Video & Transcript : 'mandatory spending' :
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I've got a feeling we're going to be spending quite a bit of time, not only with this committee... room
- I did spend 21 years in the San Antonio Fire Department there in Bexar County and while she's not Sitting
- Very important, and you all set the rules on how we spend it.
- And you have all done a very good job. of how we spend that asset forfeiture money.
- Some of them are mandatory. Some of them are...
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- An arbitrator cannot decide a non-mandatory subject of bargaining.
- A mandatory subject of bargaining is wages, hours, or working conditions.
- Only if the parties agreed to put a non-mandatory subject before the arbitrator would that person hear
- So we may be thinking we're heading towards arbitration, but the parties will spend many, many hours
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They spend a lot of time, and in the areas that I work in, they're very focused on trying to protect
- Direct the Florida Building Commission to develop a mandatory statewide residential permit. ...application
- requirements if certain procedures are met, direct the Florida Building Commission to develop a mandatory
- Matt, direct the Florida Building Commission to develop a mandatory statewide residential permit application
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of bills, mostly local claims and growth-management or permitting measures. SB 16, SB 14, and SB 24 were uncontested claims bills providing relief for injuries or damages involving the City of St. Petersburg and Miami-Dade County; each was described as settled or favorably reported by a special master, and each was reported favorably without debate. SB 288, a negotiated bill on rural electric cooperatives, was presented as a clarification to protect co-op authority over generation and power purchases while preserving consumer protections; it drew support from industry stakeholders and was reported favorably. SB 830 created a public-records exemption for certain local administrators and their families’ personal information, citing threats against city managers, and it also passed favorably.
The committee also considered several land-use and permitting bills. SB 1138 would create a registry of qualified professionals to conduct pre-application review for plats and development, aiming to reduce delays and backlogs; local government groups raised concerns about preemption and preserving quasi-judicial authority, but the bill passed favorably with one no vote. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling houses, increased penalties, and authorized attorney’s fees and foreclosure of unpaid fees; it was reported favorably. SB 686 revised the agricultural enclave statute to create a public-hearing process for certain residential projects in urban service areas, with a sunset date later amended to June 30, 2026; conservation and planning groups raised concerns about local planning authority and public participation, but the bill passed favorably.
SB 548, a growth-management and impact-fee cleanup bill, clarified plan-based methodology, extraordinary circumstances, interlocal agreements, and refund procedures for impact fees. Local government and development stakeholders testified that it would improve predictability while preserving flexibility, though some sought further refinement on fee increases and refunds; the bill was amended and then reported favorably. SB 1234 addressed building permits and inspections, including permit validity, small-project exemptions, temporary hurricane protection, standardized permit forms, and expanded use of private providers; county officials objected to reduced oversight, while builders and private-provider advocates supported the measure. After testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Jones requested to be recorded on several votes, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- That continuation still seems to be happening of not spending money.
- money and see when you're not spending money.
- We spend a lot of money to attract them, but we don't get them.
- It's we're meeting every two weeks regarding growth to make sure that we are spending adequately.
- child care, and spending for December is about 10 million over pre-universal child care.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nominations of Sean Donahue, of Florida, and Jessica Kramer, of Wisconsin, both to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Brian Nesvik, of Wyoming, to be Director of the United State Apr 9th, 2025 at 08:45 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- annual appropriations decline from roughly $2 billion to $1.5 billion. www.fema.gov $1.1 billion, spending
- by EPA's personnel, with no limitation on how many people work on a matter or how many hours they spend
- and say you have to pay 100% of the cost, and you figure out how to sue the other 100 parties and spend
- I would like to see the work done and get on with other challenges as opposed to spending endless years
- And that was mandatory agency review times. And I guess I have a couple of related questions.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the presidential nominations of Brigadier General Brian Nesvick as Director of Fish and Wildlife and Jess Kramer and Sean Donahue as assistant administrators at the EPA. Each nominee presented their qualifications and experiences in their respective fields, with an emphasis on their commitment to uphold the laws passed by Congress. The discussion highlighted the nominees' dedication to addressing environmental issues and their proactive stances on regulatory matters. After deliberation, votes were held to report the nominations favorably, despite some members voicing concerns regarding their qualifications and potential conflicts with environmental interests.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- He said they could be spending all this time trying to come to a place dealing with state police and
- all this time So, we could be spending all this time trying<01:39:51.480><c> to</c><01:39:51.640><c>
- It's not mandatory. legislation. It's not mandatory.
- ,</c> enabling, it's not mandatory, enabling, it's not mandatory, and<03:15:04.840><c> in</c><03:15:05.200
- It's a mix-up, and I'm obviously referring to motorcycle accidents with the mandatory helmet law.
Committee:
House Transportation
Summary:
House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process.
On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently.
The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is Kristin Chang for the Campaign Spending Commission. Good morning.
- Christie Chang from the Campaign Spending Commission.
- </c><01:41:59.360><c> 12-month</c> to theft requires a mandatory 12-month to theft requires a mandatory
- Thank you. this bill sets a mandatory minimum term this bill sets a mandatory minimum term of<01:42:27.880
- Uh first and foremost, we are oppositional to mandatory sentences.
Bills:
SB2041
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees.
The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments.
Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Can they spend the money on...
- Can they spend the money on...
- Can they spend the money on those?
- Can they spend the money on those?
- But I thought I'd spend it.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations.
The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Finance Jul 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It wasn't mandatory. And we did reach out for comment, but we received numbers.
- SAO conducts both mandatory and discretionary audits at institutions of higher education.
- Fourteen of those audits are discretionary and 31 were mandatory.
- We spend a lot of money on them, and we spend a lot of money as a state doing things, and we need to
- So we just kept giving you money and let you spend it. I mean, it's not a good answer.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met to hear interim charges on higher education transparency and on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. The chair emphasized accountability for taxpayer dollars and asked witnesses to address financial reporting, audit practices, and whether more frequent or comprehensive audits would improve oversight. Legislative Budget Board staff described how public university systems and most community colleges respond to requests about internal audit practices, noting that university systems generally follow a similar annual audit timeline and that community colleges use a more varied mix of internal and external audit arrangements. Members focused on gaps in reporting, especially Texas Southern University’s missing submissions for several years and Collin County Community College’s nonresponse to the LBB survey.
The State Auditor’s Office then outlined its higher education audit work, including mandatory statewide single audits, DEI compliance audits, HUB and State Use Program audits, benefits proportional audits, and discretionary audits based on risk. The auditor said the office has released 43 higher-ed audit reports since fiscal year 2021 and has two audits in progress, and explained that internal audit reports from institutions help guide future audit selection. Senators pressed the office on the lack of enforcement authority, the value of internal auditors at each institution, and whether community colleges should have more standardized reporting and audit requirements. The auditor and general counsel said the SAO can refer suspected fraud to law enforcement but cannot itself enforce findings, while several senators suggested stronger clawback authority and more robust internal audit structures.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board explained that it collects annual financial reports, sources-and-uses data, and community college finance reports, and uses them for funding formulas and other reporting. It also trains governing board members and said it has limited regulatory authority, though community colleges must certify compliance annually and can lose eligibility for state funds if they do not. Members questioned the reliability of self-attested data, the adequacy of board training, and whether a single reporting structure would be more efficient. During public testimony, a ScholarShot representative argued for clearer, student-facing financial transparency so students can see total cost of attendance and the gap they must cover before enrolling.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 18th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- They're on the mandatory side of the federal budget. So what does that mean?
- The mandatory side soaks up more resources.
- There's no money to train anybody because they're spending all the money on just paying the employees
- I know I'm spending a lot of time thinking and...”
- I know I'm spending a lot of time thinking and listening to a lot of people and reading about it.
Summary:
The committee met to hear an update from consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie on Arkansas’s “one door” or “no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. The discussion focused on moving the state toward a work-first system that better connects job seekers, employers, education, and public assistance programs, with goals of increasing upward mobility, improving labor force attachment, reducing inefficiencies, and adapting to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions. The consultants argued that Arkansas’s current system is fragmented across multiple offices, portals, agencies, and funding streams, and that people often have to navigate separate doors for workforce services, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and related supports.
Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as the model, describing how that state integrated workforce and human services into a single department, used cost allocation to blend funding behind the scenes, and saw improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said TANF should be treated as a workforce program, not just a benefits program, and suggested that Arkansas could use TANF and other tools to cross-train DHS staff, co-locate services, and create a more unified service delivery model. Members asked about federal flexibility, waivers, and whether the state could use one large waiver or a broader restructuring to simplify the system. Bishop explained that a federal pilot authority proposal failed in Congress, so the current approach relies on waivers, cost allocation plans, and possible state-level changes.
The committee also discussed the relationship between DHS and workforce offices, the role of local workforce boards, how disability and vocational rehabilitation cases would be handled, and how the governor’s Restore Hope/Hope Hub and faith- and community-based initiatives might fit into the broader plan. Bishop said Arkansas already has rehabilitation services within the workforce department and emphasized that case managers should focus on people rather than programs. No votes were taken. The chair said the committee would revisit case management at its August meeting and adjourned the meeting after thanking the consultants.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 16, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- their money in, people want to spend a lot of time in.
- And again, spending a lot of money and we're getting tax revenue because of that.
- their money, people want to spend a lot of time in.
- There is no mandatory you have to put it here or do this.
- There is no mandatory you have to put it here or do this.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26.
Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage.
During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- If SB 868 passes, not only will we put in place mandatory statewide safety standards to address all of
- They're spending $500 on their kid is going to school and they need new tennis shoes.
- That's what they're spending their money on.
- Finally, we do have concerns regarding the mandatory demand response and backup generation requirements
- Looking forward to seeing the amendments; still have concerns about what I'm hearing on the mandatory
Committee:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward.
The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- If SB 868 passes, not only will we put in place mandatory statewide safety standards to address all of
- that the same opponents who were saying, just kick it to the Building Standards Commission, they will spend
- They're spending $500 on their kid is going to school and they need new tennis shoes.
- That's what they're spending their money on.
- Finally, we do have concerns regarding the mandatory demand response and backup generation requirements
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approval for portable plug-in solar devices for homes and apartments. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and other Californians lower electric bills, expand access to solar, and create statewide safety standards through UL certification and the National Electrical Code. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, backfeeding, older electrical systems, and the bill bypassing the California Electrical Code and Building Standards Commission process. After extended discussion and testimony from UL, the author agreed to add California Electrical Code language, and several opponents indicated they would move to neutral; the committee then passed the bill out as amended to the Senate Judiciary Committee on a roll call vote.
The committee then took up SB 886, which would establish rules for large data centers to prevent electricity cost shifts to other ratepayers. The author and supporters said rapid data center growth could drive major grid costs and that the bill would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure, participate in demand response, and secure new zero-carbon resources. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, while opponents such as the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, utilities, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC proceedings, and might impose operationally risky mandates, especially around demand response and backup power. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing behind-the-meter storage with a pre-funded long-term clean energy contract, and exempting certain public and critical facilities; the discussion continued with questions about cost responsibility, clean energy targets, and peak-load management.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- If SB 868 passes, not only will we put in place mandatory statewide safety standards to address all of
- They're spending $500 on their kid is going to school and they need new tennis shoes.
- That's what they're spending their money on.
- Finally, we do have concerns regarding the mandatory demand response and backup generation requirements
- We still have concerns about what I'm hearing on the mandatory demand response participation, but again
Committee:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Transportation panel considers bill to implement electronic MN driver's licenses, IDs 3/26/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a calculated step to offer voluntary convenience now to enable future mandatory compliance.
- compliance thus we ask you to mandatory compliance thus we ask you to oppose<00:15:50.360><c> oppose
- This is DVS special funds, but it all can be manipulated, and I think so I have concerns about spending
- 26:42.880><c> have</c><00:26:43.039><c> concerns</c><00:26:43.399><c> about</c><00:26:43.600><c> spending
- </c> think so I have concerns about spending think so I have concerns about spending additional<00:26
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- It also goes right back into the state budget in the form of retiree spending, so retirees are...
- Life, right, so they've already, they are already retired, they're spending it, they're enjoying their
- retirement, and they're putting it right back into our economy through, you know, spending on housing
- , other than the fact that your benefit might be losing spending power because of inflation.
- Let us spend it. Like you have to, like, we want to.
Committee:
House A&B Education Subcommittee
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 069 Mar 24th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . mandatory. mandatory.
- One business, a little small Mexican restaurant, spends over $6,000 a month in added security.
- </c><00:42:37.520><c> That's</c> spends $50,000 in security. That's spends $50,000 in security.
- </c><00:53:03.680><c> you</c> what he has to spend his time on. you what he has to spend his time on.
- Again, it's not mandatory. mandatory. mandatory.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2938, mandatory rounding method for cash transactions. Mr. Majority Leader.
- House Bill 2938, mandatory rounding method for cash transactions. Mr. Majority Leader, Mr.
- The way to deal with out-of-control spending is to hold both individuals accountable for it.
- And currently, the acquaintance witness is mandatory because involuntary treatment is a very serious
- Chair, I move that Senate Bill 1635 is a mandatory received a dupe's recommendation...
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So is it optional or is it mandatory?
- So in effect, it’s really not mandatory in the sense. There’s no consequences for it.
- So in effect, it’s really not mandatory in the sense that there is any consequences.
- Where should we be spending our dollars? And longitudinal data takes time over time, right?
- Do you support getting to mandatory early childhood, or do you want to keep it voluntary?
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection.
The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed.
The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES
Transcript Highlights:
- They want accurate numbers, and we're on a, as we receive cash and as we spend cash, system.
- Those funds wouldn't be available for y'all to spend because they're tied up in a CD that hadn't matured
- their sales tax that a portion of that would go toward roads, then it’s not necessarily so they can spend
- Rye, as you know, that’s what we deal with a lot of in here where they’re taking road money and spending
- requirement, is there not anything mandatory upon audit or upon this body over the last number of years