Video & Transcript : 'assessment practices' :
Page 481 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, but if you had the money, you would say that's a good business practice.
- Okay, but if you had the money, would you say that's a good business practice?
- Is it sentencing practices, parole decisions, changes in crime rates, what?
- Is it sentencing practices, parole decisions, changes in crime rates, what?
- Are you in the assessment team?
Bills:
SB1
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The committee heard a Legislative Budget Board presentation and then testimony from the Department of Public Safety on the Article 5 public safety budget. LBB said DPS’s 2026-27 recommendation totals $3.7 billion, down from the prior base, while FTEs rise by 856.7. Major items included increased funding for driver license services and customer support, new trooper funding and recruit schools, crime lab operations, border security, and reductions tied to one-time facility, vehicle, and aircraft spending. The committee also discussed new riders, including one to lapse unused trooper funds and require reporting after recruit schools.
Members focused heavily on driver license operations, questioning why prior staffing increases and a prior efficiency study had not solved long wait times, high call abandonment, and appointment delays. DPS and LBB said the agency receives about 22,000 calls per day, answers only about 9 percent, and is seeking more staff plus technology upgrades such as automation, kiosks, and better online processing. Senators also raised concerns about rural access, REAL ID document requirements, and whether the department should rethink its processes rather than simply add employees.
DPS leadership then described needs for the Williamson County training academy, additional troopers, Capitol and Alamo security, border operations, aircraft and vehicle replacement, and regional headquarters in El Paso and San Antonio. Members asked about Operation Lone Star costs, overtime, pursuit safety, border crime, oilfield theft, and sexual assault kit and toxicology backlogs. DPS said border deployments remain focused on criminal threats, that overtime is partly driven by deployments and staffing shortages, and that the sexual assault kit backlog is down to 118 cases with a goal of zero by April. The committee later recessed and began the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission budget presentation, where LBB outlined a $115.1 million recommendation and noted ongoing costs for the AIMS technology project.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:20:24.080><c> and</c><01:20:24.239><c> test</c> and the statewide assessment and test and the
- statewide assessment and test security<01:20:24.880><c> piece.
- Assessment has changed tremendously.
- Assessment has changed tremendously.
- </c><01:42:53.040><c> u</c> uh in charge in in terms of assessing u uh in charge in in terms of assessing
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- closely with multidisciplinary teams across Louisiana and understand how these systems function in practice
- increased salaries to recruit and retain qualified staff, enhancements to quality improvement, assessment
- Establishing a competitive wage as a base for our hiring and employment practices is not just about recruitment
- And when those increases include more mandated assessments and screenings, children are carrying that
- And so if there's some way, like, you know, a best practice is to have a very specific program structured
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases.
The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options.
Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- and that's why many school districts all had different types of assessment instruments.
- and that's why many school districts all had different types of assessment instruments.
- and that's why many school districts all had different types of assessment instruments.
- It was often times designed by assess.
- This is school, um, the self assessment.
Committee:
House Education Funding
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a correct assessment by Brett Hayes. All right, next item is page 185 and 186.
- to look at, which programs need to be audited on an annual basis, and they provide us some risk assessment
- What's the process for actually reviewing those and assessing threats and then mitigating those risks
- “That is an accurate assessment of the finding.” “Okay. Is Workforce Services here?” “Good morning.
- Other objectives were to assess internal control processes related to Other objectives were to assess
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, my question to you is: is that a fair assessment, or is there something I’m missing that might help
- Now, my question to you is: is that a fair assessment, or is there something I’m missing that might help
- Now, my question to you is: is that a fair assessment, or is there something I’m missing that might help
- Now, my question to you is: is that a fair assessment, or is there something I’m missing that might help
- Now, I want my question to you is, is that a fair assessment, or is there something I'm missing that
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 19 and March 11. It then heard Senate Bill 1285, which would make high school diplomas from non-public schools, including homeschool, equivalent to public school diplomas or GEDs for Idaho occupational and professional licensing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill removes a barrier for homeschool and private-school graduates without changing other licensing requirements. After brief questions and supportive testimony from Homeschool Idaho, the committee voted to send the bill to the House floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next considered House Bill 841 on prior authorization in health insurance. The sponsor said the bill would add transparency, predictable timelines, qualified clinical review, stability once authorization is granted, and reporting requirements, while preserving fraud protections and not dictating prices or coverage design. Testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a migraine patient, and the Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill as a way to reduce delays and administrative burden. Representative Harris raised concerns about complaints and fiscal impact, but after debate the motion to send the bill to the floor failed on a 9-5 roll call, with four absent.
Senate Bill 1262 followed, a narrow insurance code change that removes a confusing “lesser of” investment limit and leaves a 10% asset cap for certain insurer investments. The sponsor and a domestic insurer said the change would simplify the code and improve portfolio flexibility, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Supporters argued the move would streamline permitting and keep federal historic-preservation duties intact, while opponents warned of conflicts of interest, loss of independence, and possible funding and efficiency problems. After extensive testimony from preservation professionals, water users, and others, the sponsor closed by saying the budget and staff would follow the office and that the change would improve permitting efficiency; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition of the bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to look at every development and you have to make an assessment of what is the best deal for
- You have to look at every development and you have to make an assessment of what is the best deal for
- You have to look at every development and you have to make an assessment of what is the best deal for
- 00:39:44.880><c> an</c> development and you have to make an development and you have to make an assessment
- of what is the best deal for assessment of what is the best deal for the<00:39:47.520><c> department
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Joint Senate Committee on Education, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing heard House Bill 1088 HD1, which would exempt housing developed by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) from school impact fees. The Department of Education said it was open to working with DHHL and the Legislature, including possibly eliminating the construction-cost portion of the fee for DHHL and other government affordable housing projects, but it wanted to retain the land-dedication requirement for future school sites where growth would exceed existing school capacity. The School Facilities Authority supported the bill, and DHHL strongly supported it, noting that its testimony referenced an earlier emergency proclamation but that the exemption remains in the current proclamation. DHHL also said it had no objection to a proposed amendment from the Wahiawa Hawaiian Homestead Association.
The Tax Foundation of Hawaii testified in opposition to the broader school impact fee program, arguing that the fund has accumulated about $29 million that has not been spent and citing concerns raised in State Auditor Report 19-13, including administrative and constitutional issues. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the fee system is being applied fairly, especially to smaller projects and homeowners, and whether the districts and calculations used to assess fees have been updated. Members questioned the DOE and SFA about the distinction between land and construction costs, the use of fees in areas like Kīhei, Kalihi, Ala Moana, and Ewa, and whether the department had revisited district calculations as recommended in the audit. DOE said it had collected about $500,000 in construction money and $2.8 million in land contributions for Kalihi-related areas, and said it would follow up on questions about land conveyances and district updates.
After discussion, the chair called for a vote. The Education committee recommended passing HB 1088 HD1 as is, with Senator San Buenaventura voting with reservation and Senators Ihara and Kole voting aye. The recommendation was adopted. The Housing committee then also deferred the measure.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2, by joint budget, an act for the Department of Finance and Administration, Assessment Coordination
- Senate Bill 2 by joint budget, an Act for the Department of Finance and Administration Assessment Coordination
- Senate Bill 2, by joint budget, an act for the Department of Finance and Administration, Assessment Coordination
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The resolution authorizes LDH to levy and collect an assessment upon certain hospitals at varying rates
- This year's resolution adjusts the assessment rate for participating hospitals and benchmarks the assessment
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee met on April 13, 2026, and considered the main budget bills for fiscal year 2026-27. Members heard a broad overview of House Bill 1, the general appropriations bill, including the governor’s proposed budget, major funding items for education, workforce, corrections, health, and economic development, and a plan to use surplus funds to pay down LASERS’ unfunded liability. The committee discussed a 29-page amendment set that shifted savings from retirement and other areas into one-time expenditures, including FEMA Katrina debt, LSU, firefighter pay raises, crime victim reparations, rehabilitation services, and additional school choice support. Questions focused on the MFP per-pupil adjustment, the crime victim reparations shortfall, LSU funding, waiver slots, and whether the bill remained at a standstill overall. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 1 favorably as amended, making it Special Order No. 1 for April 16.
The committee then took up House Bill 312, the supplemental appropriations bill, which also redirected the full $144.3 million surplus payment to LASERS and used savings from MFP, Medicaid forecast changes, and other reductions to fund statewide initiatives. Those included LED, corrections, DOTD road projects, public safety, IT modernization, school safety, firefighting equipment, community and technical college workforce programs, and DCFS shortfalls. Members raised questions about mental health funding and the retirement payment strategy; the amendments were adopted and HB 312 was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 4. House Bill 313, the funds bill, was amended to make additional deposits into the State Emergency and Response Fund, Voting Technology Fund, oil and gas regulatory funds, geological storage, reading enrichment, Imagination Library, and conservation accounts; it was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 5. House Bill 314, the revenue sharing distribution bill, received amendments inserting fiscal year 2027 distribution numbers and was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 7.
The committee also advanced House Bill 383, the ancillary expenses bill, which covers self-generated, dedicated, and federal funds for agencies such as Group Benefits, Risk Management, Prison Enterprises, and Technology Services; a technical amendment updated accounting-standard references, and the bill was reported favorably as amended and set as Special Order No. 6. House Bill 983, the judiciary budget, was amended with a technical date correction and reported favorably as amended; members discussed funding for judges, staff pay, FINS, and whether pending legislation affecting Orleans Parish judges would later change the budget. House Bill 1126, the legislative branch budget, was reported favorably without amendment after brief questions about the Law Institute increase, and HCR 3, the hospital stabilization formula resolution tied to Medicaid hospital reimbursements, was reported favorably and set as Special Order No. 8. The committee also made HB 983 Special Order No. 9 and HB 1126 Special Order No. 10 for April 16, authorized technical corrections on adopted amendments, and adjourned after the chair thanked members and staff for their work.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The resolution authorizes LDH to levy and collect an assessment upon certain hospitals at varying rates
- This year's resolution adjusts the assessment rate for participating hospitals and benchmarks the assessment
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
state budget, appropriations, education funding, public health, social services, government operations, state institutions, budget, funding, state general fund, local government, fiscal year, economic development, state treasury, emergency response, education, voting technology, sustainability, revenue sharing, fund distribution
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes HF1090 to honor the late former Rep. Mary Murphy - 4/21/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Feb 19th, 2025
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- designed around things we do in the community college system, so it can be portions of the GED assessment
- Okay, we also use the WorkKeys assessment, which is used in the state... ...assessment, which is used
Committee:
House Education Policy
Keywords:
Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, dual enrollment, high school, community college, university, educational access, high school credit, violence prevention, conflict resolution, mediation, public education, high school graduation, 1136, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- has been to to take these up practice has been to to take these up separately.
- Our current custom and practice has been to take these up separately. Mr.
- Chair, I'm going to oppose the A2 amendment on custom and practice. Mr.
- ,</c><00:27:46.880><c> and</c> concluded that best practice, and concluded that best practice, and frankly
- </c><00:53:30.640><c> approach</c> best practices approach best practices approach that<00:53:32.560>
Committee:
Senate Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- bit of background as necessary, talk through what the question does, and then talk through how we assess
- bit of background as necessary, talk through what the question does, and then talk through how we assess
- , and Jim, I'd say the agnostic bit about this is part of the danger or perils of valid petition practice
- And there is practically a century of evidence to show that.
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state’s tax collection cap/62F process so it would be based on prior-year collections plus wage growth and include surtax revenue. The committee chair and House co-chair outlined the hearing process, and the first witness was Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, who testified as the committee’s subject-matter expert on both measures. He said the income tax proposal would lower taxes broadly but would reduce state revenue by about $5.4 billion when fully implemented, with an estimated $800 million hit in FY27, and he discussed possible effects on competitiveness, taxpayer savings, and public finances. On the 62F proposal, he said the revised cap would make refunds more likely, could have produced several large refunds in recent years, and would reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions.
Committee members questioned Howgate about competitiveness, outmigration, prior tax ballot measures, spending growth, MassHealth, and the interaction between the income tax and surtax. He emphasized that taxes are only one part of the state’s overall competitiveness and that housing, public services, and other factors also matter. He also noted that the surtax is constitutionally restricted but can still support ongoing spending choices. After his testimony, the committee moved to the proponents’ panel.
Proponents of both initiatives, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, the National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that the measures would improve affordability, help retain residents and businesses, and support job growth. They cited polling support, outmigration, small-business reinvestment, and comparisons to lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, said her model showed smaller revenue losses than critics claim and projected that the revised revenue cap would not create additional annual revenue losses while producing more regular taxpayer refunds. Committee members pressed the panel on competitiveness, prior ballot initiative implementation, and whether the measures would actually address broader affordability pressures; the hearing ended with the committee continuing to take questions from the proponents.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The assessments have to be set by the board in November, so at this point we don't see that as necessarily
- THE ASSESSMENTS HAVE TO BE SET BY THE BOARD NOVEMBER SO AT THIS POINT WE DON'T SEE THAT AS NECESSARILY
- 825A, Senator Liu, an act to amend the Labor Law; 1049, 4042A, Harckham, an act to amend the Civil Practice
- 825A SENATOR LIU, AN ACT TO AMEND THE LABOR LAW, 1049, 4042A HARCKHAM, AN ACT TO AMEND THE CIVIL PRACTICE
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care.
The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies.
The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/16/25 - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- And our position—my preference was to have the commissioner assess the situation and be able to make
- Many former residents are practicing in your communities right now.
- Many former residents are practicing in your communities right now.
- You know, we still have all of the monitoring requirements, all of the pre-award risk assessment requirements
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/CPN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Jan 27, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Hawaii insurance commissioner approves any assessment requests.
- To date, there have been no assessments authorized by the HPIA board of directors.
- The Hawaii insurance commissioner approves any assessment requests.
- The Hawaii insurance commissioner approves any assessment requests.
- That limits $55,000, and the loss assessment limit is only $1,000.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Committee on Education Policy and Committee on Education Finance - 05/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- It is something every generation must learn, must practice, and must strengthen.
- And there are many ways to assess civic engagement, of course, some of which are really about a feeling
- It's practice for literally exercise.
- In my classroom, students engage in debates where they practice civil disagreement.
- </c><00:58:00.880><c> civil</c> debates where they practice civil debates where they practice civil disagreement
Summary:
The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections.
Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts.
Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Three - Tuesday, May 5th
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I was just practicing, Mr. Speaker. Further discussion on House Amendment 20. Lady from St.
- This amendment is simple and practical. The age of four, we cannot afford to wait.
- This amendment is simple and practical, and I ask for its adoption if there's no further questions.
- Anybody who is ACA certified is only as good as the certification that they put into practice.
- So I cannot speak to if they put any of their training into practice. Understood.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations Apr 9th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- So how does the stagnant minimum wage affect workers and families in a practical way?
- Okay, that all sounds good, but I'm trying to practically process it.
- no chance at employment because no employer wants to take the risk at... ...they have practically no
- So, as a practicing attorney, when they make that second...
- How would you practically enforce this without creating workforce confusion? Enforce it?
Committee:
House Labor & Industrial Relations
Summary:
The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on April 9 and first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeal process. The bill, presented as a collaboration between the Attorney General’s office and trial lawyers, would require additional medical evidence submitted on appeal to be sent back to the medical director for review before court review continues. Members discussed the 30-day turnaround for the medical director and whether the process would delay injured workers’ cases. After testimony from injured workers’ representatives and support cards from several business and labor groups, the committee adopted the technical amendments and reported SB 162 favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage beginning at $12 per hour in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, the AFL-CIO, and a young witness from People’s Promise, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind costs of living, that many workers remain in poverty, and that the bill would help families, reduce reliance on public benefits, and improve economic stability. Opponents, including NFIB and small-business advocates, argued that the market should set wages, that the bill would raise labor costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or hiring, and potentially increase prices. After extended debate, the committee voted and HB 353 failed.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 383 on the incumbent worker training program. Senator Bass and Louisiana Works officials said the bill would expand and make the existing program more flexible, increase available funding, shorten the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allow unused funds to roll over. Members focused on how the program would reach workers, how businesses and employees would learn about training opportunities, and how it would support workforce development in growing regions. Support came from business and economic development groups, and the committee reported SB 383 favorably with amendments.
Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 382, which would repeal the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, described as the Senate version of a bill the committee had already considered. The transcript cuts off during discussion of the prior vote on the similar House version, and no final action on SB 382 is shown in the excerpt.