Video & Transcript Research : 'advanced reactors'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee On Alternative Protein Innovation Jun 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The state has made great strides in advancing this innovation.
- Across all agricultural sectors, technological advancements in food production and improvements to supply
- Beyond Four represents a significant advancement across a continuum from relative to absolute health
- We've heard about the tremendous advances happening at companies in the space.
- Now, I wanted to give you a flavor of just one research advance, which focuses on the example of how
Summary:
The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state.
The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify.
The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry.
The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, there are zero advanced wafers in the U.S., and all other.
- Again, we're talking zero advanced.
- This is the most advanced wafers that we are manufacturing.
- On November 21, Texas Instruments announced the new Sherman plant for advanced wafer processing.
- I think about two years ago, I remember reading up on this and it's definitely advancing.
Keywords:
rock crushing, permits, air quality, environmental monitoring, aggregate production, seismicity, public meeting, land use, SB 1758, cement kiln, portland cement, aggregate production operation, aggregate quarry, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, chip fabrication, semiconductor plant, vibration, seismic disturbance, liability limitation, TCEQ
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hied Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Our ALS team is applying technology developed at the university to advance ALS research in the brain,
- The UMN-Mayo partnership has a long-standing history of success in advancing research together.
- Applied doctorate focuses on solving real-world problems with advanced in the field of practice, not
- Applied doctorates are critically important for professionals looking to advance their leadership in
- share insights on Minnesota's plant protein industry, answer any questions, and encourage you to advance
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I stand by the testimony that was submitted and urge all to look favorably upon advancing John Komeiji
- I stand by the testimony that was submitted and urge all to look favorably upon advancing John Komeiji
- <00:01:33.680>
John <00:01:33.960>Komeiji advancing John Komeiji advancing John Komeiji - Uh, we're doing what we can to advance that as fast as we can.
- And I would make two points to all of you. we can to advance that as fast as we we can to advance that
Summary:
The Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts held a confirmation hearing on GM 742 for John Komeiji, the gubernatorial nominee to serve as chairperson of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority through 6/30/2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. The executive director of the authority, representatives of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation and the Mauna Kea observatories, and authority member Noenoe Wong-Wilson all praised Komeiji’s leadership, describing him as fair, transparent, steady, and effective at building trust and relationships among stakeholders. Chris Matsuda also supported the nomination, citing Komeiji’s presence at community workshops, his neutral facilitation of public discussion, and his careful handling of the authority’s work on observatory leases and the comprehensive EIS.
In his remarks, Komeiji described the authority’s work as implementing Act 255 by building a new state agency, developing a master plan, drafting rules and regulations, and beginning the process for a comprehensive environmental impact statement related to observatory leases. He said the authority is trying to balance community voice, cultural and spiritual concerns, and the state’s policy supporting astronomy. He also discussed staffing and recruitment challenges, saying the authority is repurposing positions, using special project positions, and looking for creative ways to recruit qualified staff despite the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea. He noted that the authority is working through asset transfers from UH, managing operational needs, and addressing a projected $4 million federal funding gap affecting CMS.
Members asked about timelines, contingency planning, staffing capacity, and financial sustainability. Komeiji said the authority is on track for the master plan and EIS, but would return to the legislature if delays require more time. He acknowledged that no detailed contingency plans have been developed yet for possible IT or other implementation problems, but said the board is continuing to monitor progress. He also said the authority is accelerating contracts to encumber funds while available and expects to cover planned EIS and master plan consultant costs if funding remains at current levels. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent; the chair and acting vice chair voted aye, with excused absences noted for Senators Inouye, Chang, and Lamosao. The measure was adopted and the committee adjourned.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-06 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But in advance of it, let me say this. I sent my kids to public schools. I love public schools.
- But in advance of it, lookout for that.
- But in advance of it, let<00:24:48.080>
me <00:24:48.240>say <00:24:48.400>this. - So, if you could remain with us literally five minutes out of your day, but thank you in advance.
- You could remain with us literally five minutes out of your day, but thank you in advance.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Ways & Means Dec 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- If you could advance the slide, please.
- Go ahead and advance the slide, please.
- Advance the slide, please.
- Go ahead and advance, please.
- How do I advance these slides? Staff can advance them for you if you know which. Okay.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee held a work session covering the state revenue outlook, caseload forecasts, wildfire costs, budget balance, tort liability, water supply, and pension policy. The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council reported modest near-term U.S. growth, no near-term Washington employment growth in 2026, continued personal income growth, and elevated inflation, with tariffs and federal policy cited as major risks. Revenue forecasts were slightly improved for the current biennium by about $105 million but down about $185 million for the next biennium. Members asked about income inequality and housing permits; staff said personal income is an aggregate measure and housing production remains below long-term needs. The Caseload Forecast Council then reported that most forecasts were unchanged or only slightly changed, but several programs increased, including Washington College Grant, Working Connections, aged/blind/disabled cash grants, nursing homes, home and community services, and developmental disabilities personal care. The largest policy-driven change was in Medicaid low-income adult caseloads, where federal H.R. 1 was projected to reduce coverage substantially through narrower eligibility, community engagement requirements, and shorter eligibility periods.
The committee also heard a wildfire funding update and a 2025 fire season review. Staff explained that the state budgets $93 million annually for suppression and uses supplemental appropriations for costs above that level, with an estimated state supplemental need of about $139 million for the current year. Department of Natural Resources officials said 2025 fire activity remained below the 10-year average in acres burned, but fires were more complex and closer to communities, contributing to higher residence loss. They described expanded use of aircraft, firefighters from other states, corrections crews, and the Arcadia 20 hand crew, and said the state did not need National Guard ground support this year. A budget preview then showed that the near general fund outlook had worsened after vetoes, lapses, and forecast changes, and that maintenance-level costs alone would leave a projected negative balance by fiscal year 2027 and about $4.3 billion by fiscal year 2029, before any policy decisions.
Jason Seams, the state risk manager, reported a sharp rise in tort claim costs, with indemnity expenses nearly doubling from fiscal year 2023 to 2025 and DCYF accounting for most of the increase. He said the state self-insurance liability account has run deficits for four straight biennia and is now facing nearly $600 million in deficits, driven largely by a surge in DCYF claims, especially juvenile rehabilitation and long-running sex abuse cases. Members asked about the role of old claims, comparisons with other states, excess insurance, and whether more Attorney General staff could reduce special assistant attorney general costs. The committee then shifted to water policy, hearing from tribal leaders, Ecology, and the Washington Water Trust. Tribal witnesses emphasized overappropriation, declining flows, climate impacts, and the need for legislative oversight and tribal participation in water policy. Ecology described major projects in the Odessa sub-area, Yakima Basin, and Dungeness, along with the need for storage, recharge, conservation, and policy changes to support water supply development. The Washington Water Trust argued that climate change is reducing summer flows and that the state needs more funding, enforcement, and long-term commitment to restore instream flows. The final item was a pension update on LEOFF 1 surplus assets; staff reviewed two 2025 bills that would have merged or restructured the plan and used surplus assets, but neither passed, and instead the budget directed the Select Committee on Pension Policy to study the issue and report back.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the advancement of data centers, artificial intelligence, machine learning capabilities, the
- Pablo: And so there are advanced AI tools and models that can help to integrate both load and supply
- We plan that years in advance.
- We think customers that we felt strong enough about, were advanced enough to continue to advance these
- Advance already vetted projects transmission plans have already been vetted. They put up money.
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests.
The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers.
Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 8th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam President, I move LB 929 be advanced to E&R for engrossing.
- Madam President, I move LB 962 be advanced to E&R for engrossing.
- on to third grade or advanced on to fourth grade.
- It does advance. Mr. Clerk, please proceed to LB 965. Mr.
- It does advance. Mr. Clerk, please proceed to final reading.
Bills:
LB878, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB1209, LB937A, LB962A, LB1050, LB1050A, LB965, LB1022, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB745, LB749, LB778, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR495, LR496, LR497, LR498, LR499, LR500, LR501, LR502, LR503, LR504
Keywords:
paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Ways & Means
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the advancement of data centers, artificial intelligence, machine learning capabilities, the
- We plan that years in advance.
- We think customers that we felt strong enough about, were advanced enough to continue to advance these
- With this approach, we advanced our mission to be the digital foundation for a thriving world.
- Advance already vetted projects - transmission plans have already been vetted. They put up money.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/26/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:54.159>
this committee members to please advance this committee members to please advance - There's been tremendous advancements in these areas.
- There's been tremendous advancements in these areas.
- There's been tremendous advancements in these areas.
- <01:34:01.280>
in electricity, the advancements in electricity, the advancements in nuclear
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:37:41.160>
the Capital Investments to advance the Capital Investments to advance the amount - education or Outreach to try to advance education or Outreach to try to advance a<00:39:22.800><
- the kind of policy and programs advance the kind of policy and programs that<00:43:02.480>
will - It very much is, and we spend a lot of time and effort advancing that.
- I compost my own food scraps, and it advances my own garden, so it works great for me.
Summary:
The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs.
Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales.
Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 24th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It goes to a second independent external entity for review, again with public notice in advance, the
- But just the difference between having to advance all that money up front and having it sitting in a
- We're usually seeing about 80% of these advances are $40 to $100.
- As the loans advance, a small amount of money is repaid in full in a short period of time.
- As such, earned wage advances and consumer financial technology should be regulated as loans subject
Keywords:
local governments, anticipation notes, certificates of obligation, public works, flood control, financial management, local government, municipal financing, private activity bonds, closing definition, real estate finance, bond issuance, government regulation, bond election, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, political subdivision, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We've advanced some projects even sooner, working with our industry and working with innovative tools
- We're doing everything we can to advance these projects as quickly as possible.
- We've advanced some projects even sooner, working with our industry and working with innovative tools
- We're doing everything we can to advance these projects as quickly as possible.
- And so because we funded this I-75 project, we were able to advance that 49th Street interchange and
Summary:
The committee met to receive a base budget overview for agencies under its jurisdiction, which include the Division of Emergency Management, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Staff explained the budget format and noted that the Legislature appropriated more than $20.2 billion to these agencies in the current fiscal year, a 66.7% increase over 10 years.
The Department of Transportation then presented on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing it as a $7 billion effort to advance 20 major congestion-relief projects statewide. Secretary Jared Perdue said the department is ahead of schedule, with 14 of 20 projects expected to be underway by the end of the calendar year. He highlighted major projects including I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties, I-75 improvements, Southwest 10th Street in Broward County, Fruitville Road, Capital Circle in Tallahassee, and I-275, and discussed innovations such as aggregate supply grants, modified phase design-build, workforce hiring events, and voluntary acceleration. Senators asked about business impacts from construction, tourism-related transit funding, aggregate sourcing, and labor shortages; the secretary said FDOT works with local businesses and that additional revenue sources for transit would require legislative action.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reviewed motorist services, revenue collection, licensing, vehicle titling, specialty plates, insurance compliance, driver safety, and commercial driver licensing. Officials said the department collected about $2.9 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023-24 and described modernization efforts, including electronic verification systems, Real ID compliance, mobile licensing units, and a planned digital driver license. Members asked about the driver license backlog in Miami-Dade and Broward, and the department said service delays were driven by growth and staffing constraints but should improve with $7.5 million in recent funding and the eventual transition of services to county tax collectors. Questions also addressed temporary paper licenses and birth certificate fraud prevention.
The Department of Commerce presented on the Job Growth Grant Fund and Visit Florida. Commerce said the grant fund, created in 2017, has awarded $257 million to 70 projects in 37 counties since 2019, with demand exceeding supply about four to one. Officials emphasized that the program supports targeted industries and workforce and infrastructure projects, and they highlighted examples in CDL training, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and health care. Senators raised concerns about small businesses affected by transportation construction, and Commerce said it has an Office of Small Business Innovation and other tools, though the grant fund is limited by statute to targeted industries. Visit Florida then described its public-private tourism marketing role, saying the state’s $80 million appropriation is matched by private investment and that the latest EDR review found a $3.30 return in tax revenue for every state dollar spent. Visit Florida reported record visitation and tourism spending, along with hurricane recovery marketing and rural promotion efforts.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation - 03/10/2026
Environmental Conservation
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, that bill will advance on the calendar, and we have been joined by Senator Hinchey.
- All right, that advances on the calendar.
- But that bill, based on the vote sheets, will be advanced on the calendar.
- That bill advances on the calendar.
- That bill advances on the calendar.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, chaired by Senator Pete Harckham, met with a quorum and considered a 10-bill active list. The committee advanced several bills on environmental monitoring and reporting, including measures on SPDES public notice submission, bioheating fuel requirements, community air monitoring, air quality monitoring for major mass transit projects, climate-related financial risk disclosure, mercury thermostat collection, financial responsibility for major facilities or vessels, a New York Youth Climate Corps, and a DEC study of school retrofits near major highways. Some of these bills were advanced on the calendar, while others were referred to finance.
The committee discussed Senator Harckham’s PFAS and biosolids bill at length. Members reviewed amendments intended to address Farm Bureau concerns, including language changes that removed opposition, and discussed the proposed statewide moratorium, eligibility for voluntary testing, and the new Agricultural PFAS Response Fund. Harckham and others noted that the bill would help reimburse or assist farmers with remediation if contamination is found, and that the public should understand only a small percentage of New York farms have received direct biosolid application. Members also noted that the bill could affect other biosolid uses, such as at a golf course in one senator’s district.
Throughout the meeting, senators asked brief questions, offered supportive comments, and in several cases recorded votes of without recommendation or nay on specific bills. The committee ultimately voted to advance or refer all ten bills as appropriate, with the PFAS bill referred to finance after unanimous support from those present. The meeting concluded after welcoming several senators who joined during the session, including new member Senator Bachar.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- their skills and employees can advance their skills and credentials<00:38:07.920>
while <00:38 - And since we didn't have that meeting in advance, uh, which has always happened in all the years I've
- ,<01:21:18.960>
uh, <01:21:19.040>which have that meeting in advance, uh, which have - that meeting in advance, uh, which has<01:21:20.080>
always <01:21:20.400>happened <01: - of these things so with Ohei in advance of these things so that<01:38:52.000>
we <01:38:52.239
Keywords:
firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Technological advancement and worker welfare are not opposing goals. As you also heard from Dr.
- Technological advancement and worker welfare are not opposing goals.
- <00:47:02.480>
has history of technological advancement has history of technological advancement - <00:49:51.440>
of interact with this rapid advancement of interact with this rapid advancement - in this advancement of this technology<00:57:42.319>
in <00:57:42.559>in <00:57:42.960>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- health equity, these are programs and activities that include providing resources and support to advance
- health equity, these are programs and activities that include providing resources and support to advance
- health equity, these are programs and activities that include providing resources and support to advance
- health equity, these are programs and activities that include providing resources and support to advance
- health equity, these are programs and activities that include providing resources and support to advance
Summary:
The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars.
A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA.
The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Special Education Funding Committee May 6th, 2026
Special Education Funding Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's jump into proficient plus advanced by subject over time.
- We see a decrease in the students who are proficient and advanced.
- And then we do see that drop in students who are proficient and advanced.
- We add proficient and advanced together and we want to see that grow.
- I'll say in advance, I fear it's going to be too expensive.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 minutes, and received a lengthy Department of Public Instruction presentation from Stanley Schauer Jr. on North Dakota student performance data in math and ELA, with comparisons between students with disabilities and students without disabilities. Schauer explained the assessment systems used, the 1% alternate assessment cap for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, the absence of 2019-20 data due to the pandemic, and how state standards are set by North Dakota educators. Members asked about cohort trends, the role of alternate assessments, grade-level patterns, and whether the state should focus more on reducing the novice category than on moving students from approaching to proficient. Schauer also discussed the new NDA Plus assessment, the state’s planned growth model, and the possibility of future breakdowns by disability category or by schools using science-of-math approaches. Special education educators testified that students with disabilities continued to receive services during COVID because of FAPE obligations, which likely helped limit learning loss, and emphasized that IEP teams focus on individual growth rather than only proficiency buckets.
Committee members then shifted to special education funding and possible funding models. Brandon Bombach of Grand Forks Public Schools presented on the state aid formula, focusing on the special education weighting factor and arguing that the current formula does not adequately respond to growing student needs because it counts enrollment but does not adjust when the number of students with IEPs rises. He used examples to show that a district can have the same enrollment and receive the same weighting even if the number of students needing services increases. Members discussed whether the formula should be tied more closely to actual need and accountability, and the chair indicated that the committee would continue gathering data and ideas for a later meeting.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no further amendments, the bill will advance to the order of third reading of bills.
- Seeing no further discussion, the bill will advance to the order of third reading of bills.
- Seeing no discussion, the bill will advance to the order of third reading of bills. Mr.
- Seeing no further amendments, the bill will advance to the order of third reading of bills.
- Seeing no further amendments the bill will advance the order of third reading of bill. Mr.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no further discussion, the bill will advance to the order of Third Reading of Bills.
- Seeing no further amendments, the bill will advance to the order of Third Reading of Bills.
- Seeing no further discussion, the bill will advance to the order of Third Reading of Bills.
- Seeing no discussion, the bill will advance to the order of Third Reading of Bills. Mr.
- Seeing no further amendments the bill will advance the order of third reading of bill. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal.
The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading.
On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.