Video & Transcript : 'communication technology' :
Page 461 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 01/05/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That technology is not available currently. how um so I I like that what I what I how um so I I like
- current so I I worked with technology current so I I worked with some<00:23:58.240><c> of</c><00:23:
- So it's... the technology is available for a low-voltage charger to monitor.
- So that's what I was going to say is the technology for us to do without an extra meter.
- </c><00:24:35.279><c> for</c> was going to say is the technology for was going to say is the technology
Summary:
The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies.
Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment.
Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> targeted projects and Community targeted projects and Community Investments<00:05:04.280><c> this
- And then finally, we have our community investment projects.
- And then finally, we have our community investment projects.
- And then finally, we have our community investment projects.
- <00:10:23.720><c> across</c> communities across communities across Minnesota<00:10:25.640><c> and</c>
Committee:
House Capital Investment
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- communities?
- communities?
- But when you go out into the community, it's a different story.
- Chair, in particular to our Native American communities.
- We are a science and technology state. So this is absolutely necessary.
Committee:
House House Education
Keywords:
foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would strengthen reading instruction and educator preparation around the science of reading. The sponsor and supporters said the bill requires evidence-based, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction, including support for English learners and students in bilingual and dual-language programs, use of approved high-quality instructional materials for K-3 reading and interventions, a K-3 reading assessment, literacy coaches, and parent progress reports. An amendment package was adopted to clarify biliteracy language, broaden references to bilingual/dual-language and Indigenous language settings, remove awkward phrasing, and adjust reporting requirements from monthly to four times per school year. The committee then moved forward with the amended bill.
Public testimony was largely supportive. Students, educators, school leaders, advocacy groups, and tribal representatives said structured literacy has improved reading outcomes and can help struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners. Several speakers emphasized that the amended bill better protects bilingual, dual-language, and Native language programs, and some noted the importance of parent communication and early intervention. Supporters also cited recent literacy gains in New Mexico and said the bill aligns teacher preparation, materials, assessment, and coaching.
Opposition focused mainly on concerns that the bill could still privilege English over Indigenous languages, that high-quality materials requirements may be too restrictive or costly for districts, and that testing and reporting could add workload. Tribal speakers from Acoma and Taos said they could not support the bill without further changes to explicitly protect Native language revitalization. Other opponents raised concerns about funding for materials and coaches, the burden on teachers, and whether the assessment and HQIM requirements would be flexible enough for local needs. In committee discussion, the sponsor and PED said existing funds and staff could support implementation, that the assessment would be formative and teacher-focused, and that the bill was intended to complement, not replace, Native and bilingual education programs.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Then for state road construction—or, sorry, state radio communications—you can see the operating adjustment
- , you can see the communications, you can see the operating<00:08:45.360><c> adjustment</c><00:08:45.680
- Then on page 44, section three establishes the codification of the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities
- That includes an earlier of January 1, 2028, or when the information technology system can be implemented
- The implementation requirements include an earlier of January 1, 2028, or when the information technology
Bills:
HF2438
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- construction and from the placement of those systems in the community.
- And slowly over time, the tax burden on that shifts to those communities.
- It is good for our rural communities and would recommend a yes vote today. Thank you.
- their communities.
- Please vote yes in helping keep our community safe.
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, offered the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then recessed briefly for caucus. The chamber received several Senate messages, including concurrence on amendments and the signing of Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, before moving into third reading and final passage of multiple bills. Most of the floor debate centered on concurrence with Senate amendments and the policy effects of those changes.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1170 passed 55-38 and was described as reorganizing and clarifying how Climate Commitment Act auction revenues are distributed among state accounts; supporters said it would create a clearer budget process, while opponents objected to shifting funds away from transportation and capital uses and reducing tax relief. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2251 passed 54-40 after debate over Climate Commitment Act account structure and operating-account allocations. Engrossed House Bill 2445 passed 66-29 on probate-related changes, with supporters citing clarifications and opponents saying it did not go far enough to limit outside involvement in probate matters.
The House also passed Substitute House Bill 2334 80-15, with little debate after Senate “perfecting” changes. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 passed 86-9; supporters said it would replace an inconsistent property tax on wind, solar, and battery storage facilities with a stable excise tax to benefit rural communities, counties, and labor, while opponents focused on tax impacts and local burdens. Additional bills passed included Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1500 on HOA resale certificates (61-34), Second Substitute House Bill 1909 creating a Court Unification Task Force (57-38), Engrossed House Bill 2156 expanding Attorney General investigative authority over economic and financial crimes (54-41 on reconsideration), Substitute House Bill 2539 on inmate funds and related deductions (57-38), Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548 on health care facility mergers and market oversight (55-41), Engrossed House Bill 2588 on local control for the Lummi ferry system (56-40), and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on gun violence prevention and 3D-printed firearms (58-38). The House also agreed not to concur in Senate amendments to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1408 and retransmitted it to the Senate.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are a conglomerate, usually, of business owners within a community.
- Representative Monks: A conglomerate, usually, of business owners within a community who get together
- So many of us never see the use of the funds that are promoting our own local neighborhood or community
- They don't put them in your community if that organization is in your community.
- It does a lot of things in our communities.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits Jul 16th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- They talked about how they are already working with local communities, FSEC, or, you know, siting and
- Threat, not just to our homes and our communities, but to the critical infrastructure that ties our state
- I can report as of 11:30 today, we have six active large wildfires, many of these impacting communities
- We work with all energy sector providers, tribes, and local communities to provide planning support and
- As we move forward, we remain committed to collaborating across agencies and with communities to increase
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee I-900 Subcommittee heard JLARC’s annual update on the status of legislative implementation of State Auditor recommendations, followed by two State Auditor performance audits. JLARC staff reported that for the 2024 review period there were three new legislative recommendations and three unresolved older recommendations. They said the legislature did not convene a work group on civil asset forfeiture, and no formal action was taken on two water-use-efficiency recommendations. Two recommendations related to concurrent Medicaid enrollments were addressed in a bill introduced this session, but that bill was not adopted.
The first audit examined how Washington can ensure climate-resilient electricity infrastructure. The State Auditor found the state has opportunities to better adapt new energy infrastructure by using more site-specific climate information, broader collaboration, and vulnerability assessments. The report recommended expanding climate analyses through the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group if funding is available, using forecasted information in DNR wildfire maps, designating a non-regulatory office to coordinate siting and conflict resolution, and expanding vulnerability assessments in Ecology and Commerce processes. Agency witnesses generally agreed resilience is important but emphasized existing efforts, the need to avoid duplicative requirements, the importance of affordability and efficiency, and the role of current forums such as the Clean Energy Siting Council and SEPA processes.
The second audit reviewed fines for human trafficking and related sexual exploitation crimes. Auditors found courts assessed fines inconsistently, collection rates varied, some revenues were sent to the wrong local government, and some jurisdictions did not use the money as required for enforcement, prevention, or survivor services. The audit recommended courts work with prosecutors to improve awareness of mandatory fines, and that King and Pierce County improve coding, templates, and tracking so revenues are routed and used correctly. King County testified that it appreciated the audit and described its existing prevention and survivor-support work. The committee took no votes or formal actions and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.
US
Transcript Highlights:
- It's clear that Brent's strong roots have shaped his dedication to public service and to his community
- Would you agree that these backdoor searches of incidentally collected communications involving American
- Okay, something absolutely urgent happens and needs to go right now and your normal communication systems
- So you don't have any idea what the view of the intelligence community is about the... use of commercial
- And now the intelligence community, who for some reason resisted that conclusion for such a long time
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, with real-time digital technology and computer information, law enforcement runs a plate every
- We have modern technology and real-time technology that all law enforcement has at their fingertips that
Summary:
The Senate convened with all 35 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, received committee reports, and heard several introductions and page swearing-in ceremonies. Messages from the Governor and House were read, and multiple bills were advanced through first and second reading, including measures on education civics instruction, irrigation districts, state symbols, county jail prisoner costs, foreign laws, police dogs, hospital districts, driver training, agriculture license plates, and forest products commission procedures.
On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1254, which amends the Chiropractic Practice Act to clarify that certain certified chiropractors may prescribe limited products such as vitamins, minerals, fluids, and epinephrine for administration in their offices. The Senate also passed House Bill 533, removing the vehicle registration sticker requirement; supporters cited cost savings and modern plate-check technology, while opponents raised law-enforcement concerns. Senate Bill 1258 also passed after debate over a new distillery license for qualifying agricultural producers, with supporters framing it as a rural business and agritourism measure and critics warning about liquor-law carve-outs.
The Senate further passed House Bill 502, which moves Idaho Forest Products Commission rules and related provisions into statute, and House Bill 555, a rewrite of solid waste facility law shifting more regulatory authority to the Department of Environmental Quality and updating landfill oversight. Votes on these bills were largely bipartisan, with HB 502 passing unanimously and the others passing by comfortable margins. The chamber then moved to miscellaneous business, announced a deadline for amendments, and adjourned until the next day.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> other personal electronic communication other personal electronic communication devices<00:43:18.319
- </c><05:41:13.680><c> are</c> would have to be um communities are would have to be um communities are
- </c><05:50:27.760><c> St</c> the local um local community St the local um local community St Community
- </c><05:50:42.160><c> standards</c> standards because Community standards standards because Community
- I think it's about communication.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment.
The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote.
House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Throughout 2026, communities across Wyoming will celebrate America's 250th anniversary and our proud
- citizen-led government.<00:08:01.759><c> Throughout</c><00:08:02.160><c> 2026,</c><00:08:03.120><c> communities
- Throughout 2026, communities government.
- Throughout 2026, communities across<00:08:04.000><c> Wyoming</c><00:08:04.479><c> will</c><00:08:04.720
- Your Select Committee on Legislative Facilities, Technology, and Technology will be meeting tomorrow
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, why don't we recess for five minutes while we get the technology side of things working better
- required, and ensure overall that students are graduating prepared for society, college, career, and communities
- 2003, as well as the competencies identified in 1997, which include computer science and other technologies
- the rules identify what this review must entail, which includes review and input from Arkansas communities
- A half credit would be a semester course, and so while oral communication is required under English language
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , and also a community that borders Mayo Clinic.
- And also a community that borders Mayo Clinic.
- We invite each of you to visit our communities in the state of Florida.
- Hank Heath, CEO of Westminster Communities.
- I am the Chief Executive Officer for Westminster Communities of Florida.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony.
The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably.
Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thriving arts community here in our state's capital.
- September 8th, 1965 in Delano, at the Filipino Community Hall, the place where the community would come
- Will even anyone in our own community back us up in this strike effort?
- And many communities came together, the Mexican American and Filipino American communities in particular
- , but many communities came together for the first time in our history.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026.
On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0.
The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause.
Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 15, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- That is way outpacing inflation and population growth in the community.
- Property taxes that help provide services for the whole of the community.
- all, and also that Jesus calls us to care for the least of these in our community.
- for how to meet the needs of people who desperately need them in our community.
- A growing need in many communities is resilience, disaster preparedness and recovery.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Its expertise ensures that the study will be... farming communities.
- So please, many communities in Florida, big communities, have recently decided to keep fluoride when
- It does not speak to the issue of everybody in the community.
- And many of them have said that community water...
- We have examples of other communities that have removed fluoride.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week.
The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups.
The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <05:01:08.440><c> center</c><05:01:09.440><c> or</c> community center or community center or some<05:
- </c> Kingston where a um Great Bay Community Kingston where a um Great Bay Community like<05:03:50.080
- </c> Local District and her in her community Local District and her in her community and<05:06:36.878
- </c><05:11:04.040><c> to</c> bill is about allowing the community to bill is about allowing the community
- </c> control and doesn't give communities control and doesn't give communities options<05:11:46.558><
Summary:
The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays.
The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0.
House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0.
The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- predominantly we're looking at general government agencies, but we do also bargain with most of the two-year community
- They represent, in each of those, about 12 to 13 different community colleges.
- So this is at our four-year institutions and some of our community colleges, but you'll hear more about
- We're looking for reasonable ways to use tools to advance technology, that's mobile work and AI as well
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment.
Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1.
The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- broad enough, in my opinion, that allows for future advancements without tying them to a particular technology
- This is a community infrastructure district bill, or CID, as we refer to it.
- This is a community infrastructure district bill or CID, we refer to it as.
- Senator Adams commented that Grace had grown in confidence since the first day and that the way she communicated
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 897, which revises Idaho’s data center sales tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill adds new eligibility criteria tied to electricity service agreements that fully recapture costs and to efficient water use, narrows the exemption so it applies only to internal server equipment rather than construction materials, limits the exemption to 20 years instead of indefinitely, and requires annual Tax Commission reporting on foregone revenue. He also noted the bill’s property tax provisions may need more work because they could affect existing entities not involved in drafting, and he asked that the bill be sent to the 14th order for possible amendment. The committee agreed and adopted that motion.
The committee then heard House Bill 926, which expands the community infrastructure district tool so counties can create CIDs outside a city’s comprehensive plan. The sponsor said the goal is to ensure infrastructure is built before growth and that new development pays its own costs rather than shifting them to existing property owners. A representative from Tamarack Resort testified in support, explaining that the change would allow a large development outside city planning areas to finance roads, utilities, and other off-site improvements through district bonds and special assessments. After questions about how CID financing works and how obligations are allocated over time, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 934, a technical cleanup bill for last year’s education tax credit law. The sponsor explained that the changes clarify student age eligibility, define tutoring as academic instruction, allow curriculum from multiple vendors, prevent families from combining the advance payment with a prior-year look-back credit, and clarify that students participating only in non-credit extracurricular activities such as sports are not considered enrolled for purposes of the credit. Members asked about impacts on public schools and extracurricular fees, and the sponsor said sports fees are not reimbursable under the credit and that the bill is intended to avoid double payment. The committee then voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Afterward, the committee approved several sets of minutes and thanked its page, Grace Louder, for her service.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Eighteen - Tuesday, February 10 -Afternoon Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- regular safety inspections, which were enacted over 75 years ago, when vehicle safety standards and technologies
- daughter, you might suspect that he's a wonderful person, a great father, a tremendous citizen in the community
- Most of them don't want to do it, and a lot of them aren't doing it, especially in our rural communities
- Communities, you know, I've got counties that only have one place in the whole county that will do it