Transcript Highlights:

• Our Reed office research economic analysis division is Dr. Tian, who you heard from this past week.
• Al our Reed office research economic Al our Reed office research economic analysis<04:43:00.680><c> division
• Business Innovation Research Grants, manufacturing assistance programs to drive innovation and export
• through our research economic analysis Division<04:57:07.440><c> and</c><04:57:07.558><c> through</c
• </c><05:22:56.600><c> or</c><05:22:56.798><c> record</c><05:22:57.440><c> they're</c> their research

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding. Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support. A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Confirmation Number 76 appointing George Pierce to the Alabama Ethics Commission is referred to

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, then established a quorum with 27 senators present. The body excused absent senators, approved the previous day’s journal, and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate also welcomed guests in the gallery, including Auburn University McCarter School of Building Science students and retired MPD Sergeant Martin Bean. The chamber received multiple House messages and gubernatorial confirmations, referring several local bills and appointments to the appropriate committees. Committee reports included favorable action on Senate Bills 298 and 91 from County and Municipal Government, and House Bills 297, 365, and 436 from Local Legislation. The Senate adopted several resolutions, including recognitions for Tharptown Baptist Church, Tuskegee University Day, Dr. Bradley Heim, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School volleyball, and a special order calendar resolution setting priority bills for the 15th legislative day. On local bills, the Senate advanced and gave final passage to a series of county and municipal measures, including SB 301 (Perry County), SB 314 (Morgan County), SB 295 (Montgomery County), SB 312 (Marshall County), HB 371 (Pike County constitutional amendment), HB 386 (Elmore County), HB 330 (Etowah County), HB 409 (City of Alabaster), HB 408 (Shelby County), SB 299 (Barbour County), HB 416 (Cleburne County), and HB 421 (Lawrence County constitutional amendment). HB 337 on Madison County was carried over. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Alabama’s record-breaking economic development year, citing major investments and job creation, and heard a lengthy Black History recognition segment on W.E.B. Du Bois, Patricia Roberts Harris, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou. The main policy discussion centered on Senate Bill 240 regarding parole hearings, with the sponsor explaining it would allow the Pardons and Parole Board to hear from inmates and victims by phone or video to reduce travel burdens and improve access. The sponsor said an amendment was being worked on and moved to carry the bill over to the call of the chair, while another senator raised questions about whether inmates currently have an in-person opportunity to speak and whether board members would be able to question participants remotely.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes ethical and honest use of resources.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did do some research. I am aware that... ...workers are doing this. We did do some research.
• Defenders Union, Local 148, in support of the request submitted by Senator Wiener to continue the research
• Legislature reauthorize $945,000 in one-time funding for the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code's research
• regarding Senator Wiener's complementary budget request to reauthorize one-time funding for CRPC's research
• to fund trauma recovery centers at $34 million over the next two years, and also to restore the research

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we started researching this.
• Human development is part of my research background.
• Human development is part of my research background.
• So I urge you to do some research before you move on this, and do consider the impact that it has on
• So I urge you to do some research before you move on this, and do consider the impact that it has on

Bills: HB624 , HB1022 , HB1203 , SB82 , SB206 , SB305 , SB376 , SB441

Committee: House Education

Keywords: school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we know maybe LAO—I'm not sure if you know, or maybe in your research there, Dr.
• L.A.O., I'm not sure if you know, or maybe in your research there, Dr., the percentage of people losing
• So it's a little difficult to say that based on kind of research that's been done in other states where
• I researched it.
• Of course, we continue to do more recent... ...research and refine our estimates.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their deadline is to submit amendment requests to the Office of Program Research by Saturday at 10 a.m
• Almost all contracts that manufacturers have in place, as shown by research, exclude what are called
• In 2020, the CBO, the National Library of Medicine, the Berkeley Research Group, and about a half dozen
• Independent research shows the 340B program is now adding billions in costs to employer health plans
• As I was researching for this bill, I looked at California.

Bills: SB5420 , SB5877 , SB5868 , SB5109 , SB5832 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5988 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• in</c><00:21:15.760><c> the</c> back and put some caveats in the back and put some caveats in the research
• 21:17.520><c> But</c><00:21:17.760><c> but</c><00:21:18.000><c> since</c><00:21:18.320><c> we</c> research
• But but since we research that we do.
• </c><00:37:42.560><c> and</c> between the research and between the research and developmentbased<00:37
• Remember, it's a CMMI demonstration project, so there will be research being run alongside access to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on February 23, 2026, approved the January 12 minutes, and then focused primarily on Kentucky Medicaid’s coverage and potential expansion of GLP-1 drugs, especially for weight loss. Department for Medicaid Services Commissioner Lisa Lee explained that Medicaid currently does not cover drugs for weight loss, anorexia, or weight gain, but the department had filed a regulation to remove that blanket exclusion so GLP-1s could be covered when used for an underlying health condition. She said the administrative regulation review subcommittee found the regulation deficient, and the co-chairs wanted the board to discuss the policy and financing implications before any change. DMS also said it would be open to adding caveats to ensure coverage would not extend to cosmetic weight loss alone. The department provided several data points on current utilization and spending. In 2025, Kentucky Medicaid paid for appetite-stimulating drugs such as Megestrol, Dronabinol, and Marinol, but did not pay for weight-loss drugs. For GLP-1s, DMS said coverage began in 2025 and is limited to FDA-approved medical conditions, with prior authorization requiring a type 2 diabetes diagnosis code and A1C documentation. DMS reported $234.6 million in GLP-1 spending in 2025 before rebates, about 240,931 prescriptions, and said GLP-1s accounted for 7.3% of pharmacy spend in 2024 and 8.3% in 2025. It also said there were 24,844 expansion members and 13,638 non-expansion members using GLP-1s, with spending of about $156 million and $78.5 million respectively, and that 10 pediatric weight-loss prescriptions were covered under EPSDT. The department said outcome analyses, including whether GLP-1 use reduces insulin or other diabetes treatment, are underway and should be completed in a couple of months. Members asked about cost, rebates, and whether the state should wait for more outcomes data before expanding coverage. DMS said average reimbursement to pharmacies was $975 per prescription and the average dispensing fee was $109; it also said 2025 rebate invoices totaled $90.8 million, with $7.6 million collected so far. Several members expressed concern about the high cost and the need to evaluate whether the drugs improve health outcomes before expanding access, while others noted the potential benefits for obesity and diabetes treatment. Some members also discussed whether GLP-1s are effectively being used for weight loss in diabetic patients and whether broader data collection should be used to assess long-term value. After the Medicaid discussion, Eli Lilly executive Tracy Sims presented on obesity as a chronic disease and the economic burden it creates in Kentucky. She said Kentucky’s adult obesity rate is a little over 37%, that obesity is linked to about 200 diseases, and that untreated obesity costs the state billions in GDP and hundreds of millions in state budget impact. She highlighted recent federal access programs for GLP-1s, including a Medicaid-related program that she said could lower the state share of a Zepbound prescription to about $71 per month after federal matching. No votes were taken on the GLP-1 policy question during the meeting, and the main action was the receipt of testimony and discussion of the department’s proposed regulatory change.

Transcript Highlights:

• want to say, if I may, other than I do want to say, if I may, that that that my<00:37:28.480><c> research
• </c><00:37:29.200><c> does</c><00:37:29.520><c> not</c><00:37:29.760><c> reveal</c> my research does
• not reveal my research does not reveal almost<00:37:32.640><c> any</c><00:37:33.200><c> voter</c><00:
• Even at the federal level, some of the most recent studies, Pew Research, 83% on average want ID voting
• ,</c> Pew Research, Pew Research, 83%<00:47:39.359><c> on</c><00:47:39.760><c> average</c> 83% on average

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• different school district, um, really the only way to penalize anybody from what we have been able to research
• different school district, um, really the only way to penalize anybody from what we have been able to research
• I'm told Miss Robertson has researched some of that.
• I'm told Miss Robertson has researched some of that.
• I'm told Miss Robertson<01:03:33.039><c> has</c><01:03:33.760><c> um</c><01:03:34.160><c> researched<

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 5:15 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research has shown that automated speed enforcement is effective at reducing speeds in construction zones
• On their advocacy, their research, the peer support.
• Unless they have been linked by scientific research to cancer or any other serious disease, there are
• It is actually a researched base.
• But to say that this is not a good strategy is against all available research that is available.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we did research on American Martin. Um, that was funded through all non-game donations.
• Um, we weren't able to utilize any PR dollars on that research."
• is facing some challenges through winter ticks, but um we've been able to do a lot of really good research
• ><00:55:54.240><c> of</c><00:55:54.319><c> really</c><00:55:54.559><c> good</c><00:55:54.799><c> research
• </c> able to do a lot of really good research able to do a lot of really good research um<00:55:55.760

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with students primarily 6th through 9th grade because research shows that that's the most critical
• ><c> because</c> primarily 6th through 9th grade because primarily 6th through 9th grade because research
• And if you look at the research that was done at the Institute on Community Integration, what we know
• You know, the big dog don't usually come and research for diversity.
• </c><01:15:35.920><c> for</c> don't usually come and research for don't usually come and research for

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committee a general sense of how Fitch does its work and ultimately gets to the ratings and the research
• :13:04.959><c> and</c> rating is we publish that rating and rating is we publish that rating and research
• 05.600><c> that</c><00:13:05.760><c> helps</c><00:13:06.079><c> explain</c><00:13:06.519><c> our</c> research
• that helps explain our research that helps explain our reasoning<00:13:07.600><c> and</c><00:13:07.720
• </c><00:13:27.199><c> that</c> updated rating and any research that updated rating and any research that

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Empirical research is very clear that the death penalty does not deter crime.
• <c> with</c><01:13:24.960><c> capital</c> Research shows in states with capital Research shows in states
• ><c> to</c><01:14:00.880><c> make</c> Research on Louisiana's move to make Research on Louisiana's move
• I will provide that research to the committee. The system did not become more effective.
• </c><01:34:26.480><c> was</c> thing I was asked to re research was thing I was asked to re research was

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:06.560><c> Foundational</c><00:10:07.200><c> skill</c> and current research.
• Foundational skill and current research.
• and come up and got with the researchers and come up with<00:32:00.640><c> evidence-based</c><00:32:
• And we do this—we have a research institute that is the underlying focus of much of the work that we
• </c> and we do this we have a research and we do this we have a research institute<00:43:04.480><c> that

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:13 Approval of Minutes - 4:07 Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing - 5:18 Math Improvement Committee Report - 21:02 ETS Praxis Exam - 41:47 KDE Performance Review Data - 1:15:04 Adjournment - 1:57:54, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from KDE on the revised Kentucky academic standards for reading and writing. KDE explained the statutory six-year review process, the public comment periods, and the main revisions, including updates tied to the science of reading, decodable text, encoding/decoding, and an updated vision statement. KDE said 308 responses were received on the initial public comment, most respondents favored keeping standards as-is, and about 12% of standards were revised. The department also said the document was streamlined by removing repeated graphics and reducing its size by about 24%, and that a later comment period drew more than 400 responses. No new standards were flagged for review. Members asked about alignment between standards, curriculum, assessments, and NAEP, and KDE said instructional resources should be aligned to standards, KSA assessments are aligned to the standards, and screeners/diagnostics help identify student needs. Representative Truett raised the idea of a textbook-to-standards crosswalk, and KDE said publishers and a future repository partner should provide such crosswalks for local districts. Representative Bojanowski asked why foundational reading skills are not directly assessed on the third-grade KSA; KDE responded that the assessment is designed to measure end-of-grade expectations, while screening and diagnostics are used earlier to identify decoding needs. Representative Gel asked about early childhood supports, and KDE said it is working with early learning and special education offices and promoting LETRS professional learning for both teachers and preschool educators. The committee then received the mathematics improvement committee report. KDE said the mathematics committee unanimously approved a new strategic plan for improving math achievement from pre-K through grade 20 and adult education. The plan centers on six priorities: student empowerment, effective mathematics teaching and learning, continuous educator development and growth, a continuum of learning, community and family partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention. KDE said the plan is intended as a living document with goals, recommended actions, and evidence bases, and that it aligns with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act by supporting high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, and family resources. In response to Senator Thomas, KDE explained that the professional learning recommendation means districts should tailor teacher training to classroom needs and instructional materials so math teachers are better equipped to implement standards and support students.

Transcript Highlights:

• gathering some information and selecting alternative funding mechanisms to evaluate through national research
• gathering some information and selecting alternative funding mechanisms to evaluate through national research
• We both learned from what works already in Washington and supplemented this with some research.
• We both learned from what works already in Washington and supplemented this with some research into other

Committees: Joint Transportation , Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, research suggests that voting while incarcerated reduces recidivism and can help increase essential
• But research also indicates that an increase in civic engagement opportunities, including voting, reduces
• What we found was in our research that only Maine, Vermont, and D.C. actually allowed their inmates to
• It also forced them to go research and study different positions.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work. A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later. Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided. The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was involved with the research and technology park at NDSU and have participation here.
• And so I did a little research trying to find where we were at at that point in time.
• Regarding the quality, I think there's research in place on both, that both are beneficial for students
• Research supports both, and DPI supports opportunities for kids. Thank you. Member Hall of us.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was involved with the research and technology park at NDSU and have participation here.
• And so I did a little research trying to find where we were at at that point in time.
• Regarding the quality, I think there's research in place on both, that both are beneficial for students
• Research supports both, and DPI supports opportunities for kids. Thank you. Member Hall of us.

Summary: The committee reconvened at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Dr. Flanagan and college leaders about NDSCS’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce training, and facilities needs. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, growing enrollment, and new or expanding programs in aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker training, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with industry, including John Deere, Fargo Jet Center, Sanford, and Comdel Innovation, and said NDSCS plans to seek approval next session for a revenue bond to build a new dorm and to remodel the library into academic and allied health space. Allied health dean Deb Smith testified that her division is at capacity and needs a simulation center, more lab and classroom space, and expanded dental and OTA facilities to meet demand and accreditation needs. Committee members questioned Flanagan and staff about workforce shortages, especially faculty pay, and whether the college can staff additional growth. Flanagan said the biggest challenge is recruiting instructors because industry pays more, but noted some health care and adjunct hiring is possible because of schedule flexibility and benefits. He also discussed shifting resources away from lower-demand programs like power sports toward higher-demand areas such as automotive and aviation maintenance. Members also asked about the college’s identity as a technical institution, with Flanagan arguing North Dakota would benefit from a more defined tech-school system. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs across subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, noting that dual credit and early entry account for about 5.9% of total credit hours and 2.7% of formula funding. The analysis showed subsidized dual credit tuition revenue of about $5.5 million and unsubsidized revenue of about $2.9 million, with some institutions showing margins and others losses depending on the model. Members discussed whether K-12 funding should also be reflected, how payments to high schools and teachers are structured, and whether tuition-free dual credit would require replacing both tuition revenue and the current dual credit scholarship. No votes were taken; the committee simply received the presentations and discussed the findings.