact of proration. The chair described the existing formula as requiring districts to absorb costs up to 3.5 times the state average per student, with the state paying 80% from 3.5 times through 10 times and paying above that, and said FY25 appropriated about $34 million while actual claims were about $50.1 million, leaving roughly a $16 million shortfall that caused proration. Members also raised the possibility of lowering the threshold to 2.5 times and asked how that would affect the number of eligible students and costs. Another member asked about how districts decide whether services are education-related or medical-related and how Medicaid or private insurance reimbursement affects later state aid claims. District representatives from Boothby Therapy Services, Bedford, and Guilford introduced themselves and described their roles. Guilford’s director said the district tracks students with paraprofessional support, nurses, transportation, or specialized programming, uses a data system to log every service touchpoint, and tries to maximize both Medicaid and special education aid; she said a lower threshold would likely capture all students with paras or nurses and that rising staffing and service costs would increase the number of students over the cap. Bedford’s assistant director said the district uses a different system, tracks roughly 60 to 80 students a year, and pursues Medicaid and special education aid simultaneously but does not pursue private insurance if it would affect FAPE; she said reducing the threshold to 2.5 times would likely double the number of qualifying students. Members asked follow-up questions about software, data entry, and how districts decide whether to bill Medicaid or seek state catastrophic aid, and the directors explained that their systems log services by staff type and student, with some districts using the same data for both Medicaid and state reimbursement claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• So whatever facility gets chosen, that facility can still operate as normal.
• </c><00:03:55.920><c> It's</c> commodering public facilities. It's commodering public facilities.
• /c><00:04:04.400><c> facility</c><00:04:04.720><c> can</c> facility gets chosen, that facility can facility
• It's owned by somebody else. that a publicly owned facility was that a publicly owned facility was available
• </c> typically close, but if another facility typically close, but if another facility in<00:09:55.360

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I work with them in two school districts, and I work with kids ages 4 to 18.
• /c><00:04:33.120><c> work</c><00:04:33.280><c> with</c><00:04:33.440><c> kids</c><00:04:33.720><c> ages
• </c><00:04:34.080><c> 4</c><00:04:34.320><c> to</c> um and I work with kids ages 4 to um and I work with
• kids ages 4 to 18<00:04:36.000><c> um</c><00:04:36.680><c> I</c><00:04:36.800><c> also</c><00:04:37.000
• status gender age regular drug user<00:51:56.079><c> or</c><00:51:56.599><c> first</c><00:51:57.040>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of the low-enrollment programs actually don't require new faculty or facilities, thus lowering the
• I think the bottleneck sometimes is, again, getting the resources in place, getting a facility built
• Are you referring to, like, if the Industrial Commissioner or Ag Commissioner gave a grant?
• Chairman, in the past, you could have a base budget, but the academic enterprise isn't program-based, like ag
• and housing in there—and so removing that specific detail, and so we can use it on our multi-use facilities

Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um currently, crisis nurseries are required to be licensed as two separate facilities cuz they provide
• are required to be licensed as two are required to be licensed as two separate<00:03:52.120><c> facilities
• </c><00:03:52.600><c> cuz</c><00:03:52.760><c> they</c><00:03:52.880><c> provide</c> separate facilities
• cuz they provide separate facilities cuz they provide overnight<00:03:53.560><c> care</c><00:03:53.760
• They impact children in school-age care programs and in foster care, so that they're able to more easily

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the Health Finance and Policy bill, and first adopted the A8 amendment, described as a set of technical fixes. Members then considered a large A9 amendment that bundled a wide range of Children and Families provisions, including child care licensing modernization, crisis nursery licensing, SNAP/MFIT-related language, child care provider self-reporting, a physical abuse recognition poster, child protection and welfare provisions, funding for parent support outreach, and forensic interview training scholarships. Supporters described it as bipartisan work with relatively small fiscal impact, while opponents said it greatly expanded the bill and should be handled separately; after a roll call, the A9 amendment failed 7-14. Representative Scott then offered the A11 amendment, raising concerns about new all-payer claims database language and whether it should have been heard in the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee. Department of Health staff explained the data-sharing safeguards, de-identification process, fee structure, and enforcement provisions, but Scott remained concerned about privacy and the scope of the program and withdrew the amendment. The committee then moved to final bill discussion. Members and authors described HF 4466 as a lean health finance bill largely conforming Minnesota law to federal HR1 Medicaid-related changes, including work requirements, retroactive eligibility limits, cost-sharing, and home equity provisions. Supporters argued conformity was necessary to avoid major federal funding losses and noted a few additional member bills in the package; opponents criticized the federal changes as harmful, especially for vulnerable populations such as victims of trafficking and domestic violence. Fiscal staff said the bill would save just over $2 million in FY 2026-27 and almost $98 million in FY 2028-29. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Honorable Barbara Leff, former state legislator and community leader, passed away at the age of 78
• Compensation. 1650, Family Court. 1657, Family Court. 1658, Legal Decision. 1666, Judiciary. 1678, Health Facilities
• Protege. 1121, Radiation Protection System. 1136, Workers' Compensation. 1137, On-Ground Facility. 1146
• 1687, ESAs Return Money is Administrative Cost. 1688, Membership Association. 1785, Water Storage Facility
• We have a lot of tourism lodging facilities, and I think giving them the opportunity to enter into this

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a memorial adoption of HCR 2064 honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted and sent to the Senate. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Eladio Pereira, and numerous student and constituent guests in the gallery. After routine desk business and bill referrals, the House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of measures. Several bills were amended and advanced with do pass recommendations. HB 2170 was narrowed to restrict state purchases of certain electronic and information technology from China/Chinese-controlled entities and to address third-party resellers. HB 2375 dealt with middle housing in historic districts, with amendments limiting demolition of historic structures unless necessary for health and safety and preserving local discretion. HB 2380 focused on school district transparency and meeting location rules, requiring governing board materials online and keeping meetings within district boundaries, with debate over local control and comparisons to legislative caucus retreats. HB 2617, HB 2621, and HB 2671 also moved forward after amendments; HB 2621’s discussion centered on certificates of educational convenience and ensuring special education access for children in unorganized territory and DCS placements. The committee also advanced HB 2720 on anti-human trafficking and prostitution-related reforms, including sealed records for sex trafficking survivors and an anti-human trafficking grant fund; HB 2772, allowing a DNR designation on driver’s licenses, prompted extended questions about emergency care and liability; HB 2784, dealing with school district excess cash refunds, was amended to phase in implementation; HB 2902, affirming support for the Electoral College, drew the most ideological debate, with supporters citing constitutional structure and opponents arguing for a national popular vote; and HB 2950, concerning a tourism/hospitality district, saw a failed attempt to make participation voluntary. The House also considered HB 4025, a study bill on the feasibility of building an oil refinery in Arizona, which sparked extensive debate over fuel prices, refinery capacity, environmental impacts, and whether a study was necessary, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Honorable Barbara Leff, former state legislator and community leader, passed away at the age of 78
• compensation. 1650, family court. 1657, family court. 1658, legal decision. 1666, Judiciary. 1678, health facilities
• radiation; protege; 1121, radiation protection system; 1136, workers' compensation; 1137, on-ground facility
• 1687, ESAs return money is administrative cost; 1688, membership association; 1785, water storage facility
• We have a lot of tourism lodging facilities, and I think giving them the opportunity to enter into this

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel like that would mean that folks, regardless of age, race, sex, color, anything, don't have agency
• , like, as outlined in the bill, to voting and these type of things. mean that folks, regardless of age
• , mean that folks, regardless of age, race,<01:32:25.920><c> sex,</c><01:32:26.400><c> color,</c><01:
• </c><01:58:06.719><c> and</c><01:58:06.920><c> the</c> and capacity of the facility and the and capacity
• ,</c><01:58:14.040><c> alters</c> and operation of the facility, alters and operation of the facility

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and citizenship requirements, and there are work requirements and time limits for able-bodied adults ages
• 18 to 64 without dependents under the age of 14.
• We're focused on the licensing and the regulation of the provider facility in those hospitals.
• On-site monitoring means somebody from the board goes out and inspects the facility.
• Texans with disabilities... ...services and supports and home health to Texans with disabilities, aging

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to hear interim charges on higher education transparency and on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The chair emphasized accountability for taxpayer dollars and asked witnesses to address financial reporting, audit practices, and whether more frequent or comprehensive audits would improve oversight. Legislative Budget Board staff described how public university systems and most community colleges respond to requests about internal audit practices, noting that university systems generally follow a similar annual audit timeline and that community colleges use a more varied mix of internal and external audit arrangements. Members focused on gaps in reporting, especially Texas Southern University’s missing submissions for several years and Collin County Community College’s nonresponse to the LBB survey. The State Auditor’s Office then outlined its higher education audit work, including mandatory statewide single audits, DEI compliance audits, HUB and State Use Program audits, benefits proportional audits, and discretionary audits based on risk. The auditor said the office has released 43 higher-ed audit reports since fiscal year 2021 and has two audits in progress, and explained that internal audit reports from institutions help guide future audit selection. Senators pressed the office on the lack of enforcement authority, the value of internal auditors at each institution, and whether community colleges should have more standardized reporting and audit requirements. The auditor and general counsel said the SAO can refer suspected fraud to law enforcement but cannot itself enforce findings, while several senators suggested stronger clawback authority and more robust internal audit structures. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board explained that it collects annual financial reports, sources-and-uses data, and community college finance reports, and uses them for funding formulas and other reporting. It also trains governing board members and said it has limited regulatory authority, though community colleges must certify compliance annually and can lose eligibility for state funds if they do not. Members questioned the reliability of self-attested data, the adequacy of board training, and whether a single reporting structure would be more efficient. During public testimony, a ScholarShot representative argued for clearer, student-facing financial transparency so students can see total cost of attendance and the gap they must cover before enrolling.

Transcript Highlights:

• under strict internal advertising standards, along with robust consumer protections, including 21+ age
• We do believe that Minnesota sweepstakes law should be updated for the digital age to provide further
• been enough time for a nuanced discussion to address all these misconceptions. updated for the digital age
• to provide updated for the digital age to provide further<00:41:41.400><c> guardrails.
• </c> facilities, and other similar settings. facilities, and other similar settings.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Investing heavily in equipment introduces the risk that much of it could age in storage, depreciate in
• </c> introduces the risk that much of it introduces the risk that much of it could<00:09:47.920><c> age
• in</c><00:09:48.399><c> storage,</c><00:09:48.959><c> depreciate</c><00:09:49.519><c> in</c> could age
• So the Department of Facilities and Support Services includes real properties, which is helping with
• </c> so the de the department of facilities so the de the department of facilities and<01:25:21.679><

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Staff Report on Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System- 00:01:09 Kentucky State Police and Finance and Administration Cabinet Response to Staff Report- 00:48:37 Adjournment-01:34:512, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025. The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements. Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.

Transcript Highlights:

• :15:05.880><c> hting</c><01:15:06.120><c> that</c><01:15:06.280><c> retirement</c><01:15:06.679><c> age
• </c><01:15:07.159><c> so</c><01:15:07.400><c> the</c> are hting that retirement age so the are hting
• that retirement age so the demand<01:15:08.000><c> is</c><01:15:08.120><c> only</c><01:15:08.320><c>
• From 2000 to 2030, our population age 65 and older will double.
• </c><01:30:47.560><c> this</c> about 73% in a subsidized facility this about 73% in a subsidized facility

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, is the Executive Office of Aging here on Zoom? >> Yes. >> Aloha, Chair, can you hear me?
• Uh, and we have an aging population.
• </c> Uh, and we have an aging population. Uh, and we have an aging population.
• We have the Executive Office on Aging. Good morning, Chair, Vice Chair. Okay.
• </c> testimony and support from Leading Age testimony and support from Leading Age Pacific<00:22:54.559

Bills: HB2488 , HB2456

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have four beautiful children ages 4 to 17 in public schools.
• Age of Education in Texas as we boldly step through this door.
• My name is Ray Pionzik, and I represent over 2,600 ag teachers in Texas.
• We need to fund our schools that serve over 90% of our school-aged children.
• And I would love to come and see the facility.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits. The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation. Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we've put on like holding facilities we've put on like holding facilities where<02:56:32.479><c>
• </c> horses in the maintenance facilities horses in the maintenance facilities which<02:57:27.279><c>
• ><02:57:35.840><c> mantels,</c> maintenance facility, so like mantels, maintenance facility, so like
• in the maintenance facilities.
• </c><02:58:55.120><c> Rock</c> preparation facilities so like Rock preparation facilities so like Rock

Committee: Joint Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> long-term</c> tax base, enrollment trends, long-term tax base, enrollment trends, long-term facility
• ><c> needs,</c><00:04:52.640><c> and</c><00:04:52.840><c> existing</c><00:04:53.280><c> debt</c> facility
• needs, and existing debt facility needs, and existing debt schedules.<00:04:54.080><c> In</c><00:04:
• Melcher at MDE, who then got an AG opinion that, in fact, the language couldn’t be used because of the
• Melcher at MDE, who then got an AG opinion that, in fact, the language couldn’t be used because of the

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the country, AG offices house what are called Medicaid fraud control units.
• Across the country, AG offices house what are called Medicaid fraud control units.
• Since I was sworn into as<00:37:33.760><c> AG</c><00:37:34.240><c> of</c><00:37:34.560><c> the</c><00
• of the state of Minnesota, uh as AG of the state of Minnesota, uh we've<00:37:36.400><c> won</c><00:
• AG Ellison. Yeah. Um, you know, [laughter] I came here to talk about Medicaid fraud.

Bills: HF3423 , HF2354 , HF3634

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, provider enrollment, medical assistance, legislation, state funds, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, service verification, Medicaid, human services, electronic documentation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• age of five. five. five.
• ,</c> uh former foster care children, uh aged, uh former foster care children, uh aged, blind,<01:12:
• And then our aged, blind, disabled population: 58,000.
• What will um happen in another year is anyone aged 19 to 64.
• There are some exemptions aged 19 to 64.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Human Services held an informational briefing on the impacts of federal funding cuts, inflation, labor shortages, and chronic underfunding on Hawaii’s nonprofit social safety net. Hawaii Community Foundation opened with a story about a federal worker family relying on food pantry support, then described a “perfect storm” facing human services nonprofits: historically high demand, rising costs, staffing challenges, federal cuts, and state and county contracts that do not cover true service costs. The foundation said it has reactivated its Hawaii Resilience Fund, launched strengthened service grants, and is tracking policy changes and data to help nonprofits respond. Trey Gordner of UHERO presented research on the vulnerability of Hawaii’s nonprofit sector, explaining a framework that assessed political, financial, and structural risk. He said about 8,200 501(c)(3) nonprofits are active in Hawaii, but only about 200 receive direct federal funds; 74 grants to 59 organizations were flagged as politically at risk, totaling about $126 million in unpaid obligations. He said about 68 of the direct-funding recipients rely on federal funds for more than 20% of annual revenue, and that human services nonprofits are among the most exposed subsectors because they serve vulnerable populations and depend heavily on federal support. Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Hawaii True Cost Coalition said community-based organizations were already under strain before the current crisis, with most contracts not covering full costs and many groups depending on private philanthropy to fill gaps. They reported that half of surveyed organizations expect to reduce programs, more than a third may decline future contracts, and some are waiting months for reimbursements. Examples included reduced shelter admissions, fewer case management hours, and cutbacks in kūpuna services. The coalition urged higher contract rates, regular inflation and cost-of-living reviews, and timely reimbursement; no votes or formal actions were taken. Partners in Development Foundation described the loss of Native Hawaiian education funding as especially damaging, saying the federal Department of Education has zeroed out support that creates a roughly $46 million gap, including about $20 million for early childhood programs. The speaker shared a family story from the Nā Pono program to illustrate how early learning services support both children and parents, and warned that the organization’s federal funds make up 72% of its budget. The briefing ended with a call for continued emergency funding and longer-term structural changes to sustain nonprofits statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 110 miles of roads and 1.2 million square feet of rentable facilities that we clean.
• It's part of our Lieutenant Governor's plan to target people at a younger age to try to change generational
• And I had people from the general public that were lifelong learners and weren't quite student aged that

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.