Transcript Highlights:

• One kid brought what he thought was candy to school and shared it with friends.
• And I think the school administrators were shocked by that.
• I have young people on my staff who work in our local Sacramento high schools.
• in the sense that our high school staff and our middle school staff are confronting these products on
• Our high schools keep bathrooms closed.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products are attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague, enforcement is inconsistent, and licensees are left to interpret standards without prior review. In a review of 80 packaging cases, the audit team disagreed with the department’s conclusions in 13 instances, and the report highlighted examples involving cartoon imagery, colorful fonts, candy-like references, flavor names, and cannabis beverages that resembled ordinary drinks. The auditor recommended clearer statutory definitions, possible consideration of plain packaging or pre-approval models like Oregon’s, better internal guidance, and stronger tracking and escalation for repeat violators. Committee members and Assembly Member Irwin emphasized the rise in poison control calls involving children under five since legalization and argued that legal-market packaging can contribute to accidental ingestion, especially when products resemble candy or drinks. Several members pressed the department on why items such as root beer, strawberry lemonade, and cherry pie strain names should be allowed if they may appeal to children. The Department of Cannabis Control responded that it has already centralized label review, added staff and technology tools, improved compliance-history tracking, and is using progressive discipline tools such as notices to comply, citations, embargoes, abatements, and license actions. The department also argued that the illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp markets are major drivers of youth exposure and that enforcement resources must be balanced across those markets. Public health witness Dr. Lynn Silver urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, bans on added flavors and child-appealing imagery, lower THC limits for edibles and beverages, and a dedicated pre-market review process. Industry representatives from the California Cannabis Industry Association and the California Cannabis Operators Association agreed that youth protections are essential, but argued that clearer, objective standards are needed so compliant businesses can know the rules and enforcement can be consistent. They said most licensed products are already compliant, that the most blatant youth-targeted packaging is concentrated in the illicit market, and that the Legislature should refine definitions and guidance rather than rely on subjective case-by-case judgments. No formal vote or bill action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Less than a high school graduate.
• The school-age population is declining.
• The kids in Boston Public Schools who are homeless.
• The kids in Boston Public Schools who are homeless.
• The kids in Boston Public Schools who are homeless.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have residents in medical school.
• , so parochial and charter schools.
• Superintendents, and the Louisiana School Board Association.
• , to medical school, maybe even their ability to finish college at all.
• , to medical school, maybe even their ability to finish college at all.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum to continue work on Caleb Wilson hazing-prevention recommendations, with the Wilson family present and repeatedly acknowledged. Members discussed Southern University’s expulsion of Omega Psi Phi and the family pressed for clarity on whether the fraternity could return; counsel said the expulsion appears permanent on its face but there is legal ambiguity, prompting legislators to say a statutory fix is needed to define suspension versus expulsion more clearly. The group also reviewed data on hazing-related suspensions since 2018 and hearing-panel practices across the public postsecondary systems, including panel composition, annual training, and appeals processes. The task force adopted several recommendations focused on prevention and accountability. These included annual hazing-prevention training for students, advisors, and faculty/staff; a state-provided training framework with campus-specific flexibility; stronger attention to mandatory reporting; an amnesty policy to encourage reporting and help-seeking; reverting hazing proceedings back to a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard; adding hazing to the annual power-based violence report; tying noncompliance penalties to loss of State Bond Commission borrowing authority; and identifying sustainable funding for training and reporting. Members debated scope and implementation, especially whether training should cover all employees or only those who interact with students, whether external advisors and graduate advisors should be included, and how to avoid unintended consequences for advisor recruitment. Several amendments were made, including narrowing one recommendation from “all” to “appropriate,” and the amnesty discussion was clarified to avoid creating a loophole for misconduct. The task force also discussed K-12 considerations, including applying bullying and hazing materials to nonpublic schools, updating prevention materials, and improving data collection. In closing remarks, student members and family representatives emphasized that hazing is about power, not tradition, and called for culture change, accountability, and earlier education. University leaders from the University of Louisiana System, Southern University System, and LSU said they support the effort and will implement the recommendations if enacted, while also urging stronger individual and organizational accountability beyond training alone. A public commenter from Nicholls State’s SGA praised the task force’s work before the meeting moved into public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we support schools,... ...an intersection of industry, higher ed, and public ed.
• And we support schools, but we also support the families and students directly.
• We also wanted to let you know we have a partnership with the Canyon School District.
• Our goal is to get into more than 200 schools in the next year with hydroponics.
• And that is actually,... ...to get into more than 200 schools in the next year with hydroponics.

Committee: Joint Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EV bus company that the state signed a contract with to do school buses.
• I think, without speaking out of school, they have access to sweet water.
• I'd be speaking out of school if I gave you a number without knowing who we have. Thank you.
• We're also, through our charitable foundation, working with the Gadsden Independent School District,
• Look at their schools. Look at their schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to use the term IMG, and for me that means someone who completed medical school in another
• MLEs, at least step one and two, are completed while in school.
• There are various descriptions of what kind of international medical school is accepted.
• North Carolina says it has to be on the World Directory of Medical Schools.
• So they get—and then getting the preceptors from PNWU and WSU medical schools to do that.

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know students need support outside of the school day.
• So I think about, you know, we had the after-school program grants that was one-time funding.
• So I think about, you know, we had the after-school program grants that was one-time funding.
• </c> about you know we had the after school about you know we had the after school program<00:15:13.639
• We know students need support outside of the school day.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Their high school is in pretty dire need, and their school board said, you know, if we’re making improvements
• Milford was actually the backup school should Jeffrey Ringe vote down, unfortunately.
• Milford was actually the backup school should Jeffrey Ringe vote down, unfortunately.
• Milford was actually the backup school should Jeffrey Ringe vote down, unfortunately.
• Milford was actually the backup school should Jeffrey Ringe vote down, unfortunately.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and work session on House Bill 25A, the capital improvements appropriations bill, which Representative David Mills said was based on Governor Ayotte’s budget and included appropriations for capital improvements and extensions of prior appropriation lapses. The hearing drew testimony on several requested additions to the bill, with the chair noting the unusually large turnout and moving quickly through speakers. No questions were taken on the initial bill presentation, and the public hearing on HB 25A was later closed. The Community College System of New Hampshire asked for an additional $2.6 million, including $800,000 for IT infrastructure, $1.3 million for critical maintenance, and $500,000 for energy management systems. The witness said the money would address cybersecurity and online learning needs, replace failing boilers and a roof at several campuses, and prevent costly damage such as frozen pipes. The New Hampshire Veterans Home requested $1.5 million for ADA compliance and safety improvements, including floor replacement and wider doors, citing an upcoming VA inspection and the importance of preserving federal funding. Testimony also focused on career and technical education and airport funding. Milford CTE sought to keep $9.9 million in the budget for renovations after a local vote fell short, explaining the project had been scaled down from an earlier $60 million concept and that the school board wanted another chance to seek voter approval. On aviation, Concord, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and Department of Transportation representatives urged restoring state matching funds for FAA airport grants, saying roughly $3.6 million in state money would leverage about $62 million to $65 million in federal funds for safety and infrastructure projects at public airports. Committee members asked about project selection, matching requirements, and the airport priority process, and witnesses said the program is driven by FAA-approved capital improvement plans and safety needs rather than business-return rankings.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:14:17.600><c> districts</c> um approximately eight school districts um approximately eight school
• /c><01:19:51.120><c> involved</c> the only school district we are involved the only school district we
• </c><01:20:37.840><c> districts</c> contacted by certain school districts contacted by certain school
• As you know, I used to work for a school district.
• Um, my to work for a school district.

Bills: HB0083 , HB0102 , HB0178

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: subpoena, legislative authority, penalty, compliance, law enforcement, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, public employment, labor organization, dues withdrawal, collective bargaining, public funding, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• remedy a shortage of these critical school personnel.
• Attracting school psychologists from outside Kentucky, whose states are are time. time.
• </c> Virginia has a reputable school Virginia has a reputable school psychologist<00:23:53.040><c> program
• /c> Attracting school psychologists from Attracting school psychologists from outside<00:24:02.760><c
• ,</c> in our schools, in our schools, in<00:40:11.720><c> our</c><00:40:11.800><c> communities,</c><00

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For a school that gets to choose who they enroll, I mean, the traditional charter school doesn’t get
• For a school that gets to choose who they enroll, I mean, the traditional charter school doesn't get
• The whole school is there, and that's their equivalent.
• The whole school is there, and that's their equivalent.
• The school serves kids from across the state.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we thought it was best not to amend that provision in, but instead let our schools handle that
• saying, upon adjudication or conviction of a convicted student, the state's attorney shall provide the school
• Because we could see students who have reached the age of majority and still be in high school.
• We could see students who have reached the age of majority and still be in high school.
• So if somebody's over 18 and still in high school, then they are now in the adult court function.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee reconvened to address House Bill 1247, relating to protection of a student who is a victim of sexual assault. Senator Axtman explained that a proposed amendment to extend suspension time in rare cases where a case remains active was not adopted because it could conflict with providing adequate educational access, and the committee agreed not to amend that provision. Members then clarified a separate amendment to HB 1247 that incorporated testimony-based changes, including language addressing notice procedures for juvenile and adult cases and students who are over 18 but still enrolled in high school. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0807.02001 to HB 1247 by a 6-0 vote. Afterward, the committee passed HB 1247 as amended on a 6-0 vote, and Senator Wobbema was assigned as carrier. The committee also briefly confirmed that HB 1223 was already good to go and did not require further action. At the end of the meeting, members discussed the schedule for the following Monday and agreed to start at 10:00 a.m. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It deals with youth who are sent to a school in order to...
• In a lot of ways, it's rather than sending them to DYS, we send them to a school where they get economic
• ... ...a school where they get economic remediation and counseling, and the various services that they
• We just employ them in that program as opposed to them being employed through the school system.
• The employees are either paid by the school system or paid by the county, so that they would be able

Bills: SB39 , HB165 , HB189 , HB44 , HB44

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, state holidays, Juneteenth, Rosa Parks Day, Alabama law, public observance, public works, sealed bids, bidding notice, advertising requirements, newspaper of general circulation, centralized website, electronic mail, U.S. mail, state procurement, county procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why many of them will also attend foreign medical schools to get their degree.
• Graduate, obviously, you have to graduate from your medical school.
• That's why many of them will also attend foreign medical schools to get their degree.
• That's why many of them will also attend foreign medical schools to get their degree.
• That's why many of them will also attend foreign medical schools to get their degree.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:20:36.680><c> and</c> workers, local governments, schools, and workers, local governments, schools
• </c><00:34:41.919><c> if</c> uh they don't have to go to school if uh they don't have to go to school
• The people of Willmar have been here begging for help for their school districts.
• </c><00:49:36.720><c> districts,</c> cities, counties, school districts, cities, counties, school districts
• I teach at the University of Minnesota Law School.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> trades off with the dollar for schools trades off with the dollar for schools health<00:37:15.839
• Every dollar given to a data center owner is a dollar not invested in a public school, a nursing home
• infrastr infrastructure and like schools infrastr infrastructure and Healthcare<01:07:39.079><c> and
• and hospitals and public schools and hospitals and public facilities<01:20:27.239><c> all</c><01:20:
• We also have increased property taxes to schools and local governments, the 247 electrical demand...

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Reduced property taxes, supported local schools and law enforcement, and allowed that county to grow
• and Services like schools infrastructure and Healthcare<00:58:24.440><c> unlike</c><00:58:24.880><c>
• districts across the state as we school districts across the state as we have<01:11:03.600><c> new</
• But I will remind the committee that when teachers and parents file for a tax refund for their school
• But I will remind the committee that when teachers and parents file for a tax refund for their school

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Students are in school. School should be their main focus.
• Students are in school. School should be their main focus.
• Students are in school. School should be their main focus.
• Students are in school. School should be their main focus.
• </c> Olomana School. Olomana School.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:09:09.840><c> have</c> apologize is that the schools have apologize is that the schools have
• </c> school system because that sounds great. school system because that sounds great.
• </c> the cartel children in public schools the cartel children in public schools at<03:47:20.160><c>
• </c> wearing my Aurora public school shirt. wearing my Aurora public school shirt.
• </c> our K- through2 schools. our K- through2 schools.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> clarity and direction for school clarity and direction for school districts<00:02:18.080><c> when
• </c> than one county in that school district. than one county in that school district.
• </c><00:03:29.760><c> uh</c><00:03:29.840><c> we</c> school district in my district. uh we school district
• </c> the Minnesota School Boards Association. the Minnesota School Boards Association.
• And so, um, I just school districts.

Keywords: 1183, house